For too long, Michigan's unemployment system has encouraged workers who have lost their jobs due to outsourcing and globalization to wait for a better opportunity to come along. They can no longer afford to wait. Now, Michigan is taking the next step to help thousands of displaced workers who need new skills and training to transition to a new career. By redirecting the state and federal dollars already used for worker training programs, we can open wide the doors of education and training to every displaced worker in Michigan who needs it.

Governor Granholm's new No Worker Left Behind (NWLB) plan will help more than 100,000 displaced workers by:

• providing up to two years free tuition at any Michigan community college or other approved training program;
• allowing displaced workers to receive needed training in high demand skills while receiving unemployment benefits.

To qualify for the NWLB program, displaced workers will need to take a skills assessment test administered by Michigan Works! Agencies (MWAs). Qualifying workers must pursue an associate's degree or attend a technical training program in a high-demand occupation, emerging industry, or entrepreneurship program. High-demand occupations vary from region to region, however some common examples include health care, accounting and bookkeeping services, information technology, auto service technicians and mechanics.

No Worker Left Behind is a one-time offer for Michigan's displaced workers. Eligible participants have three years to participate in this program.

The No Worker Left Behind program was announced in Governor Granholm's 2007 State of the State address and is expected to be up and running in time for the 2007 fall semester. Looking for training now? Many training programs and services are available now to displaced workers at local Michigan Works! Service Centers. Select the Job Resources in Your Community through Michigan Works! link on the home page of the No Worker Left Behind website, www.michigan.gov/nwlb, to find the Service Center nearest you.

Frequently Asked Questions