21st Century Workforce
Initiative Fact Sheet
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"Creating the 21st Century Workforce: Developing Coordinated Regional Strategies" is a newly launched initiative designed to transform Michigan into a 21st century global economy.

• Michigan is a state in transition.
• Bold steps need to be taken to transform our communities, companies, and ourselves.
• The state, companies, unions, and local leaders need to work collaboratively in new and different ways.
• The initiative will catalyze that collaboration.

• The 21st Century Initiative is a key element of the state's workforce strategy.
• Its overarching purpose is to build strong regional economies in Michigan.
• Three goals of this initiative are to:
  • Prevent Michigan's traditional industries and jobs from leaving the state by adopting a layoff aversion strategy.
  • Support community-led efforts to address plant closings and layoffs through the development of strategies that link workforce and economic development.
  • Create regional workforce development teams to implement these strategies and make a successful transition to new markets, new jobs, and new work skills.

• The state is providing funding to Michigan Works! agencies (MWA) to build regional partnerships that include many stakeholders within regions that are self-defined by the regional partners. Thirteen regional partnerships are currently in formation.
  • Stakeholders are diverse and include workforce board chairs and executive directors, community college and public university presidents, K-12 superintendents, economic and community development leadership, culture and arts organizations, early childhood education resource groups, multi-purpose collaborative bodies, and other community-based organizations.
• Partnerships will be receiving ongoing technical assistance support from the Department of Labor & Economic Growth, the University of Michigan, and other state agency partners and external organizations.

• Partnerships have been asked to develop plans that include strategies to:
  • Create a unified approach to working with employers.
  • Assess the local workforce and economy.
  • Help redefine the regional rapid response model involving coordinated activities to address layoff response, prevention, and build business competitiveness.
  • Implement a new Skills Information Model to develop accelerated training programs.
  • Focus on developing, attracting, and retaining talent to build and support the 21st Century economy.
  • Develop and implement a communications strategy targeted at partners, employers, and the general public.
• Plans must be focused on achieving success and incorporate clear measures to track effectiveness and ensure continuous improvement.

Where can I get more information?

For more information on Creating the 21 st Century Workforce: Developing Coordinated Regional Strategies, please call (517) 335-5858 or email 21stCentury@michigan.gov.