July 31, 2009 - As part of her No Worker Left Behind initiative, Governor Jennifer M. Granholm announced today an award of $168,000 in federal Workforce Investment Act (WIA) funding to Northwest Michigan Council of Governments, the local Michigan Works! Agency for Emmet, Charlevoix, Antrim, Kalkaska, Grand Traverse, Leelanau, Benzie, Wexford, Manistee and Missaukee counties.
"This funding will help our fellow Michiganians upgrade their skills as they prepare to re-enter a global economy where employers are demanding more specialized skills and knowledge," Granholm said. "A highly skilled workforce is key to retaining and attracting employers who want to grow their business in Michigan."
Northwest Michigan Council of Governments has experienced a quadrupling of the number of people entering training over the last year. The funds will be used to provide employment and training services and job search assistance for dislocated workers who have been laid off and directly impacted by continued downsizing in the automotive industry.
Granholm announced the No Worker Left Behind (NWLB) initiative on August 1, 2007; an innovative plan to train 100,000 citizens in three years for jobs in high demand occupations, emerging industries, or entrepreneurial endeavors. In the program's first 23 months (August 2007 - June 2009), 81,677 people have entered training through No Worker Left Behind.
Recognizing the clear link between postsecondary education and employment, NWLB gives Michigan workers the opportunity to acquire the skills they need to win good-paying jobs in today's global economy. By reorganizing and augmenting federal funds currently used for workforce development, NWLB provides up to two years of free tuition at any Michigan community college, university, or other approved training program for qualifying participants.
The federal Workforce Investment Act, the primary funding source for the No Worker Left Behind initiative, makes grant funds available for areas impacted by major plant closings and layoffs. The Michigan Department of Energy, Labor & Economic Growth (DELEG), the state department that is charged with overseeing the NWLB initiative, has increased the amount of funding for this type of award through an unprecedented commitment to training.
DELEG is investing in Michigan's future by helping to create the jobs of today and tomorrow, ensuring that our children and adults have the skills these jobs demand, making Michigan a better place to do business, and training and placing those who need jobs now.
To learn more about the No Worker Left Behind initiative, visit the NWLB website at www.michigan.gov/nwlb.
Read more releases from the Michigan Department of Energy, Labor & Economic Growth
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