September 25, 2009 - Department of Energy, Labor & Economic Growth (DELEG) Director Stanley "Skip" Pruss today announced a unique partnership with the Michigan State University (MSU) College of Agriculture and Natural Resources that will prepare unemployed military veterans for agricultural jobs. The Veterans to Agriculture program, part of the No Worker Left Behind (NWLB) initiative, is a four-week residential training program offered at the Kellogg Biological Station (KBS) in Hickory Corners, MI.
"We're providing displaced veterans with the opportunity to receive the training they need to compete for good-paying jobs in Michigan's agricultural industry," said Pruss. "Veterans already have many transferable job skills and work experience that we need now as Michigan's economy continues to diversify." Michigan agriculture has an economic value of over $71 billion and is the second most diverse agricultural economy in the United States, rivaled only by California.
Driven by demand of Michigan's agricultural growers, specifically employers in the state's Christmas tree industry, DELEG's Bureau of Workforce Transformation also collaborated with South Central Michigan Works!, the Michigan Veterans Foundation in Detroit, the Detroit Workforce Development Department, and the Volunteers of America in Lansing to identify eligible participants. The pilot program will prepare individuals for certification in agricultural chemical spraying among other skills, leading to higher employability in a competitive field.
"Michigan's $71.3 billion agriculture industry is ripe with opportunity for job growth and is a vital component to economic diversity," said Don Koivisto, director of the Michigan Department of Agriculture.
The Veterans to Agriculture program is offered under the governor's No Worker Left Behind initiative, an ambitious plan to train 100,000 citizens in three years for jobs in high demand occupations and emerging industries or entrepreneurial endeavors. By reorganizing and augmenting federal funds currently used for workforce development, NWLB, will provide up to two years of free tuition at any Michigan community college, university, or other approved training program for qualifying participants. As of August 30, 2009, more than 88,691 people have enrolled in NWLB training -- which in the two years since the start of the program, represents 89 percent of the governor's three-year goal. 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.
"It is through programs like Veterans to Agriculture where Michigan State University proves its ability to be flexible to meet the needs of the worker and the employer," said Jeffrey Armstrong, Dean, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources at MSU. "It is truly the role of a land-grant institution to connect a workforce with employers who need them."
MSU's Institute of Agricultural Technology, housed in the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources crafted the curriculum that will specifically equip individuals to work on Christmas tree farms. This includes a strong basic foundation in the plant and soil sciences, equipment operation, and general agricultural knowledge, all applicable to work in other agricultural commodities. Two-thirds of the program includes hands-on training, utilizing the land and equipment at KBS. Participants will work alongside migrant workers to gain an understanding of migrant culture and training in conversational Spanish. Program instructors include MSU faculty and staff in the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources and the departments of Forestry, Fisheries and Wildlife, Crop and Soil Science, MSU Extension staff, and industry experts including Christmas tree farmers.
"We're committed to bringing together qualified veterans and employers by using our broad range of workforce programs and services," said Pruss. DELEG works with all Michigan Works! Agencies and offers a dedicated network of veterans services representatives to help veterans find jobs.
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. Veterans interested in more information on job training and assistance can call 1-800-455-5228 to speak to a veterans resource specialist or visit www.michigan.gov/veteranjobs.
Read more releases from the Michigan Department of Energy, Labor & Economic Growth
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