Green jobs initiative, additional funding will expand program

LANSING- Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today announced that in its first year, her No Worker Left Behind program has helped more than 31,000 unemployed and underemployed Michigan workers get training for new careers in areas of high demand.  The program, which will receive additional funding this year, will also include a new focus on training for careers in alternative energy through a green jobs initiative.  On its one year anniversary, the governor applauded the state's community college presidents, Michigan Works! agencies, and business, education and labor leaders who have partnered to make the program a success.

"Through the No Worker Left Behind program, thousands of Michigan workers are getting the training they need to transition to new careers, fueling job growth across this state," said Granholm.  "With state funding for the first time, additional federal money, and a strong focus on alternative energy and green jobs, we can do even more."

The program, which was launched in August 2007, provides up to two years of free tuition at any Michigan community college, university, or other approved training program. Qualifying participants must earn a certification or degree needed in a high-demand occupation or gain the entrepreneurial skills needed to start their own businesses.  When she started the program, Granholm set the goal of training 100,000 citizens in three years for jobs in high-demand occupations and emerging industries.  To date, 31,000 Michigan workers have enrolled in training programs around the state, more than 11,000 have completed their training, and another 9,100 are on waiting lists for training.

The second year of the program will feature the new Green Jobs Initiative, a $6 million investment in training for jobs in alternative energy industries including wind, solar, biofuels, geothermal and other green industries.  The Department of Labor and Economic Growth (DLEG) will partner with community colleges, entrepreneurs, and employers to create the training programs needed to help green companies succeed in Michigan.

"Michigan's strong manufacturing history and geography make us a natural fit for the thousands of alternative energy jobs being created each year," said Granholm.  "The Green Jobs Initiative in No Worker Left Behind will help make sure that those jobs are created right here in Michigan."  

Funding for the first year of No Worker Left Behind was provided by redirecting existing federal funds used for worker training.  Michigan has been aggressive in seeking supplemental money and has received an additional $39.6 million in federal funding to date.  The second year of the program will also be supported by $15 million in state funding included in the DLEG budget signed by the governor last week. 

"Employers who are looking to expand operations or add new components to their workforce will need highly skilled and professional workers who are trained in a number of different research and design and occupational programs," said DLEG Director Keith W. Cooley. "That is where No Worker Left Behind can help."

At today's event, Granholm heard from area businesses and workers who have benefited from the program.

Phil Hoyt of Biotech Agronomics said his green company has already hired five No Worker Left Behind graduates.  Biotech Agronomics, which is located in Beulah, is a residual management company that works with municipalities and significant users to repurpose waste from wastewater treatment for use by Michigan's farmers.

A recent training graduate, Joseph Houle of Cheboygan, told the governor that he and his wife knew they needed to make a change after the local factory where he was employed closed.  Houle contacted his local Michigan Works! agency and returned to school completing his degree in criminal justice.  No Worker Left Behind helped him attend the police academy,  and now Houle is working as a deputy for the Cheboygan County Sheriff's Department.

A new green jobs website, www.michigan.gov/greenjobs, will serve as a clearinghouse for data and information on internships and jobs, education, and training opportunities.   It will also facilitate collaborative partnerships and initiatives between businesses, educational institutions, and government to better link research and development in renewable energy and conservation with the development of education and training programs for current and future jobs.

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For more information about No Worker Left Behind, visit www.michigan.gov/nwlb .