The primary strategy of WDA focuses on aligning all efforts around priority industry clusters for a demand-driven workforce system. Through extensive labor market research, WDA has initially identified five state priority industry clusters: Agriculture, Energy, Health Care, Information Technology & Media, and Manufacturing. WDA has identified a team of specialists within these five clusters to drive workforce development efforts toward meeting the skill needs within these clusters. What is an Industry Cluster? A cluster is a geographic concentration of related employers, industry suppliers, and support institutions in a product or service field. For the purposes of workforce development, Michigan's clusters are broad industry sectors. There is growing evidence that industry clusters are an effective organizing framework for positively impacting economic and workforce development activities. More than 25 states have adopted cluster strategies as the way to do business. Michigan is taking this strategy to the next level by implementing the Michigan Industry Cluster Approach throughout the workforce system.
MICA creates a framework in which many employers within a single industry engage with the workforce system to identify their demand. In this approach, talent issues may be handled more efficiently through multi-company, industry-focused training programs. Regionally, Michigan Works! Agencies (MWAs) convene employers along with education providers, economic development organizations, and other groups associated with workforce development to solve talent challenges. Local industry clusters are formed based on local needs and are led by employers. There are currently over 40 formally identified industry cluster groups throughout Michigan. The Cluster Team develops statewide policy and provides technical assistance to support regional cluster activity.
