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An industry cluster is a geographic concentration of related employers, industry suppliers and support institutions in a product or service field. Michigan's Sector Strategies creates a framework in which many employers within a single industry jointly engage with the workforce system to identify their talent demand and challenges. In this approach, talent issues may be handled more efficiently through multi-company, industry-focused employment and training programs.
Regionally, host organizations such as the Michigan Works! Agencies (MWAs), community based-organizations, industry associations, and nonprofits convene employers and other workforce stakeholders to solve talent challenges through Employer-Led Collaboratives (ELCs). Through this work, the ELCs bring together employers, education and training institutions, workforce development organizations and other applicable partners such as economic development organizations and government, to create solutions to fill identified talent gaps. The Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity-Workforce Development (LEO-WD) Sector Strategies Team provides technical assistance to support the activities of employer-led collaboratives.
There are currently more than 60 formally identified ELCs throughout Michigan. LEO-WD focuses on several key industries, including agriculture, construction, energy, healthcare, information technology, manufacturing, mobility, and hospitality and outdoor recreation.
| Sector Strategies ELC Program Overview | Sector Strategies ELC White Paper | Sector Strategies ELC Guidelines |
The primary strategy of LEO-WD focuses on aligning all efforts around priority industry sectors for a demand-driven workforce system. Through extensive labor market research, LEO-WD focuses on key industry sectors: Agriculture, construction, energy, healthcare, information technology, manufacturing, mobility, and hospitality and outdoor recreation. LEO-WD has identified a team of specialists within these industry sectors to drive workforce development efforts toward meeting the skill needs within these clusters.
What is an Industry Sector? A sector is a geographic concentration of related employers, industry suppliers, and support institutions in a product or service field. Michigan's industry sectors are broad for the purposes of workforce development. There is growing evidence that industry sectors are an effective organizing framework for positively impacting economic and workforce development activities. More than 25 states have adopted sector strategies as the way to do business. Michigan is taking this strategy to the next level by implementing the Sector Strategies Employer-Led Collaboratives program throughout the workforce system.
The Talent Development Liaisons (TDLs) are responsible for engaging employers and educators to comprehensively address talent needs focused on mid- and long-term development skill gaps in key industries in each region statewide.
The three Cs of a TDL: Connect, Coordinate, Convene
Use all opportunities to bring together employers and educators to develop strong partnerships.
Coordinate resources, both internal and external to design solutions to talent-related problems.
Bring all assets and partners to the table to create solutions.
The TDLs serve as connectors, coordinators, and conveners to ensure employers and educators develop strong partnerships regardless of which partner, or organization, they engage with initially. Each TDL serves as a subject matter expert for an industry sector and provides statewide sector specific technical assistance.
By developing innovative approaches to recruitment, training and retention strategies, through collaborative problem solving, creating unique approaches to career pathways, and proactive recruiting, LEO-WD assesses and addresses Michigan employers' demand for talent to ensure workforce stability and offers holistic solutions for employers.
Questions regarding sector strategies should be directed to a member of the Sector Strategies team at 517-242-8463 or LEO-SectorStrategies@michigan.gov.
You may also contact your local Michigan Works! Agency to inquire about their local and regional sector strategies activities.