The Michigan Agriculture and Food Systems Workforce Advancement Initiative seeks to help Michigan food growers, processers and distributors develop the technology- and data-savvy workforce they need to fill critical jobs by providing more job-based, experiential learning opportunities and credentials for migrant and seasonal farmworkers (MSFWs), through partnerships and collaboration with employers, workers, Career and Technical Education centers, Community Colleges, and other industry recognized training institutions that offer agricultural technology education and training courses.
This initiative will help to develop innovative educational programs in agriculture systems and technology, meet Michigan food business needs to remain viable with a more reliable supply of skilled workers, and support MSFWs who want more work stability and economic opportunity by developing the skills needed to advance.
Information from the May 27, 2021 meeting held by MAFSWAI project stakeholders.
The Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity and the Corporation for a Skilled Workforce, in partnership with the Institute of Agriculture Technology, Michigan Food and Farming System (MIFFS), Center for Regional Food Systems, and Migrant Student Services at Michigan State University, food businesses, and farmworker training and support organizations will lead this initiative.
Their goal is to expand upon existing agriculture systems and technology workforce training programs and develop new education and career pathways for migrant and seasonal farmworkers.
MSFWs will be engaging in agriculture technology-related career pathway and training programs, including participating in experiential learning, and completing relevant and stackable courses, obtaining high school and college credit, and earning industry recognized credentials. Initiative partners are currently recruiting migrant and seasonal farmworkers interested in the opportunity to attain a certificate, license or degree, and develop the skills needed for career advancement.
If you are a migrant or seasonal farm worker and would like more information, please complete the interest form.
Si usted es trabajador agrícola migrante o temporal y desea obtener más información, complete el formulario de interés.
Initiative partners are currently recruiting employers and training organizations to join advisory groups interested in advancing the opportunity for farmworkers to attain a certificate, license or degree, and develop the skills needed for career advancement. This will ensure workers receive the education and training needed to help Michigan's agricultural employers grow.
If you are an agricultural employer or training organization and would like more information, please complete the interest form.
The current skills gap poses the single greatest threat to the success of our state's prosperity. Jobs requiring skilled employees today, as well as jobs on the horizon, demand greater education and training than ever before.
That's why Michigan has established a Sixty by 30 goal to increase the number of working-age adults with a skill certificate or college degree to 60% by 2030. Sixty by 30 seeks to provide greater access to the education and skills that create opportunities for better jobs and bigger paychecks.
The Michigan Agriculture and Food Systems Workforce Advancement Initiative will help close the skills gap by increasing opportunity for education and career skill training programs for MSFW youth and adults. By expanding services, this initiative will place migrant and seasonal farmworkers on the right path to gain the skills necessary to achieve lifelong economic self-sufficiency.
