Michigan Talent Investment Agency Awards Over $1.8 Million in Going PRO Apprenticeship Readiness Grants Statewide

Contact: Stepheni Schlinker
517-420-5137
schlinkers@michigan.gov

LANSING, Mich., January 18, 2018 — Nearly 400 Michigan job-seekers will receive apprenticeship readiness training to prepare them to enter, and succeed in, Registered Apprenticeship programs through an over $1.8 million grant initiative. Going PRO Apprenticeship Readiness Initiative grants were recently awarded to 11 Michigan Works! Agencies, colleges and non-profit organizations across the state.

“Apprenticeship Readiness programs build the literacy, math, and work-readiness skills employers require for individuals to successfully enter into Registered Apprenticeships,” Wanda Stokes, Talent Investment Agency Director, said. “The training provided will ensure Michigan employees have the skills required for in-demand jobs and employers have the professional talent they need to grow and thrive.”

The Going PRO Apprenticeship Readiness initiative was established to expand and diversify Michigan Registered Apprenticeships, including the Michigan Advanced Technician Training (MAT2) Program. MAT2 addresses two critical issues facing the manufacturing and technology industries: a widening skills gap and an aging workforce by combining theory, practice and work to train a globally competitive workforce.

“This initiative is consistent with Governor Rick Snyder’s vision to promote high-paying, high-demand, careers available in the professional trades,” Stokes said. “By providing both classroom instruction and on-the-job training, apprenticeship programs serve a vital role by preparing workers for critical occupations in Michigan’s labor market.”

A significant professional trades shortage exists in Michigan and is expected to continue through 2024. Professional trades will account for more than 500,000 jobs in Michigan’s economy, and approximately 15,000 new job openings are expected annually in the state during that time frame. Opportunities exist in a variety of emerging industries including IT, healthcare, advanced manufacturing, construction and automotive.

Recruitment and training for these apprenticeship readiness opportunities will take place between January 9, 2018 and September 30, 2018. Industry focus is based on employer demand and varies by program location.

These programs not only train skilled workers for the Michigan labor market, but they also offer Michigan workers high-wage, high-demand job opportunities that do not require a bachelor’s degree. Between fiscal year 2008 and 2017, the number of active registered apprentices in Michigan grew from 3,132 to 15,304, demonstrating a growth rate of almost 500 percent in this supply of skilled workers over nearly a decade.

Following are the Going PRO Apprenticeship Readiness initiative grantees:

Baker College of Cadillac
Industry Focus: Mechatronics
Funding Amount: $172,209

Detroit Employment Solutions Corporation
Industry Focus: Construction/Electrical
Funding Amount: $180,000

Focus: HOPE
Industry Focus: Manufacturing
Funding Amount: $130,722

Genesee Shiawassee Thumb Michigan Works!
Industry Focus: Construction
Funding Amount: $139,346

Goodwill Industries of Greater Grand Rapids
Industry Focus: IT/Help Desk
$179,319

Lake Michigan College
Industry Focus: Manufacturing and Construction
Funding Amount: $180,000

Michigan Construction Foundation
Industry Focus: Construction
Funding Amount: $178,976

Michigan Works! Region 7B
Industry Focus: Aircraft maintenance
Funding Amount: $179,808

Schoolcraft College
Industry Focus: Manufacturing/Robotics
Funding Amount: $180,000

Southeast Michigan Community Alliance
Industry Focus: Health, Robotics, automation and advanced manufacturing
Funding Amount: $163,201

West Michigan Works!
Industry Focus: Manufacturing
Funding Amount: $180,000

The Going PRO campaign is designed to highlight the perception of professional trades and showcase opportunities in a variety of rewarding careers. It is part of a larger effort to transform career technical education across the state, addressing challenges raised by educators, businesses and other stakeholders. For more information about Going PRO, visit the www.Going-PRO.com website.