The Michigan Workforce Development Agency announced Michigan Strategic Fund approval of nearly $8.6 million in Skilled Trades Training Fund program grants to 23 Michigan Works! agencies around the state. The funds will be awarded to Michigan companies for skilled trades training to better match talent with employer needs.
“Our strong skilled workforce separates Michigan from other states and the need for more skilled workers is only accelerating as our economy gains momentum,” said Gov. Rick Snyder. “We are determined to provide Michigan residents the training needed to fill these jobs with workforce programs that are responsive to the needs of industry. This is basic to reinventing Michigan and creating more and better jobs in Michigan.”
Announced by Snyder in 2013, the Skilled Trades Training Fund program provides competitive awards to Michigan Works! agencies to fund employer-driven training in high-demand occupations. Participating businesses must commit to hire participants at the successful completion of classroom training, or in cases of on-the-job or incumbent worker training, retain the employees at the completion of training.
Today’s STTF recipients will distribute the funds to 236 Michigan employers in their regions, who will use the funds to upskill 6,085 current employees and 2,529 new employees and create up to 771 new jobs as a result of the training. Employers will leverage the grants with an estimated $99 million in additional funds.
“The Skilled Trades Training Fund allows employers access to workers who possess the skills needed to grow their business,” said Workforce Development Agency Director Christine Quinn. “Employers are involved in every step of the process, including identifying key skill sets and recommending the appropriate type of training. This level of involvement translates into job growth for the business and job opportunities for the workers.”
For more information on the Skilled Trades Training Fund program, visit the Workforce Development Agency at www.michigan.gov/wda/.
The Workforce Development Agency promotes a flexible, innovative, and effective workforce system within the State of Michigan. The WDA and the Michigan Works! system provide services to employers and job seekers to train and place skilled workers in good jobs across Michigan.
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