As part of the Michigan-based Skilled Trades Training Fund program’s plan to administer grants totaling $17 million during the 2017 fiscal year, nearly 15,000 workers in the state will receive training for in-demand technical jobs, the state-based Talent Investment Agency announced.
With more than 480 employers taking part in the program, which helps employers develop talent to fill skilled trade positions, officials with the agency say the fiscal year 2017 funding is on track to create nearly 4,000 jobs and retain more than 11,000 jobs.
“Michigan has made tremendous progress, but there is more to do as we help our residents gain the in-demand skills they need and help our businesses grow and thrive, creating more and better jobs,” says Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder, who founded the program in October 2013 with the Michigan Legislature.
“Companies often tell us that they struggle to fill openings, especially in the area of the skilled trades. This program has proven to be an excellent resource to help our state grow stronger.”
In an effort to enhance talent, productivity, and employee retention for Michigan’s businesses, the Skilled Trades Training Fund provides competitive awards for training.
Under the program, classroom training must lead to a credential for a skill that is transferable and recognized by the industry, and leads to permanent full-time or continued permanent full-time employment.
The program, now in its fourth year, has generated nearly 8,000 jobs in the first three years, with about 26,000 employees learning new skills to maintain their jobs. The state has invested more than $30 million in the program in the first three years, helping 855 businesses.
The Talent Investment Agency joins the efforts of the Workforce Development Agency and the Unemployment Insurance Agency to integrate new workers into the economy or help workers integrate into a new position. The organization assists with programs connected to job preparedness, employment assistance, training workers, career-based education, and unemployment insurance.
