The Michigan Workforce Development Board on Monday unanimously approved the Michigan Statewide Workforce Plan, which marks the first time the state of Michigan has released a formal vision to create jobs, support workers, and employers.
Several state departments developed the plan with input from leaders from labor, business, community, and other economic and workforce development leaders.
According to the development board, the plan is a comprehensive, all-access roadmap laying out strategies and data-driven actions needed to build on Michigan’s success and ensure all Michiganders have the skills, opportunities, and support they need.
Michigan’s workforce system is number one in the country for credential attainment for adults, number two in helping adults get employed, and number six in the nation for registered apprenticeships, says Susan Corbin, director of the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity. Michigan serves more workforce participants than any other state in the Midwest.
The Michigan Statewide Workforce Plan has three core pillars with corresponding goals and strategies that will help the state address key workforce challenges, including a lack of skilled talent due to the changing economy and barriers Michiganders face when trying to access job opportunities, says Corbin.
These three pillars include:
- Help more Michiganders earn a skills certificate or degree. Increase the number of Michiganders with the skills needed for the jobs of today and tomorrow by creating a nimble and responsive education and talent pipeline. The goal is to increase the number of working-age adults with a skill certificate or college degree from 51.1 percent today to 60 percent by 2030.
- Increase access to opportunities that grow the middle class. Build Michigan’s middle class by removing barriers to education, employment, and quality of life so that by the end of 2027, 75,000 households have moved into the middle class, improving Michigan’s middle-class ranking from 28th to top 10 in the nation.
- Support business and entrepreneurial growth through talent solutions. Grow good-paying jobs by connecting businesses with the talent they need to thrive in Michigan with the end goal of making Michigan a top 10 state for labor force participation rate growth by the end of 2027.
“The state’s transition to clean energy, in addition to the federal dollars Michigan is bringing home to support transformative projects, is creating new and exciting opportunities for businesses and workers across our state,” says Corbin. “Every Michigander should have access to the skills and opportunities they need to build brighter futures. By working collaboratively across state departments and communities to provide the tools and resources businesses and workers need to thrive, we can provide a roadmap that enables them to seize the jobs and economic opportunities on the horizon.”
The Michigan Statewide Workforce Plan ties into Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity’s (LEO) new All-Access Michigan approach, highlighting LEO’s role in the development and implementation of broad-stroke strategies to drive individual economic success and growth for the state, says Corbin.
Using unique strategies and programs and innovative partnerships, LEO is working to address structural challenges that have historically prevented people and businesses from achieving their full potential. Programs that fall under All-Access Michigan include the Going PRO Talent Fund, EV Jobs Academy, Registered Apprenticeships, and many others.
The plan notes in order for Michigan to achieve quality job growth benefiting all residents, it’s crucial to prioritize support for business competitiveness, expansion, and talent development, says Corbin. According to a 2022 MEDC survey, hiring and locating talent was the top concern for Michigan small businesses.
“As we implement the Make it in Michigan strategy focused on people, places, and projects, the MEDC is pleased to continue our work alongside Gov. Whitmer, LEO, and legislative partners on this responsive solution that personifies the Team Michigan approach of being an efficient, one-stop shop for businesses of all sizes to succeed,” says Quentin L. Messer Jr., CEO of the Michigan Economic Development Corp.
“Every day, we work hard to ensure we’re not only attracting and retaining businesses, but also providing the greatest asset for any company – skilled talent, whether through progress toward a certificate, training, or degree – and giving talented Michiganders a great place to call home.”
View the full plan, visit here.
