LANSING – The Michigan Workforce Development Agency, courtesy the Michigan Strategic Fund, has $1,857,982 for the Skilled Trades Training Fund program that will go to 16 Michigan Works! agencies around the state.
?Michigan?s economic vitality and opportunities for business and job growth depend on a workforce with the necessary talents and training for the jobs of tomorrow,? said Gov. Rick Snyder. ?Workforce training programs that are responsive to the needs of industry are basic to our commitment to reinvent government and create more and better jobs in Michigan.?
Announced by Snyder in January, 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 34 Michigan employers in their regions, who will use the funds to upskill 5,634 current employees and 137 new employees and create up to 130 new jobs as a result of the training. The employers will provide a total of $10.7 million in matching 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.?
A total of $10 million has been allocated for the Fiscal Year 2014 Skilled Trades Training Fund program. Funds will be awarded on an ongoing basis.
