TROY – Automation Alley was awarded a $5 million grant from the U.S. Department of Labor under the H-1B Technical Skills Training Grant Competition to make high-level IT training available to local partner companies, including HP Enterprise Services and Lakeside Software.
Automation Alley applied for the grant in partnership with Oakland Community College and the Michigan Works! Agencies of Oakland County, with additional support provided by Senator Debbie Stabenow, Senator Carl Levin and the Michigan delegation.
With Michigan?s economy on the rise, many local technology companies have expressed a need to fill high-level IT positions with specific skills, such as software developers for applications, database administrators, computer specialists and computer user support specialists. However, those same companies have struggled to find qualified employees within the local talent pool. The H-1B nonimmigrant visa program allows U.S. companies to hire foreign workers for these types of positions, and applies the fees acquired through the program to the creation of training opportunities like this one. These programs will ultimately decrease national dependence on nonimmigrant workers and the H-1B visa program.
?Since 1999, Automation Alley has been dedicated to the growth of the technology sector of Southeast Michigan. Our organization was created to address the need for highly skilled workers in technology-related fields. This grant provides the resources for Automation Alley and our partners to address that ongoing need. This is an extraordinary opportunity for both the workforce and the partner companies. It?s a significant step towards a positive, tech-driven future for our state,? said Automation Alley Executive Director Ken Rogers.
Partner companies were selected as a direct result of their immediate need for a significant number of new hires, coupled with their willingness to hire unemployed candidates, if properly trained. Training funds will be allocated for local unemployed candidates through collaboration between employer partners and Michigan Works Agencies. Employee training will include industry-recognized vendor certifications. Training will be provided by local corporate training companies, workforce development organizations, and educational institutions such as Oakland Community College.
?OCC is pleased to partner with Automation Alley to provide critical training needed for our region?s economic development,? said OCC Chancellor Dr. Timothy Meyer.
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