ANN ARBOR – Workforce development is no longer just about job training programs, low-income workers, ?at-risk? populations, unskilled labor, or simple job creation. Workforce development is as much its own effort as a tool for overall economic development ? especially in the high-growth, technology industries.

In 1998, with the passage of the Workforce Investment Act (WIA), Congress changed federally funded workforce development programming to address a larger workforce development/economic development picture.

WIA puts an emphasis on ?employer-driven? workforce needs as opposed to the desires of job seekers. The policy makes sense: facilitate employment for jobs that exist and grow the workforce?s skills, flexibilities, and abilities as much as its size. In doing so, incumbent workers can keep their jobs or even be promoted; students and job seekers acquire skills immediately applicable; and employers are able to stay competitive and increase their productivity.

Furthermore, in 2003 the current administration outlined the ?The High Growth Job Training Initiative? aimed to give workers the skills they need. This initiative is an effort to prepare workers to take advantage of new and increasing job opportunities in high growth, high demand and economically vital sectors of the American economy such as health care, information technology, and advanced manufacturing. The High Growth Job Training Initiative targets worker training and career development resources toward helping workers gain the skills they need to build successful careers in these and other growing industries.

So how does a small business, start-up or other organization take advantage of WIA or other government programs to secure federal support, financial and otherwise? By adapting federal policy into their existing programs, being innovative, and establishing key partnerships.

Partnerships are particularly important when developing solutions to the workforce challenges and labor shortages facing high tech industries. Working with state government, economic development organizations, and educational institutions can help an employer bolster its current workforce with new skills and create new jobs for trained workers coming out of local colleges.

Another strategy to help attain federal support is to partner with the local workforce investment system. This system, comprised of a Workforce Investment Board, several ?one-stops? (offices that offer the full array of federal, state, and local employment information and services), and often many job training partners, was created by Congress through the WIA.

The Department of Labor puts great stock in its ability to bolster workforce development initiatives. Communities? workforce systems will naturally have varied results but most are well connected, can help facilitate critical partnerships, and often have funding to invest in workforce programs. Whether your community?s workforce system is effective or not, including it in your program is a must for federal endorsement and support.

Some specific examples of government funding for workforce development include federal appropriations such as $400,000 to the West Shore Community College in Scottsville, Michigan for workforce investment and training for unemployed individuals.

In 2003, GSP helped secure a $2,500,000 grant to the Pittsburgh Life Sciences Greenhouse. The grant is being used to train displaced manufacturing workers to apply their skills in the biotechnology fields, especially medical device manufacturing.

Whatever your need is from a workforce development standpoint, the Departments of Labor, Commerce, and Education as well as Congress stand ready to assist and support technology employers, coalitions, or communities that embrace this policy shift and seek to develop their economies along with their workers.

Aaron Grau is an attorney and principal with GSP Consulting. To discuss workforce development funding, contact Aaron at [email protected]

or call Marc Jordan at GSP?s Ann Arbor office at (734) 761-3885.