Detroit Area Talent Development Successes Honored by State Leaders, Workforce Experts
LANSING, MI (March 31, 2021)— Detroit area Michigan talent development and employment successes were among those celebrated by state leaders at the Michigan Works! Association Impact Awards this week.
Local lawmakers and statewide talent development officials gathered virtually on Wednesday, March 31 to recognize Stellantis, Detroit At Work, and Detroit Employment Solutions Corporation for their commitment to Detroiters through hiring initiatives to fill in-demand jobs and build a strong talent pipeline within the City of Detroit.
The partnership between Detroit At Work, powered by Detroit Employment Solutions Corporation, and Stellantis started two years ago when the automotive company approached the City of Detroit with a plan to build the first new assembly plant in the city in 30 years and make a substantial investment in their existing Detroit facility.
Stellantis’ long-standing commitment to the city and its residents was highly prevalent in the plan as the company prioritized Detroiters during the application and interview processes for the nearly 5,000 jobs that would become available.
The partnership grew as Detroit At Work created the infrastructure for recruiting, vetting, and connecting candidates to Stellantis. Additionally, Detroit At Work developed an entire suite of support services to address any barriers to employment that a job seeker could face including access to technology, high school completion, access to childcare, additional coaching to prepare for the application and interview process and transportation assistance. As a result, more than 4,100 Detroiters received job offers, with interviews continuing to take place.
“Congratulations to Stellantis, Detroit At Work, and DESC on winning the Impact Award,” said state Sen. Stephanie Chang (D-Detroit). “So many of our families are struggling right now and putting more Detroiters to work or in better paying jobs is a positive step for our communities. I am hopeful to see continued efforts to prioritize the hiring of Detroiters and enhance and improve efforts to support and protect residents of nearby neighborhoods.”
The Impact Awards hosted by Michigan Works! Association recognizes economic development success being achieved in communities across Michigan. During the event, local lawmakers present tributes to dozens of honorees from across the state.
“I commend Stellantis for working closely with the City of Detroit and Detroit At Work to improve the lives of our residents,” said state Rep. Joe Tate (D-Detroit). “The extra effort Detroit At Work put into developing support services to address the specific barriers Detroit residents are facing was key to making this effort such a great success.”
Award winners included employers, workers, Michigan Works! organizations, and partners.
“We are honored to receive this award as it recognizes our efforts to keep the commitment we made to the city and its residents to put Detroiters first,” said Ron Stallworth, senior manager, State and Local Government Relations, Stellantis. “In fact, we are pleased that 2,100 Detroit residents have been hired to join the team at the Detroit Assembly Complex – Mack plant to build the all-new Jeep Grand Cherokee L. As a result of our strong partnerships with area residents, this project will have lasting benefits for the entire community.”
The Michigan Works! Association is a non-profit membership organization that provides services and support to Michigan’s talent eco-system. For over 30 years, the Association has been the go-to resource for federal, state and local workforce initiatives.
The Association’s work ensures top-quality services and support for Michigan’s talent pipeline. For more information, please visit michiganworks.org.
Find the nearest Michigan Works! American Job Center by visiting https://www.michiganworks.org/michigan-works-network or by calling (1 800) 285-WORKS (9675).
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