Metro Detroit Talent Development Successes Honored by State Leaders, Workforce Experts

Metro Detroit Talent Development Successes Honored by State Leaders, Workforce Experts 

Lawmakers Celebrate Local Talent, Career Development Efforts in Metro Detroit 

LANSING, MI (March 24, 2022)— Metro Detroit 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, and in-person, on Thursday, March 24 to recognize local resident Taylor Box, The Armored Group, as well as Southeast Michigan Community Alliance (SEMCA) Michigan Works! for offering on-the-job training opportunities to offer in-demand jobs and develop a talent pipeline. 

In the winter of 2017, Justin Skibin, SEMCA Michigan Works! Business Services Professional, sent an email to The Armored Group’s Megan Davis regarding some potential hiring assistance after noting its job openings online. 

The company responded to Skibin’s email right away, contacting him regarding the job openings the company had available and the Michigan Works! Business Services available to them. After recording the company’s job leads, Skibin also notified the company about the On-the-Job Training (OJT) option for its new hires. As a result, the company has participated in six OJT contracts with SEMCA Michigan Works! Livonia office including the most recent contract for Taylor Box, WIOA Dislocated Worker participant.  

During her initial weeks in the OJT, the WIOA Program provided Box with supportive services in the form of gas cards to get to and from the worksite. Though her OJT is complete, and she has successfully been exited from the WIOA program, the company has kept up weekly contact. 

They have also contacted Skibin regularly regarding conveying new job openings and events the company offers. The company has also specified interest in participating in Registered Apprenticeship Programs, Going PRO Talent Fund, and joining virtual job fairs in the future. 

Additionally, networking has proven to be an asset in this relationship, as The Armored Group has referred two other companies to Skibin for potential hiring-related assistance. The relationship with The Armored Group has been great for many reasons and is only aiming to get stronger.  

“The assistance Taylor received from SEMCA Michigan Works! helped him overcome barriers to find a great career opportunity,” said Sen. Betty Jean Alexander (D-Detroit).  “On-the-Job Training is a great tool to provide individuals with the opportunity to prove themselves and earn a full-time career position.” 

The Impact Awards hosted by Michigan Works! Association recognizes the economic development success being achieved in communities across Michigan. During the event, local lawmakers present tributes to dozens of honorees from across the state. 

“The dedication that SEMCA has to ensuring our region’s residents get the services and assistance they need is integral to making our community successful,” said Rep. Tullio Liberati (D-Allen Park). “Taylor’s success story is just one of many that happen everyday thanks to Michigan Works!. Congratulations to everyone receiving this prestigious award!” 

Award winners included employers, workers, Michigan Works! organizations, and partners from across the state. 

“Congratulations to Taylor on winning this great award,” said Sen. Dayna Polehanki (D-Livonia). “Her wonderful experience with the On-the-Job training she participated in at The Armored Group serves as a great example to other job seekers of the opportunities available in our great state.” 

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.  

“Kudos to SEMCA Michigan Works! for reaching out to The Armored Group to proactively assist them with their hiring needs,” said Rep. Rajeev Puri (D-Canton). “The services Michigan Works! offers to both employers and job seekers is key to continuing to develop the talent pipeline in our state.” 

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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