Michigan Works! Association and Key Business Leaders Outline Workforce Development Priorities Ahead of Budget Discussions
With lawmakers in Lansing poised to re-engage in discussions on a supplemental budget alongside fiscal year 2024 priorities, a coalition of statewide business leaders led by the Michigan Works! Association have signed onto a memo in support of crucial workforce development investments to help Michigan maintain its competitive edge and address both immediate and long-term labor market needs.
The memo, shared with lawmakers and the Governor’s office, outlines three strategic workforce development areas that will foster a skilled workforce and strengthen the state’s economy:
$100 million over 3 years for a Michigan Skills Fund: Of the 500,000 annual projected job openings through 2028, 72% will require a high school diploma, post-secondary training, or skills certificate. This program will allow businesses, education and training providers, and Michigan Works! agencies to partner to provide short-term training opportunities to more than 20,000 Michiganders in high-demand occupations.
$80 million over 3 years for Youth Work Experience: This program will provide high-quality youth work experience to students, exposing them to new career paths in high-demand fields, scaling successful programs like Grow Detroit’s Young Talent and launching similar ventures statewide.
$30 million one-time investment for Michigan Works! infrastructure: Investing one-time dollars in physical and digital infrastructure needs across the Michigan Works! network will extend the reach of workforce services to more individuals and businesses.
“Governor Whitmer outlined a bold strategy to keep Michigan competitive on a global scale in her historic State of the State address last week,” said Ryan Hundt, CEO of the Michigan Works! Association. “A skilled workforce is the beating heart of economic opportunity, and we are confident these investments are a great next step in meeting the needs of businesses and job seekers in all corners of the state.”
As demand for talent remains high across many occupations and industries in Michigan, employers continue to indicate a lack of applicants with the necessary skills is a major barrier that needs to be addressed. These priorities are the among the latest requests from business leaders across the state to lead efforts that will narrow the skills gap and grow career opportunities in high-demand fields.
“Michigan businesses of every size, location and industry continue to face immense talent shortages and challenges,” said Jim Holcomb, president & CEO of the Michigan Chamber. “While there’s no one silver bullet solution, these workforce program investments are instrumental and can make a meaningful difference both now and down the road for employers and employees alike to grow and thrive.”
Click here to view the Workforce Investment Letter of Support.
For more information on these workforce development priorities, please visit www.michiganworks.org