Oakland County Talent Development Successes Honored by State Leaders, Workforce Experts

Oakland County Talent Development Successes Honored by State Leaders, Workforce Experts 

Lawmakers Celebrate Local Talent, Career Development Efforts in Oakland County  

LANSING, MI (March 24, 2022)— Oakland County 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 Arin Minasian, Robert Bosch, LLC, U.S. Department of Labor, as well as Oakland County Michigan Works! for developing an apprenticeship in a high-demand field creating opportunities for growth. 

Oakland County Michigan Works! is proud to partner with Robert Bosch, LLC to create an Application Developer Registered Apprenticeship program. As a leading and innovative employer in Oakland County, Robert Bosch is leading the way in talent development by investing in apprenticeship to create a skilled, qualified workforce for the future. The Bosch Group is a leading global supplier of technology and services that employs roughly 394,500 associates worldwide. 

The apprenticeship program lasts approximately 12 months and is a competency-based learning program. In the program, apprentices are required to complete specific learning hours and on-the-job training that has been outlined to ensure they are developing the skills and competencies essential to the role as an Application Developer.  

They can learn and grow in a professional environment with real-world project work, job shadowing, intensive training, and exclusive mentoring. At the end of the program, apprentices who satisfy the program criteria are invited to join one of the mobility solutions divisions where they can continue to grow, develop, and contribute as a valuable team member. 

Bosch launched this apprenticeship to address their talent gap and build a pipeline for their organization. They pursued talent not based upon education but on the skills, interests, and abilities of the individual to succeed in the industry. The mentoring program they have developed is outstanding! 

Since 2020, Oakland County Michigan Works! Southfield supported nine apprenticeships with On-the-Job Training and four more are under development. 

"We supported this employer because of their apprenticeship model and the need for Application/Software Developers,” said Oakland County Michigan Works! director Jennifer Llewellyn. “With this new apprenticeship, Bosch intended to hire individuals with little to no experience and give them the opportunity to gain skills in such a high-demand field with opportunity for growth.” 

Arin Minasian, who had been working in home health care, was looking to begin a new career in software development. His interest in the software development field was so strong that he took a bootcamp course to gain skills in the field. 

Minasian learned about the apprenticeship program and applied for it while living in California. When Bosch offered him the apprenticeship, he moved to Michigan while his wife stayed in California. Minasian was excited to begin the apprenticeship and a new life in Michigan! 

Unfortunately, he did not have transportation when he first moved to Michigan, so Oakland County Michigan Works! Southfield purchased a bicycle for him to make his five-mile trek to work. The bike allowed him freedom to explore his new neighborhood and get to work. Minasian had completed his apprenticeship and recently graduated. Additionally, he and his wife bought a home in Oakland County. 

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

“I am pleased to see community partners collaborating to bring talent and economic prosperity to our region and commend Arin on his accomplishments that led to this award,” said Sen. Jeremy Moss (D-Southfield). “The daily effort Oakland County Michigan Works! puts into coordinating with local employers and other partners makes all the difference in talent development in this area.” 

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. 

“Congratulations to Arin on winning this prestigious award,” said Rep. Samantha Steckloff (D-Farmington Hills). “I would like to thank Robert Bosch, LLC for developing the Application Developer Registered Apprenticeship program, providing opportunities to Michigan residents to gain on-the-job training that leads to a good-paying, meaningful career.”  

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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