Manufacturers and State Leaders Announce Legislation to Address Critical Workforce Demand

Bills to be formally introduced on 10/19/17 will continue successful efforts to address Michigan’s skilled workforce shortage and expand Career and Technical Education across the state by eliminating barriers to collaboration amongst the key stakeholders including parents, students and employers.

The legislation will allow for meaningful student career exploration, greater awareness of skilled trades programs, stronger CTE programs and better collaboration between students, parents, educators and local employers.

Bill Henderson, president of Aircraft Precision Products and the chairman of MMA’s Board of Directors, underscored the importance of this and similar legislative efforts in fixing a problem facing employers of all sizes.

“As an employer in Gratiot county and founding member of the regional Industry-Education alliance, I know firsthand the power that can come from collaboration between job-providers and educators,” said Henderson. “The net result of the legislation will be a stronger talent base for companies like mine and greater student access to pathways leading to rewarding and good-paying careers in Michigan.”

“The struggle to establish a stable pipeline of future skilled trades talent is a top priority issue for all manufacturers,” said Delaney McKinley, MMA senior director of government affairs and membership. “This bill package will lead to greater awareness of career options, ensure stronger training programs and better collaboration between educators and employers.”

MMA has worked closely with members of the Legislature and the Snyder Administration in promoting career pathways both through this legislation and other efforts to expand awareness of manufacturing’s many career offerings. The Association testified before the House Workforce & Talent Development Committee on 10/17/17 in support of the Michigan Career Pathway Alliance. MMA also highlighted its partnership with the SME Education Foundation’s PRIME® program, which has received national and state recognition as a proven source of customizable, employer-driven talent solutions implemented at the community level.

“MMA and our members are grateful for our partners in the Legislature and the Snyder Administration for continuing to make skilled trades training and career awareness top priorities,” said McKinley. “Michigan manufacturers employ more than 608,000 people in-state and identify the skills gap as the biggest barrier to their growth. This legislation and others like it can ensure the next generation has the training and opportunity to fill 21st century careers.”

This release was originally promoted on 10/18/17.

Contact Brett Gerrish

Communications Coordinator
Call 517-487-8533
E-mail gerrish@mimfg.org