Governor Snyder Highlights Skilled Trades as MMA Provides Unique Talent Solution

“Michigan is leading the nation in new manufacturing careers — more than 164,000 new jobs have been created since June 2009 — but more still needs to be done,” said Mike Johnston, MMA vice president of government affairs. “MMA and our partners at the SME Education Foundation are optimistic about Governor Snyder’s interest in re-dedicating Michigan to the development of a sustainable talent pipeline.”

The need to locate, develop and retain Michigan talent has been a focal point of the Governor’s second term, driving many to seek innovative new methods to solve the state’s talent crisis.

“MMA, SME’s PRIME® program and the Manufacturing Institute’s national Dream It Do It® initiative have established an innovative partnership to inspire and prepare high school students for skilled careers in manufacturing,” said Brian Glowiak, vice president of the SME Education Foundation. “The PRIME® program engages manufacturers and schools in local communities to implement customizable curricula and hands-on training using relevant equipment and technologies to address the current and future talent needs of local industry.”

As the legitimate purchasers of the product the educational system produces — talent — this unique program allows employers to maintain an active role in the development of a curriculum which achieves career-readiness for any high school student interested in pursuing a future in manufacturing. Available in 40 locations across 22 states, PRIME® has impacted more than 40,000 students nationally.

“Our ultimate goal is to create a manufacturing-driven pipeline in Michigan high schools and middle schools,” said Johnston.

MMA, SME’s Education Foundation and the Manufacturing Institute are currently talking to manufacturers across Michigan in search of opportunities to develop career tech programs in the K-12 system.

Contact Mike Johnston

Vice President of Government Affairs
Call 517-487-8554
E-mail johnston@mimfg.org