ARENAC COUNTY, MI – With talent shortages plaguing businesses across Michigan and beyond, the state has awarded $2.5 million dollars to business groups to explore industry sector-focused solutions to the problem – including more than $240,000 aimed at addressing a talent shortage in the manufacturing sector in Arenac County.
Governor Gretchen Whitmer and the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) have awarded a total of $2.5 million in Michigan Industry Cluster Approach 3.0 (MICA 3.0) grants to business groups across the state to address labor shortages.
“These grants are putting Michiganders first by helping innovative employers in high-demand industries address talent shortages across Michigan,” said Governor Gretchen Whitmer. “Together, we can continue leading the future of agriculture, construction, IT, manufacturing, mobility, and so much more as we usher in a new era of prosperity for our families, communities, and small businesses.”
“We’re thrilled to receive this grant, and pleased to be a part of the Michigan Industry Cluster Approach initiative to address talent shortages in our region,” said Michigan Works! Executive Director Mark Berdan. “We look forward to working toward solutions that result in more successful outcomes for both businesses and employees.”
Business groups across the state are focused on addressing talent shortages in high-demand industries such as agriculture, construction, energy, healthcare, hospitality and tourism, information technology, manufacturing or mobility.
In the Michigan Works! Region 7B area, the focus is on manufacturing.
“Three Arenac County manufacturers stepped up to form an Employer-Led Collaborative, which has partnered with Michigan Works! with the purpose of developing meaningful, sustainable strategies to address their common issues surrounding hiring and retention,” said Stephanie Buffman, Director of Business Services and Economic Development for Michigan Works! Region 7B in Arenac County. “These businesses represent three different types of manufacturing, in three different areas of Arenac County, that share similar talent struggles. We hope that this partnership will help us work toward creative solutions to ultimately build a more robust local manufacturing talent pipeline.”
The Employer-Led Collaborative includes Bopp-Busch Manufacturing in Au Gres, Maple Ridge Hardwoods in Sterling, and Vantage Plastics in Standish.
MICA 3.0 funding supports activities that help employers address critical workforce needs. These activities include, but are not limited to, talent recruitment; creating customized training programs including registered apprenticeships; providing support services, such as transportation and childcare; financial planning education; and success coaching to enhance retention and career mobility.
“We are excited to partner with businesses for this grant that will provide innovative solutions for registered apprenticeships, talent development, and talent pipeline management for manufacturing,” said Natasha Allen, Chief Operating Office of Michigan Works! Region 7B. “Talent is crucial for the health of our businesses and communities and these businesses are taking a proactive approach to solving critical workforce needs.”
LEO awarded funds to 11 organizations throughout Michigan:
With support of LEO, these organizations are bringing together employers, education and training institutions, workforce development organizations and other applicable partners such as economic development organizations and government to fill talent gaps.
“Supporting the convening of industry representatives and their critical partners will help Michigan create innovative solutions to address the state’s diverse talent needs,” said Stephanie Beckhorn, director of LEO’s Office of Employment and Training.
Learn more about the Michigan Industry Cluster Approach at www.Michigan.gov/MICA.
