WOOD Radio Local News

WOOD Radio Local News

WOOD Radio Local News

 

Workforce Solutions network addresses skilled-trade shortage in Michigan

LANSING, Mich. -- The Michigan Manufacturers Association has created a Workforce Solutions PRIME Network to help address the talent shortage in skilled trades.

The MMA says the PRIME program provides — at no cost to participating schools — state-of-the-art equipment, curriculum, teacher professional development, manufacturing-relevant STEM-focused extracurricular activities and access to college scholarships for student completers. 

Bill Rayl is executive director of Workforce Solutions. He said on West Michigan's Morning News that the skilled-trades gap is not only a Michigan problem, but an international one in the digital technology era. He said that manufacturers have to get more pro-active in developing workforce talent:

"There are so many jobs and so many high-paying careers that are available in manufacturing that manufacturers can't just sit on the sidelines anymore, and wait for people to show up - and knock on the door and say, 'Hey, do you have a job for me?'."

Manufacturers have to get much more involved nowadays in developing the skill sets that they need in the workforce. The State of Michigan announced some Young Professionals grants earlier this month to help out.

A few years ago, the Michigan Manufacturers Association partnered with the S-M-E Education Foundation to establish tailored manufacturing and engineering programs in high schools.

"Currently, we have 33 of these PRIME (Partnership Response in Manufacturing Education) high schools around Michigan, and we'll reach 50 by the end of this year/early next year," Rayl said.

The partnership between manufacturers, schools and other organizations builds sustainable collaborations.

If parents and students are interested, they should reach out to their schools' career counselors. There also is Discover Manufacturing, 215 Straight Ave. NW, in Grand Rapids: a regional network of hundreds of manufacturers that train the workforce and promote opportunities.

"It does a lot of engagement with schools. And on the employer side, if you're a manufacturer and you're interested in maybe creating a relationship with a local school, they have an Adopted School program," Rayl said.

He added there are several PRIME schools in West Michigan.

"We've got Innovation Central High School in Grand Rapids, Grand Haven High School, West Ottawa High School in Holland, Whitehall. A little bit further to the south, we've got Edwardsburg High School and Three Rivers High School. All of those are PRIME programs," Rayl said.

South Christian High School has been really involved in the hands-on shop classes recently, as well, in Gaines Charter Township.

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Workforce Solutions collaborates with organizations to help with skilled trades education.Photo: Source: PRIME.


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