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MiMfg Magazine
August 2019
Stephanie Beckhorn
Keynote
Michigan Department of Talent
Conversation and Economic Development
is a top priority issue for
Q: Talent
manufacturing. How has the
Going PRO Talent Fund,
with more than $100 million
dedicated to talent training,
helped bridge the talent
gap? Has the application
process changed for FY 2020?
Beckhorn: The Going PRO Talent
Fund provides competitive awards for
training that builds talent, productivity and
employment retention while increasing the quality
and competitiveness of Michigan’s employers.
Companies have a better chance of retaining their
talent by providing them with the necessary training
to perform their job and meet the needs of economic
growth. In fact, Talent Fund grants have helped
Michigan businesses create over 10,430 jobs and
retain more than 37,000 jobs in the past five years.
This program owes much of its success to the flexible
and responsive nature of the funds and to our strong
partnership with Michigan Works! agencies across
the state who promote and implement these funds.
We encourage employers to contact their local
Michigan Works! agency to learn more about the
Going PRO Talent Fund, grant requirements and
how to apply for funding. The FY 2020 application
period will run from mid-September to early
October. Employers can learn more about the
program, including specific dates and key contacts,
at www.michigan.gov/TalentFund.
Q:
How will the Whitmer Administration’s policies
continue the talent trend that has led to over
204,000 new manufacturing jobs since 2009?
Beckhorn: Manufacturing jobs aren’t going anywhere.
In fact, there’s a projected job growth rate of 16
percent for Computer Numerically Controlled
Machine Tool Programmer careers right here in
Michigan. Those careers are part of an estimated
545,000 in-demand Professional Trades jobs that
pay $54,000 a year, on average. The administration
is focused on making our great state a place for
opportunity where businesses thrive and Michiganders
are on a path to a higher quality of life. As part of
the budget recommendations, Governor Whitmer
has laid the foundation to build the skilled talent
businesses need by offering tuition assistance through
MI Opportunity and Michigan Reconnect scholarship
opportunities — providing education and training
1 1 Currently serving as acting director of the Michigan
Department of Talent and Economic Development.
1 1 Works directly with federal, state and local level
partners to provide the connections, expertise and
innovative solutions to drive continued business growth,
build vibrant communities and attract and retain key
talent to fill Michigan’s vast pipeline of opportunities.
opportunities to advance in these high-demand,
high-skill careers, ensuring manufacturing
employers have a pipeline of available talent with
the necessary skills to meet demand.
us about the opportunities available to
Q: Tell
participating employers through MAT .
2
Beckhorn: The Michigan Advanced Technician
Training program, referred to as MAT², is an
apprenticeship model that combines theory, practice
and work to train a globally competitive workforce by
partnering with colleges to offer specialized training.
MAT² apprentices alternate between school
and the worksite for three years, where they apply
skills learned at school to real-world problems
while earning an associate degree. Once they
complete the program, they commit to working for
the employer for two years. The program offers
employers an additional option for addressing
skills gaps by growing their own talent, and it
helps by reducing recruitment and retention costs,
building employee loyalty and understanding,
providing on-the-job training and addressing
immediate and future talent pipeline needs.
challenges do you see still remaining for
Q: What
Michigan in the areas of talent and economic
development? What are some possible solutions?
Beckhorn: We still have a perception problem, far
too many individuals think skilled jobs are “dark,
dirty and dangerous” and are unwilling to pursue
these careers that earn 45 percent more than other
occupations. The Going PRO in Michigan campaign
aims to debunk those perceptions and encourage
students and jobseekers to consider a rewarding
career in Professional Trades. We need to reach
students earlier — during middle school and even
elementary school – so they can explore these career
options. We also need to work with parents,
teachers and school counselors to make sure they
know the value of these careers and the certificates
and credentials that can land them a high-paying
job with little to no debt after high school.
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