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MiMfg Magazine
May 2018
Keynote
Senator Ken Horn
Conversation (R-Frankenmuth)
and workforce
Q: Talent
development have been
areas you’ve worked on
with MMA in recent years.
Why has skilled trades
training been a top priority
for you?
Senator Horn: When I was named
chair of the Senate Economic
Development and International Investment
Committee, I spent several weeks asking employ-
ers what their needs were to make Michigan great
again and continue our economic recovery. Every
one of them had the same story to tell — they
need skilled workers and they are willing to pay to
train and retain good employees. Because we’ve
pushed students so heavily toward college in recent
decades, we’ve left thousands of high-paying jobs
unfilled that, by the way, cost much less to train
for. The landscape has changed and we have to
address it now. If we don’t adjust our focus, our
manufacturing industry can’t grow.
is your vision for Michigan’s talent
Q: What
future? What more does the Legislature and
manufacturing have to do to achieve that goal?
Senator Horn: In a nutshell, I want a wide array of
options for students and the recognition that there
are substantial careers in manufacturing. If we
don’t change our mindset, we won’t fix the
problem. The economy is driving these jobs to a
forefront and not just in Michigan. Several states
are making investments in career and technical
education to address shortages in their workforce.
On my to-do list for the Legislature and manufac-
turing community: Establishing real partnerships
between employers and educators and continuing
to develop ways for students to experience career
options before they leave high school. I’ve often
said that if I could wave a magic wand, I would
put a shop class back in every high school.
Another of my goals is getting directly to parents
and students to talk to them about the cost-benefit
of certified vocational programs versus a 4-year
degree. My objective is to have every student
discover their passion and then give them the tools
to succeed.
1 1 Served as Saginaw County Commissioner
for 14 years and in the Michigan House of
Representatives for 6 years.
1 1 Currently chairs the Senate Economic
Development and International Investment
Committee and serves as vice chair of the
Senate Transportation Committee.
1 1 Ken currently lives in Frankenmuth with
his wife Veronica. They have two children.
STTF has provided more than $72.9
Q: The
million in competitive awards for skilled
trades training. Tell us how you’re working to
improve this valuable funding resource?
Senator Horn: The Skilled Trades Training Fund
(STTF), which depends on an annual appropriation,
has been incredibly successful in creating jobs and
advancing opportunities for employees. Senate Bill
946 solidifies the program firmly into state law for
the future. We’re switching the name to the Going
Pro Talent Program to better reflect the broad
nature of training and to promote the significance
of our professional trades. The most important change
is expanding the timeline for training to be completed.
Today, training generally has to be completed in
the first half of the calendar year. Under the bill,
training can occur within a year of the award,
which is something employers need in order to be
more effective. It also ensures that prior year
investments in the fund won’t lapse at the end of a
fiscal year, but stay with the program for future years.
how Senate Bill 684 can help
Q: Explain
employers attract young people to
manufacturing careers?
Senator Horn: Growing up, I had a paper route,
mowed lawns, shoveled sidewalks and worked on a
farm. Many young people these days don’t have
the same opportunities. How do they know what
they like and don’t like, and how do they build a
work ethic? Today, seventh grade students create an
“educational development plan” and review it just
once a year later. It doesn’t make sense to ignore it
in future years. SB 684 will have students’ update
their development plan regularly as they get closer
to choosing a path after high school. Students
should be encouraged to include their experiences
with apprenticeships, internships and classes to
discover where their true interests and abilities lie.
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