12
MiMfg Magazine
October 2017
“
A lack of skilled talent hinders all
manufacturers ability to grow. Michigan’s
recent national leading manufacturing
job growth (more than 171,000 new
manufacturing jobs since June of 2009)
belies the increasing talent challenge,”
said Johnston. “With low unemployment
rates, companies are having a harder
time finding workers, especially with
the necessary skill to run a modern
advanced manufacturing facility. The
lack of skilled talent is a clear barrier to
growth for Michigan manufacturers.”
To combat the talent crisis,
programs are being developed across
Michigan to face it head-on:
• Michigan Career Pathway Alliance
MMA recently gave their support
for a state initiative — the Michigan
Career Pathway Alliance — dedicated
to creating greater awareness and
exploration of manufacturing careers,
and getting skilled and credentialed
CTE instructors in the schools, and
getting teachers real world experience.
• Skilled Trades Training Fund
The Skilled Trades Training Fund
(STTF) has been one of Michigan’s
top programs to combat manufacturing’s
talent crisis. Since Fiscal Year 2014,
more than 1,400 companies have
received awards averaging nearly
$34,000 toward talent development,
improved productivity and greater
employee retention. As the STTF
provides creative, driven, future-
focused manufacturers with the tools
Every student, teacher, parents, and community leader should know
that manufacturing is alive, it’s thriving, and the careers available within
the industry reflect that. It’s a driver of our economy and we need today’s
youth to become educated about the opportunities available so that
we can continue to grow this industry in the years to come.
”
— Mary Morphey, Kinexus
and talent to compete in a global
economy, MMA is utilizing member
input to address any challenges that
currently exist within the system and
ensure it remains a long-term
workforce development option.
• MMA’s Award-Winning PRIME®
Partnership with SME
MMA’s partnership with the SME
Education Foundation brings
PRIME®, an employer-driven,
customizable talent solution, to
local Michigan communities.
The program has already created
a long-term partnership between
MMA member Shape Corp. and the
Grand Haven Area Public Schools.
Conversations continue to develop
in regions throughout the state to
bring this much-needed skilled
trades training initiative to any
town or community that needs it.
While these and other initiatives
were discussed, the Legislative Roundtable
was more about creating opportunities
for relationship-building between elected
officials and their district’s most vital
job creators.
“One of the most common things I
hear from manufacturers is how people,
even within their own community, drive
by their facilities each day and don’t
know who they are or what they are
creating,” says Johnston. “Events like
MFG Day and the Legislative Roundtable
are ways for manufacturers to introduce
themselves to the community and tell
tomorrow’s workforce about career
opportunities they may have not known
existed in their community.”
While MFG Day provides a chance
for manufacturers to promote their
business and industry alongside thousands
of their peers, conversations with students
and the local community should never
be limited to just one day. Your MFG
Day event can happen any day that
works for you and can be built in
whatever way best showcases your
career path options. MFG Day grabbed
the attention of the nation — now is
your chance to capitalize on that
interest and connect directly with the
next generation workforce.
Register now for a booth with
Kinexus at the 2018 MFG Day or call
269-927-1064 for more information.
Check out additional resources to
develop your own MFG Day event
throughout the year at mimfg.org or,
for assistance connecting with elected
officials or the media, contact MMA at
517-487-8533 or [email protected].
6
Brett Gerrish is a communications
coordinator with the MMA. He may
be reached at 517-487-8533 or
[email protected].
Get More!
Students had the opportunity to use soldering
guns with Berrien RESA team members.
See mimfg.org for MFG Day resources
you can use throughout the year and
check out highlights of this year’s MFG
Day on the MMA Facebook page.