December 2020 MiMfg Magazine 7
Q :
Despite the remarkable changes experienced in 2020 , recruiting , retaining and developing talent remains the top challenge for Michigan manufacturers . How can LEO help employers with this challenge ?
Helping employers address skills gaps and talent shortages is at the heart of LEO ’ s mission and a key driving force behind our programs and initiatives . Most notably is the work being done to reach the state ’ s Sixty by 30 goal — ensuring 60 percent of Michigan ’ s workforce has a skill certificate or college degree by 2030 .
Under the Sixty by 30 umbrella , we ’ ve launched the Futures for Frontliners program offering free tuition for essential workers , and we ’ re gearing up for an early 2021 launch of the Michigan Reconnect program to extend free tuition to adults 25 +.
In addition , LEO uses a variety of programs and initiatives to best meet the talent needs of the state ’ s manufacturers ( see the side bar ) including financial resources such as the Going PRO Talent Fund , Registered Apprenticeship expansion , the Business Resource Networks with local Michigan Works ! Agencies , Michigan ’ s Industry Cluster Approach , the state ’ s labor exchange ( Pure Michigan Talent Connect ), postsecondary efforts such as the Michigan Career and Technical Institute , career exploration tools such as Michigan Training Connect , and services focused on supporting accommodations for the hiring and / or retaining of persons with disabilities .
State Programs and Initiatives Meet Your Talent Needs
Click the links below to access resources .
• Futures for Frontliners
• Going PRO Talent Fund
• Registered Apprenticeship
• Michigan Works ! Agencies
• Michigan ’ s Industry Cluster Approach
• Pure Michigan Talent Connect
• Michigan Career and Technical Institute
• Michigan Training Connect
Q :
As we approach the new year , what is your vision for LEO ?
LEO is laser focused on providing Michigan ’ s residents and job providers the support they need during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic , while also enacting initiatives that lay the groundwork for a future economic recovery . Whether it ’ s through employment and training , providing a safety net with unemployment , keeping workplaces safe or ensuring residents have attainable housing , LEO ’ s nearly 3,000 dedicated public servants are the driving force behind our strategic efforts to serve all 10 million Michiganders every day . 6
MIOSHA Offers Penalty-Free On-Site Consultation
MIOSHA ’ s Ambassador Program assists employers in implementing COVID-19 workplace safety directives without fear of penalties or citations . The program offers on-site one – on – one guidance to help job creators understand the current regulations for workplace safety . Learn more and access a compliance tool kit at michigan . gov / leo .