MiMfg Magazine May 2018 | Page 20

20 MiMfg Magazine May 2018 MMA is Tackling Talent, Training and Taxes on Behalf of Michigan Manufacturers PRIME® School Launched in Fraser Contact: Mike Johnston 517-487-8554 • [email protected] Six local manufacturers in Macomb County announced a partnership last month with Fraser High School to provide skills training for local students of manufacturing careers. Dominion Technologies Group, Fori Automation, General Motors, I.F. Metalworks, Oakley Industries and Superior Heat Treat, LLC will collaborate through MMA and SME’s PRIME® program to develop and launch an advanced manufacturing education program at Fraser High School beginning in the 2018-19 academic year. “We all need to recognize and compliment the tremendous leadership and future vision of local manufacturers and Superintendent Richards in working together to build a talent pipeline that will create career pathways for students for many years to come,” said Mike Johnston, MMA vice president of government affairs. “Talent has become a primary barrier to growth for manufacturing and this remarkable partnership is key to driving Michigan’s future.” PRIME builds a collaborative network of students, educators and industry professionals to inspire and inform students of manufacturing career pathways. Learn more about this and other MMA-led talent initiatives at mimfg.org . Get More Get the latest on the issues affecting Michigan manufacturers at mimfg.org ! For fast results, use these search terms: STTF , SB 946 , HICA , or PRIME . Highlights from the press conference to announce the latest MMA/SME PRIME ® Program Macomb County. Enhanced Skills Training Bill Passes Senate Contact: Delaney McKinley 517-487-8530 • [email protected] MMA continues to drive the expansion of the Skilled Trades Training Fund (STTF), a tremendously successful tool being used to combat the skills gap in Michigan. Following MMA’s testimony and involvement, the Senate voted 36-1 in favor of Senate Bill 946 (Senator Ken Horn, R-Frankenmuth) to continue supporting a program, designed and implemented by Governor Snyder’s administration, which has provided $72.9 million in competitive awards to more than 2,000 Michigan companies for short-term training. “MMA is proud to see the necessary legislative support to ensure that this valuable program lives on into the future,” said Delaney McKinley, MMA senior director of government affairs and membership. “The STTF enhances talent, productivity and employment retention to increase the quality and competitiveness of Michigan’s employers and talent pool.” “MMA members are extraor- dinarily supportive of the STTF. I can tell you that when manufacturers are talking to economic developers in other states, they are showing them this program as a model of how to support employers in developing talent,” said McKinley. “What’s unique about this program is that it is truly demand-driven. It allows employers to be creative and develop the training program that best fits their business and their workforce.” The bill will now move to the House for further review and a vote is expected soon. All manufacturers are encouraged to reach out to their Representative and express support for the program and this legislation. Learn more about the STTF and other talent related issues in MMA’s Key Conversation with Senator Ken Horn on page 6 and at mimfg.org .