Workforce Development Programs

There are several financial programs available for workforce development. Because each program is designed to meet specific needs, it is better to meet with a program coordinator to discuss the type of training required. The following is a description of some of these programs:

Michigan Works is the state’s workforce development resource agency. The agency has 102 certified service centers, where the public and businesses can easily access a package of core services free of charge. Job seeker services include:

• Career, job, and labor market information
  
• Job, career, and skill self-assessment tools
  
• Resume writing software and support materials
  
• Directories of human service agencies and employers
  
• Information on financial aid, occupational training, and workplace accommodations
• Access to Michigan’s Talent Bank to register your resume and search job openings 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

The local Michigan Works agency is the Career Alliance. www.careeralliance.org

Economic Development Job Training

Job training funds can be used to create jobs or upgrade skills for existing employees. Employers customize training programs to meet their unique needs. Training funds are channeled through the existing expansive educational network, including community colleges, public schools and school districts and licensed proprietary schools to allow for specialized training programs. Grants average $700 per employee. This program is subject to renewal by the Michigan Legislature each year.

Youth Apprenticeship Tax Credit

To create more training opportunities for young women and men, Michigan passed a Youth Apprenticeship Tax Credit for employers willing to provide registered youth apprenticeships for high school students. The tax credit of up to $2,000 annually per apprentice can be applied to the employer’s Michigan Business Tax (SBT). The tax credit will cover 50% of the wage-related cost of the youth apprenticeship and up to 100% of the costs of classroom related instruction paid by the employer.

Michigan Rehabilitation Services

Michigan Rehabilitation Services is operated under the Department of Labor and Economic Growth. The services provided include rehabilitation referral services for employers across the State. This includes employment pre-screening, training, and follow-up. This cost reimbursement program is available for new workers referred by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. This is a negotiated amount based on worker ability and time to learn job.

Trade Adjustment Assistance for Employees (TAA)

Assists individuals who have become unemployed as a result of increased imports from, or shifts in production to, foreign countries. The goal of the Trade Act programs is to help trade-affected workers return to suitable employment as quickly as possible. To facilitate this goal, TAA certified workers may access a menu of services that include income support, relocation and job search allowances, and a health coverage tax credit. TAA participants that require retraining in order to obtain suitable employment may receive occupational training.

Trade Adjustment Assistance for Companies

The TAA program for companies is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Commerce. The purpose of the program is to assist small and mid-size domestic manufacturers impacted by import competition. Qualified benefits include an in-depth business analysis and technical assistance on a cost-shared basis. The Great Lakes Trade Adjustment Assistance Center (GLTAAC) administers the program for the Department of Commerce. GLTAAC serves all qualified manufacturing firms in Indiana, Michigan and Ohio.

Incumbent Workforce Development

This program is designed to benefit businesses by enhancing the skills of employees, thereby increasing employee productivity and the potential for company growth. Training in portable skills results in a more highly skilled and versatile workforce that contributes to the ability to attract new business and creates an environment conducive to expansion.

On the Job Training (OJT)

OJT is available for incoming employees for services such as screening and drug testing. New hires are registered and come through the Career Alliance System of Providers and are eligible for OJT dollars to supplement half of their wages for 4–6 weeks allowing them to receive training to bring them up to capacity. The U.S. Department of Labor and the State of Michigan track participants.