Litchfield, MI – May 16, 2024
The Sector Strategies Breakfast Meet and Mingle was held at the Litchfield Training Center on May 16, bringing in 30 attendees. This event was a collaboration between Lenawee Now, Hillsdale EDP, Jackson Area Manufacturers Association (JAMA), and other partners. Through this event, organizers facilitated networking and highlighted resources to address regional challenges regarding workforce recruitment, training, and development through the Sector Strategies initiative.
The Sector Strategies initiative uses the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation-recognized Talent Pipeline Management (TPM) framework to address industry-wide skill gaps. Employers identify common talent pain points and work collaboratively to address them. The TPM methodology uses lessons learned from supply chain management. To develop a talent pipeline, the TPM system brings together employers, educators, and workforce development professionals to attract and upskill skilled workers to meet employer talent needs. In the Lenawee, Jackson, and Hillsdale areas, collaboratives are dedicated to healthcare, robotics, construction, chemical manufacturing, automotive, and minority-owned and operated sectors. Throughout the breakfast, attendees discovered the various opportunities this program held for the region.
To begin the event, Valarie Jamerson, Talent Liaison Sector Strategies, and Rey Guzman, workforce development from the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) addressed those present, sharing about the work and services they offer for workforce development. The LEO Sector Grant is for $500,000.00
Lenawee Now’s Randy Yagiela, Gary Clemetson, and Jack Townsley shared about grants, partnerships, and the benefits of TPM. Yagiela discussed the $330,000 grant received to combat the lack of access to affordable childcare, which has been a barrier for many individuals trying to enter the workforce. He also highlighted the $10 million grant to support talent pipeline building and training. Furthermore, he expressed the opportunities that collaborations with various partners could bring.
Clemetson expounded on the work in childcare, noting how Lenawee Now is leveraging its work with the Child Care Network and the women-owned childcare business collaborative. He shared strategies to improve childcare worker recruitment and training processes and to enhance the physical and mental well-being of children in these facilities.
Lenawee Now’s final presenter, Jack Townsley opened with the question, “Are you able to easily recruit, hire, train, and retain qualified people to meet your needs and those of your business?” He presented an overview of the TPM Framework and its potential to benefit employers.
Following remarks from the Lenawee Now staff, training organizations Shop Rats and JAMA discussed opportunities to develop a talent pipeline starting in high school. They highlighted programs available through Shop Rats to interest students in the skilled trades and opportunities JAMA offered for employers to upskill workers through apprenticeship programs and customized classes through the Academy for Manufacturing Careers.
Sue Smith of Hillsdale EDP highlighted the work of the healthcare collaborative and their focus on identifying qualified training providers to recruit hospital staff and obtain training for positions such as medical assistants, surgical technicians, and Certified Nursing Assistants. She also shared the case study of Martinrea and their participation in several sectors due to their diverse needs.
Michigan Works! Southeast highlighted programs for employee advancement, apprenticeships, and the benefits of sector collaboration.
To conclude the event, a representative from Ross Design and Engineering Facilities shared his experience with adult apprenticeships, using the TPM training and management framework. He emphasized the positive impact on workforce development and organizational efficiency.
The Sector Strategies Breakfast Meet and Mingle effectively highlighted the importance of collaborative efforts in addressing regional workforce challenges. According to Lenawee Now’s Development Director, Randy Yagiela, “Participants gained insights about the resources available and the potential for future partnerships.”
For more information about the Sector Strategies initiative and upcoming events, please visit lenaweenow.org or contact Randy Yagiela at Randy@LenaweeNow.org