GOV. GRANHOLM ANNOUNCES NINE MICHIGAN REGIONAL SKILLS ALLIANCE GRANTS TO PROMOTE 21ST CENTURY JOBS IN MICHIGAN
BYLINE: US States News
DATELINE: LANSING, Mich.
The Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Growth issued the following news release:
Gov. Jennifer M. Granholm today announced $810,932 in grants to create seven new Michigan Regional Skills Alliances (MiRSAs) and expand two others to help ensure that workers get the necessary training to do the work employers need today and in the future.
The new MiRSAs represent a diverse group of industries, including health care, manufacturing, construction, hospitality and tourism, and biotechnology. There are now 32 MiRSAs statewide, giving all counties of Michigan access to a Michigan Regional Skills Alliance.
"These MiRSAs are providing Michigan workers with critical job training and providing Michigan businesses with the skilled workers they need to grow in today?s 21st century economy," Granholm said.
Granholm proposed the Michigan Regional Skills Alliances Initiative in her 2004 State of the State address.
MiRSAs are regionally and industry-based partnerships comprised of employers, educational institutions, training providers, economic development organizations, and public workforce system agencies. Start-up funding for the new MiRSAs is provided under the Workforce Investment Act through the U.S. Department of Labor. The Michigan program is administered by the Department of Labor & Economic Growth Bureau of Workforce Programs.
"Since the launch of Governor Granholm?s MiRSA initiative more than 2,100 individuals have received training and 813 individuals were placed into employment," said Robert W. Swanson, Director of the Department of Labor & Economic Growth. "Additionally we have significant increases in the number of employers, community college, universities and school districts, faith-based and community service organizations to join as MiRSAs partners as word about this successful initiative continues to spread and as the program grows."
The Michigan Department of Labor & Economic Growth is the state government agency charged with providing the skilled workforce Michigan needs to enhance and maintain its economy. To this end, the state department is working with employers, K-12 schools, community colleges and local Workforce Development Boards to develop a comprehensive career development system. For more information about the Michigan Department of Labor & Economic Growth, visit the department?s Web site at www.michigan.gov/dleg. For more information specific to Regional Skills Alliances, visit the following Web site www.michigan.gov/rsa.
Table omitted (The document can be viewed at http://www.michigan.gov/cis/0,1607,7-154-10573_11472-153145-,00.html)
Contact: Lori Donlan, 517/373-9280.