Dearborn, MI – Today, Congressman John D. Dingell (D-MI15) took part in a strategy session on Workforce Training and Development for Southeast Michigan. The purpose of this session was to bring together leaders in the workforce redevelopment sector to discuss training and development needs given the current economic situation, as well as the best path forward in giving the people of the region the tools they need to once again prosper in our changing economy. After the meeting, Congressman Dingell made the following remarks:
“Today it was announced that Michigan’s unemployment rate has reached 12.6 percent. This should dispel any doubt that more action and effort is needed by all parties to spur job creation and workforce development in our state. I know Governor Granholm, the Michigan Congressional delegation, our state legislature and today’s participants are all working together to pursue any and all proposals that will attract new employers, better train our workforce and bring jobs home to Michigan. By working together to pool our resources and talent together, we are setting an example to our neighbors that Michigan is not defeated.
“I know that I am not alone in my belief that there is not nearly enough funding to accommodate the demand for retraining our workforce and repositioning our industry, and there are not nearly enough hours or staff available to accommodate everyone in a timely manner. However, that should not prevent outreach to displaced workers and their families. We know that displaced workers face a different set of challenges when deciding to pursue certification or other higher education opportunities. Many of them have families and mortgages to worry about, and for almost all of them money is an issue. But it must get done. A recent study projected by 2012 that Michigan will have a shortage of 334,000 skilled workers. We cannot let this projection become a reality.
“For those who are ready to write the obituary for Southeast Michigan, put your pens down. There is no doubt in my mind that Michigan can and will diversify its industry and that it begins with developing our workforce. Michigan is home to the hardest-working and most-talented workers, and if we can provide them the skills they need than we can position Michigan to attract new businesses. Together we are all partners in pulling our state out of recession.”
Also taking part in the session were representatives from the Conference of Western Wayne, the Downriver Community Conference, Eastern Michigan University, Henry Ford Community College, Michigan Community College Association, Michigan Works! Association, Monroe County Community College, Monroe Industrial Development Corporation, Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Growth, Power Technology Institute, Southeast Michigan Community Alliance, University of Michigan – Ann Arbor, University of Michigan – Dearborn, Washtenaw County Employment Training and Community Services and Wayne County Community College.
