Tuesday, February 2, 2021

Governor Whitmer Announces Bi-Partisan Michigan Tuition Free Reconnect Education Opportunities

Governor Whitmer announces the Bi-Partisan Michigan Re-Connect program that offers free tuition to complete an associate degree or a skilled certificate program to help fill the 545K jobs opening in the high technology and skilled trades by 2026. The program is an effort to shore up the availability of labor and human capital to enhance the competitiveness of Michigan industries. 

Those struggling due to lack of open positions in their current occupation, may want to consider taking advantage of an opportunity to find a new field (COVID has left some people out of work.) Those who want to jump into modern employment positions have an opportunity to attend their in-district community college for free under the following criteria.... 

- Be at least 25 years old when you apply

- Have lived in Michigan for a year or more

- Have a high school diploma or equivalent

- Have not yet completed a college degree (associate or bachelor’s)

Leaders in business, education, labor and professional development collaborated with legislature/Governor to help train new workers for growing industries. $30 million will be put into the initiative but it may be expanded at some point in the future. If it works well and seems to have a general return on the investment (connecting qualified candidates to fill an open position) then it will be a net positive for Michigan's economic evolution (It is helpful to create as many net positives as possible to improve the fiscal position of the state).

It is important to remember that industry grows through having skilled labor available in sufficient quantity.  Computer certificates to union skilled labor are needed to feed companies for global competitiveness in high technology advanced manufacturing industries. Where people's skills are no longer in alignment they can use a program for this train for new careers to meet international market demand. 

You can read more about Michigan Reconnect from the State Website HERE

If your in District 1 (Delta County/UP) and want to know what skills you should study review HERE

Note: (This could be transactional component for regional hub development)

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