Michigan Direct Care Worker Readiness Training Program

Grant Amount: $50,000

Grant Year: 2005

Service Region: Statewide

Convener: Michigan Direct Care Workforce Initiative

Primary Partners:Employers (8), Educational (3), Unions/Trade Associations (9), MWA (2), Faith/Community Based (1), Economic Development (0), Other (16)

Industry Focus:  Healthcare

Occupational Focus: Long-Term Care, Certified Nurse Aides, Home Health Aides, and Personal Home Care Aides

Summary: The Michigan Direct Care Workforce Readiness Training Program is focused on increasing retention of the direct care workforce by initially recruiting strong candidates into the field.  This process would include matching skill and aptitude with occupational expectations based upon standards as presented by industry employers and current industry employees.

The Michigan Direct Care Worker Readiness Training Program was designated as a MiRSA just prior to the end of FY 2005.

Preparing the SCMW! Region for the Biotech Age

Grant Amount: $79,750

Grant Year: 2006

Service Region: Hillsdale, Jackson and Lenawee Counties

Convener: South Central Michigan Works!

Primary Partners: Employers (8), Educational (4), Unions/Trade Associations (2), MWA (1), Economic Development (3), Other (1)

Industry Focus: Life Science/Homeland Security

Occupational Focus: Skilled workers in the chemical industry

Summary: Focusing on the chemical industry in the tri-county area, the MiRSA will work with employers and educators to develop curriculum, increase skill levels of incumbent workers and develop a pipeline of new employees.

South Central Manufacturers Regional Skills Alliance

Grant Amount: $40,000

Grant Year: 2005

Service Region: Hillsdale, Lenawee, and Jackson Counties

Convener: Hillsdale County Intermediate School District

Primary Partners: Employers (2), Educational (4), Unions/Trade Associations (2), MWA (1), Faith/Community Based (0), Economic Development (4),

Industry Focus:  Manufacturing

Occupational Focus: Entry-Level Production Employees

Summary: This MiRSA is focused on providing readily available and easily accessible training and apprenticeship opportunities for individuals that will address the immediate skill needs of employers and promote economic development of the region.  This effort combines the resources of career and technical education programs and postsecondary institutions.

The South Central Manufacturers Regional Skills Alliance was designated as a MiRSA just prior to the end of FY 2005.