GRANHOLM - Granholm Launches No Worker Left Behind Program; Goal to Train 100,000 for High Demand Careers

LANSING - Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today launched her No Worker Left Behind (NWLB) job training program, calling it a critical step in her comprehensive plan to transform Michigan's economy. Standing with all 28 Michigan community college presidents, state job training leaders, and local businesses and workers, the governor detailed the program which emphasizes training that links to good-paying jobs that exist in today's economy.

"To compete and succeed in this global economy, Michigan workers must acquire the complex skills needed in cutting-edge industries that will fuel future economic growth," Granholm said. "No Worker Left Behind will make Michigan more attractive to job-creating businesses, and it will get workers and families who have been hurt by globalization back on the path to success."

Granholm proposed the No Worker Left Behind program in her 2007 State of the State address as part of her plan to transform Michigan's economy. Calling an educated workforce the most important element of job creation, the governor has pushed for high standards in elementary and secondary education, a $4,000 Michigan Promise scholarship for every child to attend college, and a new focus on worker training to ensure that every worker has the opportunity to succeed in a global economy.

By redirecting federal funds currently used for job training, NWLB will provide up to two years of free tuition at any Michigan community college, university, or other approved training program for qualifying participants. Participants must earn a certification or degree needed in a high-demand occupation or gain the entrepreneurial skills needed to start their own businesses.

"When we match workers who have lost their jobs with vacancies in high-demand sectors and tailored training programs at community colleges, we give Michigan workers a competitive advantage and give our economy a real boost," Granholm said.

Partners in the No Worker Left Behind initiative include Michigan's 28 community colleges, the Michigan Community Colleges Association, the Michigan Works! Association and 25 Michigan Works! agencies, the Michigan Department of Labor & Economic Growth, four-year colleges and universities, and licensed proprietary schools.

"By 2012, Michigan will have a shortage of 334,000 skilled workers," said Keith W. Cooley, director of the Michigan Department of Labor & Economic Growth, the state department that is charged with overseeing the NWLB initiative. "We know that 70 percent of the fastest growing jobs by 2010 will require a postsecondary degree."

Training in-high demand occupations vary from region to region and include advanced manufacturing, health care, biotechnology, and renewable energy, as well as other growing sectors.

Eligible participants include any person who is currently unemployed, who has received a notice or termination or layoff from employment, or whose family income is $40,000 or less. Participants must be at least 18 years old, must not have graduated from high school within the last two years, and must not be full-time college students. They have three years to sign up for the program.

For more information, call Michigan Works! at 1-800-285-WORKS (9675) or go to the NWLB website at www.michigan.gov/nwlb.