New career liaison program prepares students for post-high school training opportunities

The Michigan Economic Development Corporation today announced a new partnership with a network of community colleges that will promote training opportunities for in-demand careers to Michigan high school students.

LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Economic Development Corporation today announced a new partnership with a network of community colleges that will promote training opportunities for in-demand careers to Michigan high school students.

“Today, too few workers have the skills needed to meet the demands of employers in the new economy. One of the most common issues is around the lack of knowledge that high school students have about in-demand careers and training programs,” said Gov. Rick Snyder. “Through the Career Jump Start program, we will encourage students to consider training opportunities that will provide them with critical work skills for those high-demand careers.”

Created as a response to feedback received at the Governor’s Economic and Education Summits held earlier this year, the Career Jump Start Program is intended to address the critical talent gap facing Michigan employers by promoting high-demand career paths to students. Through a network of Michigan’s community colleges, Michigan Works! agencies, employers, trade unions, Chambers and other key organizations, the initiative will educate high school students about associate degree programs, apprenticeships and other training opportunities for occupations that are in high demand by employers.

Community colleges in 10 regions around the state will house “career liaison specialists” who will provide resources to high school counselors, administrators, parents and teachers about post-high school training programs that will prepare students for in-demand occupations. Through improved connectivity between employers and the K-12 system, high school graduates in Michigan will be more informed about and connected to high-demand career options.

“Talent is the new currency in economic development. By making Michigan students aware of today’s high-demand jobs and the training programs that will prepare them for those jobs, we are ensuring the continued growth of Michigan’s economy,” said Michael A. Finney, president and CEO of the MEDC. “Career Jump Start is focused on meeting employer needs and will support ways to connect employers, educators and students, building Michigan's workforce together.”

The regional career liaisons will be housed at the following organizations: Alpena Community College, Bay de Noc Community College, Delta College, Grand Rapids Community College, Jackson College, Kalamazoo Valley Community College, Lansing Community College, Mott Community College, North Central Michigan College, and The Workforce Intelligence Network.

“The career opportunities that exist in many industry sectors are often unknown or misunderstood by students or their parents. This has or will result in talent shortages for many Michigan employers,” said Southeast Michigan Community Alliance Chief Executive Officer Gregory E. Pitoniak. “The Career Jump Start program will greatly accelerate and enhance the flow of information/data to students, parents and counselors regarding the many unique career opportunities that are and will be in high demand with Michigan employers.”

To learn more about the Career Jump Start program, visit http://www.mitalent.org/career-jump-start/.

Pure Michigan is a brand representing business, talent and tourism initiatives across Michigan. These efforts are driven by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, which serves as the state’s marketing arm and lead advocate for business growth, jobs and opportunity with a focus on helping grow Michigan’s economy. 

About Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)

The Michigan Economic Development Corporation is the state’s marketing arm and lead advocate for business development, job awareness and community development with the focus on growing Michigan’s economy. For more information on the MEDC and our initiatives, visit www.MichiganBusiness.org. For Pure Michigan® tourism information, your trip begins at www.michigan.org. Join the conversation on: Facebook Instagram LinkedIn, and Twitter.