Regional employers gather in Litchfield to strengthen talent pipeline
LITCHFIELD — A collaboration between Lenawee Now, the Hillsdale County Economic Development Partnership, Jackson Area Manufacturers Association and other partners brought together 30 attendees who learned how to facilitate networking and about resources to address regional challenges regarding workforce recruitment, training and development.
The program was May 16 at the Litchfield Regional Training Center in Hillsdale County.
The meeting highlighted an initiative that uses the United States Chamber of Commerce Foundation-recognized Talent Pipeline Management (TPM) framework to address industrywide skill gaps, a news release from Lenawee Now said. Employers identify common talent pain points and work collaboratively to address them.
To develop a talent pipeline, the TPM system brings together employers, educators and workforce development professionals to attract and upskill workers to meet employer talent needs.
In the Lenawee, Jackson and Hillsdale areas, collaboratives are dedicated to health care, robotics, construction, chemical manufacturing, automotive, and minority-owned and operated sectors, Lenawee Now said.
Valerie Jemerson nd Rey Guzman from the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO), shared the work and services they offer for workforce development.
Lenawee Now’s Randy Yagiela, Gary Clemetson and Jack Townsley shared about grants, partnerships and the benefits of TPM. Yagiela discussed a $330,000 grant received to combat the lack of access to affordable child care, which has been a barrier for many individuals trying to enter the workforce. He also highlighted a $10 million grant to support talent pipeline building and training.
The “Meet and Mingle” effectively highlighted the importance of collaborative efforts in addressing regional workforce challenges, said Yagiela, Lenawee Now’s development director.
“Participants gained insights about the resources available and the potential for future partnerships,” he said in the release.
Clemetson expounded on the work in child care, noting how Lenawee Now is leveraging its work with the child care network and the women-owned child care business collaborative. He shared strategies to improve child care worker recruitment and training processes and to enhance the physical and mental well-being of children in these facilities.
Townsley was Lenawee Now’s final presenter. He opened his presentation with the question, “Are you able to easily recruit, hire, train and retain qualified people to meet your needs and those of your business?” He presented an overview of the TPM Framework and its potential to benefit employers.
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Following remarks from Lenawee Now staff, training organizations Shop Rats and the Jackson Area Manufacturers Association discussed opportunities to develop a talent pipeline starting in high school. They highlighted programs available through Shop Rats to interest students in the skilled trades and opportunities JAMA offers for employers to upskill workers through apprenticeship programs and customized classes through the Academy for Manufacturing Careers.
Sue Smith of the Hillsdale EDP highlighted the work of the health care collaborative and its focus on identifying qualified training providers to recruit hospital staff and obtain training for positions such as medical assistants, surgical technicians and certified nursing assistants.
Michigan Works Southeast highlighted programs for employee advancement, apprenticeships and the benefits of sector collaboration.
For more information about the sector strategies initiative and upcoming events, visit lenaweenow.org or contact Yagiela at Randy@LenaweeNow.org.
This article originally appeared on The Daily Telegram: Regional employers gather in Litchfield to strengthen talent pipeline
