Workforce Innovation in Regional Economic Development (WIRED)

Funder: U.S. Department of Labor – Employment and Training Administration
Amount: $1,598,447 (MCC Share)
Funding Period: 2/1/2006 – 1/31/2009

In January 2006, the State of Michigan submitted an application to the U.S. Department of Labor on behalf of the Mid-Michigan WIRED Initiative to address the workforce and economic development needs of our region. The Mid-Michigan WIRED Initiative is a partnership between the State of Michigan, several higher educational institutions, workforce development agencies, economic development organizations, major healthcare providers, industry consortiums, and home-builder associations within a thirteen county region consisting of Bay, Clinton, Eaton, Genesee, Huron, Ingham, Lapeer, Livingston, Midland, Saginaw, Sanilac, Shiawassee, and Tuscola.

The Mid-Michigan WIRED Initiative is a comprehensive approach rooted in two major strategies. The first strategy is the creation of new market development and transition endeavors which entails fostering new economy initiatives in the areas of Advanced Manufacturing and Alternative Fuel/Fuel Cells; linking the region’s existing automotive strengths to new customers; and expanding opportunities to provide seed capital, training, mentoring and support for entrepreneurs to create new business. The second strategy is the creation of jobs that address the high-demand need of employers for workers in the healthcare and building and construction industries.

Mott Community College’s role in the Mid-Michigan WIRED Initiative targets occupations within the building and construction (BCON) industry to meet the identified workforce shortage and skill gap needs of business and industry partners within Genesee, Shiawassee and Livingston counties. MCC’s capacity building and training goals are to develop and deliver a BCON Workforce Development program, a skilled carpentry-training program, a Certificate in Surveying, two high school BCON programs, as well as create a “fast track” for workers in the building & construction industry while improving the competencies of students through on-the-job experiences.

As a result of this initiative, MCC will have a fully developed training program that carries college credit for WIA and other low-income workers; two new high school programs to train students in building and construction technology skills; the creation of advanced education and training for finish carpenters; and, the creation of a Certificate in Surveying program that meets certification and licensing standards.