State Workforce Investment Board

Bureau of Workforce Transformation
Michigan Department of Energy, Labor & Economic Growth
Liza Estlund Olson, Director
201 North Washington Square, 5th Floor
Lansing, MI 48913
Phone: 517-241-3278
Fax: 517-241-8217
Email: estlundolsonl@michigan.gov

Key Workforce Priorities

1. No Worker Left Behind - Launched in August 2007, this is the Governor's vision for accelerating the transition of thousands of workers into good paying jobs by providing up to two years worth of free tuition at any community college, university, or other approved training provider to gain the skills and credentials for new careers in high-demand occupations, emerging industries, or to start a business. The program will expand on-the-job training and education services currently available to job seekers through local service delivery areas.
2. Green Jobs Initiative - An investment designed to link global warming solutions with opportunities to develop the state's workforce in the growing alternative energy, energy efficiency, and resource conservation sectors. The Governor's Office together with the Michigan Department of Energy, Labor & Economic Growth (DELEG), the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), the Department of Natural Resources and Environment (DNRE), and other public and private-sector partners are collaborating on efforts of the initiative.
3. Adult Education Transformation - Adult learning is currently undergoing a transformation to align adult education with employment opportunities and/or post-secondary education and training. DELEG is emphasizing delivery of services through regional partnerships in order to leverage resources and provide more comprehensive services to learners.

Fast Facts

• Michigan has a high concentration of Engineering and Scientific occupations; it is among the top five states nationally in terms of total science and engineering jobs with 159,000 in 2008 and ranked first in the Great Lakes region both in terms of share and total number.
• Over 36% of Michigan's workforce has some college experience short of a 4-year degree, outperforming the surrounding Great Lakes states and the nation in this level of education, offering a diverse and highly skilled workforce.
• Major areas of growth for Michigan over the last decade have been in the Healthcare Industry. From 2001 through 2009 employment in ambulatory healthcare increased by 21%, hospitals by 12%, and nursing home & residential care facilities by 13%, generating jobs at all educational, skill, and wage levels.
• Michigan's Green Economy has demonstrated huge potential for growth as jobs in clean transportation and fuels, which currently number over 40,000, are expected to grow considerably due to major requirements for developing alternative fuel, hybrid, and electric vehicles to meet renewable energy and energy efficiency demands.

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