Macomb Co To Offer Free Training For Income-Eligible Students

Mt. Clemens, MI - Funded by a $515,000 “Regional Talent Innovation Grant” from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, and $906,000 of Community Development Block Grant - CARES Act funds, Macomb County and its partners will offer free training in specific, high-demand occupations.

Eligible students will be low- to moderate-income individuals who have experienced a COVID-related hardship  with an interest in increasing their earning potential by obtaining industry-recognized credentials in a high-demand field.  Coursework will be provided by Macomb Community College and focused on two key sectors with several credentialing options:

“We see a large number of open positions posted each month from great employers looking to hire right here in Macomb County,” said Vicky Rowinski, director of Macomb County Planning & Economic Development. “So our goal is to help fuel the talent pipeline and fill those jobs. Additionally, and partly due to COVID-19, our businesses now have less capital available to dedicate toward training programs. So we are encouraging our employers to refer otherwise hopeful applicants to the program as well.”

The ability to earn a credential in each of the offered programs ranges from 4-17 weeks. Tuition assistance also covers the costs of any needed books, supplies and/or testing fees.

“We are excited to partner with Macomb County to provide training that connects our residents to workplace opportunities and connects businesses to highly skilled employees,” said Donald Ritzenhein, provost and vice president for the Learning Unit, Macomb Community College. “These short-term programs provide graduates a jumpstart into high-demand fields that address the immediate workforce needs of area business and industry while launching graduates onto more career pathways as well.”

Other project partners include Macomb Community Action, which will take responsibility for securely verifying income eligibility, and Macomb/St. Clair Michigan Works!, which will refer the program to the employers and individuals it serves.

For more information about the program and access to an application, visit: macombgov.org/careertraining.

About Macomb County Planning and Economic Development
The Macomb County Department of Planning & Economic Development supports an environment where businesses prosper and people thrive.  Its activities and programs are focused on stimulating the local economy through business retention, expansion and attraction while improving the overall quality of life for residents.  The department specializes in providing services to businesses at all stages of development with a concentration on the high-growth industries of aerospace, alternative energy, advanced manufacturing, defense and homeland security.  For more information, call 586-469-5285 or visit: https://ped.macombgov.org/Ped-Home.