Organization

Jackson area officials hope businesses can benefit from apprentice program

By Caitlin Schneider
Jackson Citizen Patriot
Tuesday July 07, 2009, 3:48 PM

If the old saying about teaching a man to fish is true, Jackson’s workforce might be on its way to a more bountiful era.

Late last month, the Michigan Department of Energy, Labor and Economic Growth announced the creation of the Michigan Registered Apprenticeship Pilot program. The push for apprenticeships by the state supplements some already under way locally.

The apprentice program operates through Michigan Works agencies. South Central Michigan Works spokeswoman Sarah Hartzler said their office has created a new position solely for the management of apprenticeship programs.

A different apprentice program running through SCMW targets 16- to-24-year-olds in low-income families or those with a disability. About $1.9 million in federal stimulus money restarted the program this year after a two-year absence.

The apprentice program is funded by $1 million of the federal stimulus package.

Set to launch next month, it offers a $1,000 incentive for employers who sponsor U.S. Department of Labor registered apprenticeships. The money can be put toward wages or technical related instruction.

Bill Rayl, executive director of the Jackson Area Manufacturers Association said JAMA is partnering with SCMW to help bring some of the MRAP program’s money to Jackson.

“We’re going to go after every dollar we can get,” he said.

Rayl said apprenticeships are “one of the best” models for training new staff and said a variety of industries including machining trades, constructions, the medical field and information technology could stand to benefit from the program.

Employers interested in learning more can contact the DELEG Bureau of Workforce Transformation or South Central Michigan Works.

“Money is available for companies in Michigan, they just need to get in line,” Rayl said.