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Congressman Dan Kildee Introduces Legislation to Provide Workforce Training and New Manufacturing Jobs for Michiganders

June 11, 2014

Kildee's Jobs Bill Aims to Close Skills Gap so Michiganders are Able to Compete for High-Skilled, High-Paying Jobs

Congressman Dan Kildee (MI-05) today unveiled new legislation to expand workforce training programs for Michiganders so that they have the skills necessary for new, highly-skilled manufacturing jobs. House Democratic Whip Steny Hoyer (MD-05) joined Congressman Kildee this afternoon in announcing The 21st Century Manufacturing Skills and Jobs Act, which is part of the ‘Make it in America' jobs plan, a package of bills aimed at creating a national manufacturing strategy and encouraging businesses to locate in the U.S. As Michiganders look for good-paying jobs, businesses have often struggled to find workers with the skills necessary for new positions. Congressman Kildee's legislation, H.R. 4831, builds on and expands Michigan's successful New Jobs Training Program, enabling community colleges and local businesses to partner and provide workforce training for workers for new manufacturing jobs in their communities. "Michigan needs a skilled workforce to compete in today's global economy. That's why it's so crucial we close the skills gap and get workers the training they need for the high-skilled, high-paying manufacturing jobs of the twenty-first century," Congressman Kildee said. "My legislation brings together businesses and community colleges to train and employ Michiganders so they are able to get good jobs in their communities. Michigan has a proud manufacturing heritage, and we need to make sure our workers' skills match the needs of employers as they look to grow and expand." Under the program, local businesses identify new jobs they are hiring for and partner with community colleges to train prospective workers so they have the necessary training for those jobs. Congressman Kildee's legislation expands federal funds for the program, which will substantially increase the number of companies and workers that can participate. It would also more quickly reimburse community colleges for training programs they operate under the program. "Dan Kildee has established himself as a leading voice for manufacturing workers and their families. His 21st Century Manufacturing Skills and Jobs Act will draw on successful efforts in Michigan and other states to encourage community colleges to partner with local businesses and train workers for good-paying jobs. His bill will create career pipelines for talented workers to access opportunity and a secure place in the middle class, and I want to thank him for his work on this issue," Whip Hoyer said. Several community colleges in mid-Michigan participate in Michigan's New Jobs Training Program, including Delta College and Mott Community College. More information on Michigan's New Jobs Training Program can be found here.