LANSING – State Representative Terry Brown (D-Pigeon) today announced that Thumb Area Michigan Works has been awarded $100,000 in federal money to provide training that will help unemployed and underemployed workers upgrade their skills and obtain jobs in high-demand fields.
"This money will provide the training that our workers need to compete for good-paying jobs in high-demand fields that are available in Michigan now," Brown said. "The No Worker Left Behind program is a proven success in helping our workers, who are the best in the world, acquire the skills that the global economy demands. With this infusion of money, we can help more Thumb workers build careers that provide a good living for them and their families."
The state has awarded $100,000 in federal Workforce Investment Act money through the No Worker Left Behind initiative, which will be used to serve job seekers in Huron, Tuscola, Sanilac and Lapeer counties. The money will be administered through Thumb Area Michigan Works Employment Training Consortium, the local Michigan Works Agency.
The No Worker Left Behind program provides up to two years of free tuition at any Michigan community college, university or other approved training program for qualifying participants. The program has helped workers find good-paying jobs in high-demand occupations and emerging industries. In addition, Thumb Area Michigan Works will provide employment and training services and job search assistance.
The state runs NWLB, now in its second year, primarily by reorganizing federal funds. Brown is fighting for the state to invest more in the program this year in order to serve more Michigan workers.
"As we fight to create good-paying jobs and keep local jobs from being outsourced, we also have to help our residents stay competitive in this rapidly growing global economy," Brown said. "There is nothing more important than investing in our workforce. Making our workforce as educated as possible helps our workers compete for good-paying jobs and attracts top-notch employers from around the world. I am working hard to make sure that our workers have the resources they need to succeed."
Information about Thumb Area Michigan Works is available at www.thumbworks.org or by calling 989-269-2311 in Huron County or 989-673-8103 in Tuscola County.