May 6, 2008 – Governor Jennifer M. Granholm and the Michigan Department of Labor & Economic Growth (DLEG) today awarded $3,043,669 through the No Worker Left Behind (NWLB) training initiative to the 25 Michigan Works! Agencies (MWAs).  The funding will be used to provide customized job training for individuals participating in the Jobs, Education, and Training (JET) Program.

"Providing targeted job training for our displaced workers will help ensure their success in getting good-paying jobs," Granholm said.  "A highly skilled workforce is key in transforming Michigan's economy."

Governor Granholm announced the NWLB initiative on August 1, 2007; an ambitious plan to train 100,000 citizens in three years for jobs in high demand occupations and emerging industries or entrepreneurial endeavors.  NWLB gives Michigan workers the opportunity to acquire the skills they need to win good-paying jobs in today's global economy.  By reorganizing and augmenting federal funds currently used for workforce development, NWLB will provide up to two years of free tuition at any Michigan community college, university, or other approved training program for qualifying participants.  The governor has asked the Michigan legislature to appropriate $40M of state funds in order to train enough eligible workers to help diversify and re-energize Michigan's economy.

The JET Program is a partnership between DHS, DLEG (the Bureau of Workforce Transformation and Michigan Rehabilitation Services), and the MWAs to help Michigan's families overcome barriers to work and connect them with the kind of jobs, education, and training opportunities that will help them achieve self-sufficiency and meet the workforce and skill needs of Michigan's businesses.  The JET Program was designed to give MWAs more flexibility in providing services to cash assistance participants.

Funding for the JET Program is provided by the State of Michigan and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.  A table is attached that provides the specific funding amounts for each MWA.  To view an interactive map of the state's 25 Michigan Works! regions and the counties included in each region, go to http://www.michiganworks.org or www.michigan.gov/jet.

The DLEG is investing in Michigan's future by helping to create the jobs of today and tomorrow, ensuring that our children and adults have the skills these jobs demand, making Michigan a better place to do business, and training and placing those who need jobs now.