March 17, 2008

The No Worker Left Behind (NWLB) initiative has received an overwhelming response from workers who want to build their skills for new careers.  In many areas the volume of people interested in NWLB has necessitated the creation of waiting lists at local Michigan Works! offices.  Waiting lists ensure everyone interested in NWLB will be assisted  "first come, first served" as promised by the Governor.  If this happens in your area, please continue working with your local Michigan Works! office.  They can help you research careers and training opportunities and guide you through the required steps to be prepared when more funding becomes available - and it will!

We are working aggressively to obtain the funds necessary to allow Michiganders to get the skills they need to compete.  More federal monies will flow to Michigan in July and October.  In the interim, we are working to secure extra federal dollars because of Michigan's troubled economy.  And we are working with the state legislature to enact the Governor's proposal to appropriate $40 million of state funds to ease Michigan's job training crunch.

Ultimately, if the State of Michigan does not contribute to this cause, many Michigan employers will be without the skilled workforce they need and many Michigan workers will miss opportunities to study for new careers that offer family-sustaining jobs.

If you have any questions, please email the No Worker Left Behind staff at NWLB@Michigan.gov or call us at 517.335.1319. 

Your local Michigan Works! agency is also available to answer your questions.  To find a listing of local offices, go to the Michigan Works! website at:  http://michiganworks.org/.