Is Washtenaw County prepared to answer Governor Snyder’s call for more skilled automotive workers in Michigan?
Governor Rick Snyder met with Toyota executives during a recent trade trip to Japan. Snyder told Crain's Detroit Business that executives for Toyota, GM, and other top auto companies have expressed concern over the lack of workers in Michigan with training in new automotive technology. He'spushing for more workers to fill a coming increase in technically advanced jobs in the industry.
Workforce DevelopmentManager for Washtenaw County, Shamar Herron says traditional models of K-12 and higher education is partly to blame for the shortfall of skilled labor in Michigan.
“We’re not training our kids for the jobs of today and tomorrow, we’re following curriculum that doesn’t naturally pair up to the demands of the workplace.”, he says.
Herron says the county is actively training residents for jobs that require more tech savvy, by receiving jobs updates weekly from local businesses and through a education partnership with Washtenaw Community College.
Amanda LeClaire is an assignment reporter, and anchor for 89.1 WEMU News. Contact her at 734.487.3363 or email her: aleclair@emich.edu
