Jessica Topp

This document presents a Career Outlook for Northeast Michigan through 2032, identifying high-demand and high-wage occupations across various educational attainment levels. It provides projections for annual openings, growth percentages, and hourly wage ranges for each listed occupation.

The Four-Year WIOA Regional Plan for Michigan Works! Northeast Consortium and Region 7B outlines current economic conditions, labor force characteristics, workforce development activities, and strategic collaborations. It focuses on strengthening employer engagement, leveraging technology for collaboration, addressing intergenerational needs, supporting progress in housing, childcare, and transportation challenges, and maintaining strong partnerships for youth career exploration. The plan aims to improve workforce development outcomes in alignment with Michigan's statewide priorities for skills, opportunity, and growth.

The meeting included updates on Career Education Planning Districts (CEPD), with discussions on new classes, facilities, and program sharing. MiCareerQuest event was discussed, including student and exhibitor registrations. Other business included updates on executive hiring, apprenticeship school enrollment, and a jail release simulation event. Summer camps and dual enrollment opportunities in Computer Numerical Control (CNC) Machinery were also mentioned.

The Workforce Development Board (WDB) meeting included updates on strategic priorities and progress, such as WIOA funding cuts, grants, and the new program year. There were discussions on external engagement and advocacy, including meetings with federal representatives. The Youth Update covered the Career Readiness and Exploration Program and summer academies in partnership with MiSTEM. The Business Service Update highlighted Employer of the Day events, Going Pro grants, On the Job training, Talent Tours, and apprenticeship programs. A presentation was given by a Career Navigator on their role and impact, including assistance provided after the 2025 ice storm. The meeting also touched on budget concerns, hiring challenges, scholarship information, and collaborations with MiLEAP.

This WIOA Local Plan for Michigan Works! Northeast Consortium outlines a four-year strategy to empower the workforce and ignite the economy, fostering a united community of employers and jobseekers. Its strategic priorities focus on improving essential and occupational skills, enhancing job placement and retention, and strengthening organizational quality, engagement, and resource utilization. The plan also addresses key challenges such as employer engagement, technology integration, intergenerational needs, and systemic barriers including housing, childcare, and transportation, while expanding access to services, facilitating career pathways, and increasing post-secondary credential attainment.