Michigan’s Great Lakes Bay Region is redefining workforce development through innovative partnerships between employers, educational institutions, and economic development agencies, spearheaded by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) Talent Solutions division. This initiative, focused on bolstering the semiconductor industry, has transformed the region from an overlooked rural area into a recognized hub of high-tech talent.
Central to this transformation is the Talent Action Team (TAT), a model launched in 2023 that aligns employer needs with educational curricula to build a responsive talent pipeline. Working closely with employers like Corning, Hemlock Semiconductor, and SK Siltron CSS, and in partnership with Delta College, the TAT ensures training programs are directly tailored to real-time industry demands. Investments totaling around $500,000 have already created measurable outcomes, strengthening regional capacity.
Key initiatives include:
PK-12 Engagement: Programs such as the Semiconductor Experience, STEM Explorer mobile lab, and Girls Day Out introduce young students to STEM fields, fostering early interest and inclusivity in tech careers.
Curriculum Development: New pathways for semiconductor careers offer stackable credentials and expand apprenticeships. Enhanced robotics and cleanroom technician training ensure students are job-ready for advanced manufacturing roles.
Talent Attraction: The Michigander Scholars Program and STEAM Ahead provide scholarships and subsidized internships, connecting university students to high-demand tech careers in Michigan, boosting both recruitment and retention.
Employer Solutions: Partnerships with Michigan Works! deliver tailored recruitment and upskilling programs. Veteran recruitment drives bring service members into high-skill civilian roles, while customized digital marketing campaigns amplify employer visibility.
The SCAN Michigan initiative further enriches these efforts by delivering semiconductor-focused career awareness and training statewide, making advanced manufacturing more accessible to students and educators.
The impact of this collaborative strategy is impressive: over 5,700 people have been placed or trained for high-tech roles, 450+ scholarships awarded, 1,700 internships created, and more than 11,100 PK-12 students engaged. These results position Michigan as a national model for semiconductor workforce development.
By breaking down silos and fostering deep collaboration, the Talent Action Team is setting a new standard for how states can address critical workforce challenges, blending innovative education, strong employer partnerships, and strategic economic development into a scalable, effective framework.
