Great Lakes Wire

The Michigan Reconnect and Futures for Frontliners programs were recently celebrated by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, along with the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Growth (LEO), as means for residents to obtain better-paying occupations.

“Our goal is to build a Michigan where every Michigander is equipped with the education and skills they need to get a good-paying job and the Michigan Reconnect students at Jackson College are on their way to high-demand, high-wage careers,” said Gov. Whitmer in news release. “Whether it’s a registered apprenticeship, an industry-recognized certification, a technical certificate, an associate degree, a bachelor’s degree or beyond, higher education or skills training opens so many doors. Bipartisan programs like Michigan Reconnect are putting us on track to achieve our ambitious but attainable goal to reach 60% of our workforce with a postsecondary credential by 2030. Let’s stay focused on empowering and uplifting our people.”

According to a news release by the governor’s office, the initiative provides state residents with college degrees and skill credentials to pave the way to facilitate the path for residents to earn more through Sixty by 30 objectives.

“Our Sixty by 30 efforts are working,” said LEO Director Susan Corbin. “More Michiganders are earning, or within reach of earning, a college degree or skills certificate thanks to efforts like Michigan Reconnect. We are creating new paths for fulfilling careers for our workers and opportunities for our Michigan businesses to fill critical talent needs so they can continue to compete, grow and innovate.”

The governor’s office reported that the program reduces the skill gap that is a barrier to the success of the state and provides a more skilled labor force and more opportunities for residents to secure those jobs.