"If we're going to accelerate implementation and see those results in the near term and the long term...I think it takes visionary leadership and acceptance of being able to take some risks, be bold, be daring. Understand that sometimes if you take on a new initiative, or a new venture, it may not be as wildly successful as you could have imagined...But at the end of the day, it might be the thing that is the game changer for your company, for your community, for your region, here in Michigan." - Ryan Hundt

Michigan Works! Association is the workforce development engine for the state of Michigan. With 16 regional workforce agencies and 99 physical locations across the state, Michigan Works! is providing the resources to get Michiganders into high-wage, high-demand careers and driving massive economic growth for the state.

Chief Executive Officer Ryan Hundt joins us for this episode to discuss all things workforce development. States across the U.S. should take notes on the model and strategies Michigan Works! has implemented that are unique, successful and will drive long-term impact in the state.

3 Big Takeaways from this episode:

1. The Michigan Works! model enables a comprehensive, cohesive workforce development strategy statewide: The Michigan Works! Association is truly unique in its structure. By having a centralized entity with regional agencies spread across the state, the association is able develop strategies that are cohesive statewide. It also enables Michigan Works! to have a strong voice to advocate for its members at the state and national levels.
2. The model also enables the unique needs of each region to be met: Michigan is a diverse state - every region has different industries and workforce and economic development needs. The 16 regional agencies are able to address those unique local needs, meeting employers and individuals in their own towns with the resources they need.
3. Workforce development is about far more than employment: Solving the workforce shortage and getting people back to work is a complex, multi-faceted issue. It's about more than just skills and training; it includes issues like transportation, childcare, population decline, housing, and much more. Michigan Works! Association is a great example for how a workforce development organization should address all these components.

Resources:

Learn more about the Michigan Works! Association: michiganworks.org

Helpful resources: michiganworks.org/useful-links

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View this episode's web page: https://techedpodcast.com/michiganworks/

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