Q & A with Victoria L. Corriveau, Director for the Workforce Development Institute of Macomb Community College.

What Is the Workforce Development Institute? 

The Workforce Development Institute is the area of the college that is dedicated to working with Macomb businesses, industry and organizations.  We partner with them to create collaborative and seamless education, training, and other related services that responds to their current and future workforce needs.

Describe the typical company that you work with to design an employee-training program.

That is a little difficult to answer - we work with companies with only a handful of employees, those that employ 20-50, larger businesses and mega companies with an international presence.  Each comes to us with a particular need they are trying to address, such as increasing efficiency, reducing costs, diversifying or launching their products, increasing sales – you name it!  We work with each to understand their particular needs, develop the most efficient solution, seek outside funding if warranted and then work with the company make the training happen.  We can deliver “Lean” training through our partnership with the Kaizen Institute, conduct employee or potential employee assessments, offer open enrollment courses through our pre-scheduled classes, customize training or education programs, or nearly any combination depending on the needs of the employer.

Are there other types of companies that should consider aligning themselves with your services?

If you hire people, we can help you develop employees that know their jobs and how what they do impacts your bottom line.  We work with service-based companies, retailers, healthcare providers, and manufacturers – truly any business.  We also work with unions, non-profit organizations and municipalities.  We consider it a great privilege to contribute to the success of any Macomb business or organization.

Are there specific eligibility requirements for companies?

None…just ask to meet with us and we’ll go from there. 

What is the cost to an employer to develop a training program in conjunction with the Workforce Development Institute?

That is a good question and depends.  As a large organization through Michigan’s second largest community college, we have access to all kinds of subject matter experts.  We can also tap our partners for additional expertise such as MIOSHA, Society of Manufacturing Engineers, etc.  Many times there is little to no cost to develop a program.  We only charge for the costs associated with customization and delivery of the programs.  We work with our clients to develop a program that is affordable, especially based on the anticipated return of having highly trained employees in place.

Is there assistance available to help employers cover the costs to offer training to new and existing workers?  How does a company access this assistance?

In a lot of instances, there is funding available through federal, state or county programs that can help to offset costs for making a workforce investment.  For example, we received a $2.1 million grant from the U.S. Department of Labor last year especially for advanced manufacturing and alternative energy.  We have enough to train several hundred folks in those areas.  We work with the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Growth (DLEG), the MEDC and the Macomb/St. Clair Workforce Development Board to secure funding for many businesses.  So far just this year, we have been able to access more than $490,000 to help Macomb businesses offer customized training for their workforce.  

Can an individual access your workforce development programs?

Yes, those interested should check out our Web site at macomb.trainingmatrix.com to see the types of training available. The online catalog offers a gamut of training and we continually keep it updated as new courses are added. We design the schedule to accommodate working individuals so many of the classes include a short commitment of time such as one day or three days.  None of our classes are longer than one week.  We really try to accommodate individuals who may want to upgrade their own skills or companies that want to send just a few individuals at a time and even companies who want to send just a newly hired employee to us for a customized training program.    

If I were a resident of the region looking to develop some of the most sought-after skills in a high paying career, in which direction would you point me?

With the changing economy, that isn’t an easy answer but careers in healthcare, advanced manufacturing, homeland security and alternative energy are always listed at the top in our region.  But, something that might not be on the radar screen is CNC Machining.  We know of several companies right now that have vacancies because they need skilled workers.  We worked with the Macomb/St. Clair Workforce Development Board to develop a program to train individuals for these positions in just a few weeks.  The program is absolutely free and, if successfully completed, offers guaranteed job placement with a local company that has not had a lay-off in at least three years.  It is mind boggling to me that we cannot seem to find enough individuals to take advantage of this free program that offers a guaranteed job with benefits. 

How much does the average CNC Machinist earn? 

According to the salary averages we have, it is around $42,000 per year but we have seen higher salaries also.  These would be entry jobs of course and would start lower.  (CNC Fast Track Program).

Does the WDI offer other types of training that I should consider to make myself as employable as possible?

Our employers tell us they are looking for people with a variety of the latest skills in technology as well as those that are able to problem solve creatively, communicate effectively, manage time and oversee projects.  We offer training for all these

Where else should people who are transitioning from one type of work experience to another go for help?

There are several places that folks can get information and assistance on changing careers.  First is the MichiganWorks! Service Centers. MichiganWorks! is a terrific partner of ours and is the place for anyone who needs to obtain employment or is looking to change careers.  They have information on hiring in our region, job postings, etc.  They can also offer free training for those that are unemployed or get people enrolled in Michigan’s No Worker Left Behind program. 

Macomb Community College has great Counseling programs and through Career Services plus through the Center for Continuing Education especially for individuals seeking immediate entry-level employment, new career opportunities, retraining and skills upgrades for the workplace. 

What is the difference between the Workforce Development Institute and Michigan Works!?

The Workforce Development Institute is dedicated to working primarily with employers and related organizations rather than individuals. Other areas of the college are focused on individuals and their career preparation or redefining needs.  Although both areas work with employers, we are a training and related services provider to mostly employers.  

Do your agencies work together on specific projects?

Absolutely!

What are they?

We work with them on many Incumbent Worker Training Grants for local businesses, on the No Worker Left Behind program in which we also received a joint grant from the state to increase both of our capacity for serving individuals through this program, we also work with them on our federal grants as they are one of our partners and I personally represent not only Macomb, but the other eight community college’s in southeast Michigan on the MichiganWorks 21st Century workgroup, We have worked with them in the past as a provider for their service centers, adult learning centers, and other type of providers to MichiganWorks!  They are a terrific partner and we enjoy our tremendous working relationship with them.