Oakland County knows an educated, skilled workforce is critical to the success of so many of the 30,000-plus businesses located here.
That is why the County’s leadership is intensely focused on increasing the number of working-age adults who have a college degree or skills certification.
The goal of 80 percent of Oakland County adults achieving this educational milestone by 2030 is ambitious, but possible, especially considering the progress made in just two years, said Oakland80 Administrator Rana Al-Igoe. The portion of eligible adults has increased by 7.4 percent during this time, to almost 69 percent.
“Our work is paying dividends,” Al-Igoe said. “Oakland County already featured the most skilled workforce in the state and this is accelerating as people realize there are so many resources out there to help them return to school and obtain their degree or skills certification.”
A key player in the success of Oakland80 has been Oakland County Michigan Works! and its teams at six centers across the region. Oakland80’s Career and Education Navigators often refer people to the centers for critical support.
Last year alone, the center teams worked with 830 individuals who received Oakland80 supportive services to help them overcome barriers to achieve their education and career goals. This included assistance with books and supplies, uniforms and equipment, transportation, childcare and other needs.
The teams at the centers also have helped more than 860 families who have qualified for $1,200 Oakland County Childcare Scholarships through Oakland80, to help many of them return to school or work.
The Business Solutions Professionals at the centers also work closely with employers to submit applications for the state’s popular Going PRO Talent Fund (GPTF). It provides short-term training grants to employers to upskill new and incumbent workers, including registered apprentices.
“The Going PRO Talent Fund is directly aligned with the goal of the Oakland80 initiative,” said Oakland County Michigan Works! Troy Director Denise VanHee, who helps manage the GPTF on behalf of Oakland County. “The short-term training that is funded through Going PRO leads to new certifications that increase the skill levels of those residents who live in Oakland County.”
In 2023, the Growing PRO Talent Fund provided $3.9 million in grants to 81 Oakland County employers to train 2,130 workers. This year, a record $4.1 million in training grants has already been awarded to 90 local employers to train 2,291 people. The application period for Cycle 2 of the grants just closed on May 10.
The Oakland County Michigan Works! centers also offer employer-driven short-term training programs. Last year, 183 people completed training to become certified programmable logic controller/robotics technicians, certified nurse aides, sterile processing technicians, computer support technicians and CNC machine operators.
In addition, the Oakland County Michigan Works! centers partner with employers to provide other related services to upskill workers, including on-the-job training, classroom and incumbent worker training, support for creating internships and apprenticeships, and other work experience opportunities for adults and youth.
Oakland County’s Advantage: Apprenticeship program contributed to the Oakland80 effort last year, funding 88 apprentices pursuing careers in a variety of fields, including CNC machinists, software engineers, accountants, childcare providers, telecom technicians, healthcare direct support specialists, electric vehicle charging station installers.
“The Oakland County Michigan Works! centers and their teams are playing an invaluable role in helping us grow closer to achieving our Oakland80 goal,” Al-Igoe said. “They are providing residents with the resources and tools needed to further their education and achieve their career goals which, in turn, helps position us as one of the most educated counties in the state.”
