State leaders this week came together to honor Detroit leaders for their efforts to create jobs and develop fresh talent in their communities.
Lawmakers and statewide talent development officials recognized Detroit Employment Solutions Corporation (DESC), ExperienceIT, and the Grand Circus IT learning institute in downtown Detroit.
“DESC has been instrumental in recruiting participants from the Metro Detroit region and leading the initiative in designing a model of training to expand IT opportunities,” Michigan Sen. Hoon-Yung Hopgood (D-Taylor) said. “Ultimately, these are the jobs that are going to keep Michigan’s economy strong in the future. I applaud this collaborative effort to ensure our state’s lasting prosperity.”
ExperienceIT stands out from other training programs because of its unique, hands-on, nine-week training course, designed to transition students from the classroom to the workplace through real-world IT projects, mentorship and training. IT focused, Detroit-based ExperienceIT partner companies include: Quicken Loans; GalaxE.Solutions; Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan; DTE Energy; Marketing Associates; Title Source; and In-House Realty.
“The training program not only prepares participants for jobs in high-demand positions, it also provides students with experience with interviewing, resume writing, team-building and other soft skills,” Sen. Hopgood said.
The Michigan Works! Impact Awards bring lawmakers and economic achievers together for a unique look at the work that’s transforming Michigan’s economic vitality. Dozens of honorees from across the state received awards presented by their local lawmakers and state workforce development officials.
“As Michigan continues to diversify its economy, programs like Experience IT are truly transformational,” State Rep. Stephanie Chang (D-Detroit) said. “My hat is off to the visionary partners in this program, whose efforts provide a model for the entire state of Michigan.”
Award winners included Michigan businesses, partners, employees and Michigan Works! Agencies from across the state. During the event, lawmakers presented tributes to award winners, who shared their stories and the role Michigan Works! played in their success.
Established in 1987, the Michigan Works! Association fosters high-quality employment and training programs serving employers and workers by providing support activities and a forum for information exchange for Michigan’s workforce development system. For more information, please visit www.michiganworks.org.
