Posted on 05/27/2015 2:46:33 PM PDT by cripplecreek
MACKINAC ISLAND, MI -- Mike Rowe made dirty jobs look cool. Can he do the same for the tool and die industry?
The state today at the Mackinac Policy Conference annouced a partnership with Rowe and his foundation, mikeroweWorks, to produce videos that show students skilled trades are sustainable, good career paths. Rowe's videos, targeted to middle and high school students, will highlight industries like tool and die, health care, construction and welding.
"Closing the skills gap is not about creating opportunity. It's about making sure that people understand all of the opportunities that currently exist," Rowe said Wednesday. "Michigan is doing the right thing by getting the word out, and mikeroweWorks is honored to help."
(Video)Tool and Die - Pure Michigan Talent Connect
Videos featuring Tom Daldin of Under the Radar Michigan will target students in kindergarten through fifth grade, and focus on careers like manufacturing and agricultural industries. In total 11 videos are available. Watch them all here.
Rowe and his foundation aren't new to work like this. He's helped other states looking to bolster their skilled trades, and says some public relations is necessary to change the conversation about these types of careers, which are in demand.
Michigan's Talent Investment Agency Director Stephanie Comai said according to the agency's calculations, "we expect to have 6,700 jobs open every year from now until 2022 in the skilled trades."
Those are big numbers, and with an aging skilled trades workforce the state is working preemptively to help get some talent in the pipeline.
When Gov. Rick Snyder went to school, he said about half the students in his class would go to vocational training. Now, that's not as common. He's out to change that, in part through educating students and parents with these videos.
"I've been talking about the skilled trades for years now. It is a top priority for this administration, and it needs to be for the entire state," Snyder said.
Earlier this year Snyder created a new state department, Talent and Economic Development, and a new agency under it, the Talent Investment Agency. These organizations are focused on helping match Michiganders with in-demand careers and filling the career pipeline with qualified candidates.
"It is a talent issue in general. . . it's not necessarily a 'I need a specific person that can do a specific thing a specific way,' it's 'I need talented people that will learn how to do this that will grow with my company,'" said Talent and Economic Development Director Steve Arwood.
Doug Rothwell, president and CEO of Business Leaders for Michigan, said for the state's major employers, the talent shortage is real and applauded the state's effort to give students exposure to career options.
Talent is one of the topics that the Mackinac Policy Conference is focusing on. It runs through Friday.
Unfortunately our welfare system is set up to perpetuate itself and punish the first sign of independence.
Personally I’d rather give some welfare to an able bodied person who works part time than give full welfare to someone who doesn’t work at all. Instead we cut off the person who works part time and give full benefits the person who doesn’t work at all.
I would rework the whole system so any able bodied person getting benefits would get a rock bottom minimum with a chance of earning more through community service, education and job training. Give them $50 per week and tell them if they want to make it $150 they can work cutting grass for the county for 20 hours per week. If they want $200 per week, they need to put in 40 hours. I wouldn’t be surprised if many private businesses would be happy to take on some of that cheap labor while splitting the cost with the taxpayers.
What’s important to do however, is to rebuild our own country.
We have exported so much manufacturing now. America doesn’t have a real industrial base now, it is in China.
China makes everything. It is time to bring back American industry, to our own country.
It is time for the GOP to stand up strongly, for US industry.
Are your Dremel tool kits made in America?
(just wondering)
“#19 Do you have a Dremel tool kit? : )”
Yeah, a couple. Sometimes those are the only thing small enough to do the job. Like if my wife has a bad tooth. But being electrical, you have to be a little careful of slobber, as it’s conductive. Just pack enough cotton balls in there and things are OK. If it smokes, just a little spritz from a spray bottle helps.
Dremel is suppose to be.
Years ago, there were efforts to put welfare recipients to work in jobs as you describe. These efforts either never got off the ground or certain groups would holler “racism,” so the efforts would fall by the wayside. At one point I believe President Bush wanted to replace government charity with private charities such as the Salvation Army. There were allegations that the President was trying to force religion on the welfare recipients.
No matter what is done or attempted, there are certain individuals and groups which will cry “foul.” Usually, these individuals and entities have a vested interest in keeping welfare recipients dependent. It’s the government plantation.
Mike Rowe is a good’un IMO.
John Ratzenberger is another good guy who is pushing skilled trades as a good career choice.
I agree with what you say, but the only industry the GOP is going to stand up for,is that which outsources.They could care less about the middle class.
Big multi nationals,big dollar contributions.Wealth is created by mining,growing,manufacturing.These are short term thinkers, get my money now,screw the future.We’re not going to get help from either political party,it doesn’t affect them,so why should they care?
Nice people,huh? E’ffn screw them,all of them.
When your wife needed braces did you use the arc welder? : )
Shut down welfare and they'll flock to the churches and other charities. Mebbe do some of them some good.
I just wish Snyder would stop fooling around and declare his democrat candidate plans for president.
love it. Made in Michigan. Not China.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.