Robert Trombley, M.A.

Michigan’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate receded by one-tenth of a percentage point over the month to 5.2 percent during August, according to data released today by the Michigan Department of Technology, Management & Budget. Employment decreased by 7,000 over the month, and the number of unemployed people fell by 6,000. Michigan’s labor force receded by 14,000 during August. https://lnkd.in/g5FkNEsF

9

The Michigan House budget released this week deals a devastating blow to Michigan’s workforce development system — threatening programs that connect individuals to opportunity and employers to talent. At Youth Solutions, we are directly impacted by the elimination of $5.7 million in funding, even as we serve more than 14,000 youth in 98 communities each year through Jobs for Michigan's Graduates, Youth Solutions Foundations, and Connecting Careers to the Core. These programs work: ✅ 99% of JMG participants graduate high school and 94% are engaged in postsecondary education, work, or the military after high school ✅ For students in our Foundations schools, career awareness and career planning has grown by double digits—up to 49% in some areas for our first school partners ✅ Thousands of young people are building plans, exploring careers, and stepping confidently into adulthood Eliminating these programs means lost opportunities for young people and a weaker workforce pipeline for Michigan businesses. 👉 We urge policymakers to prioritize Michigan’s future by safeguarding the programs that prepare youth to thrive in school, work, and life. 👉 We call on our partners, employers, educators, and community leaders to stand with us and speak out. Together, we can ensure Michigan’s youth have the support they need to succeed — and that our state has the workforce it needs to thrive. #CareerFocusedEducation #TeamJMG #MichiganYouth #WorkforceDevelopment #YouthSolutions

24

Didn’t receive Going PRO funding last round? There’s another opportunity available. The Employer-Led Collaborative (ELC) portion of Michigan’s Going PRO Talent Fund is now open. ELCs allow employers with similar training needs to apply together for workforce training funding and are often less competitive than traditional Going PRO cycles since applications are reviewed as they’re submitted. Eligible training may include: - Lean, Six Sigma, and quality management - Safety and compliance - Industrial skills (maintenance, CNC, automation, etc.) - Cybersecurity and technology skills If your company is still looking for workforce training support, this could be a great option. Reach out to thecenter@rightplace.org to get started.

4

Illinois' Manufacturing Training Academy program is showing how to actually bridge the skills gap. Since 2019, they've funded four academies that partner directly with manufacturers - Rivian working with Heartland Community College on EV training, Southwestern Illinois College focusing on tool and die work that local shops desperately need. Now they're expanding with $24M more, targeting downstate regions where manufacturers often struggle to find skilled workers. The state also just added tax credits for companies investing $10M+ in manufacturing. They're building complete support for manufacturing growth. #Manufacturing #SkillsGap #ManufacturingJobs

2

💡How did Michigan’s workforce fare last month? 📈 Dive into our latest Workforce Insights to see what’s driving change in our state’s economy. We'll cover: ✅ Unemployment Rate ✅ Labor Force Participation ✅ Jobs Added ✅ Top Industries Source: Michigan Department of Technology, Management & Budget

9

Why do leaders across metro Detroit choose to serve on the Goodwill of Greater Detroit board? Because career training and development are the keys to economic mobility. “Helping someone advance their career is the start of a stronger community,” says Deirdre Groves, co-founder and executive director of Challenge Detroit and Goodwill board member. During a recent visit to Goodwill’s Flip the Script, Deirdre heard firsthand from justice-involved program participants who are building skills, exploring and learning new trades and changing their lives. “Connecting people to jobs is connecting them to prosperity,” she said. Supporting Goodwill—through donations, advocacy or leadership—is one way to strengthen our region’s workforce and future. The support of board members like Deirdre is vital to Goodwill’s success, connecting our organization to businesses, communities and the resources needed to advance our mission. Have an idea about how you can impact Goodwill? Contact us here: https://lnkd.in/evuKzCsp

27

1 Comment

Going PRO Talent Fund Applications Now Open Until October 30 Michigan employers can now apply for the Going PRO Talent Fund, a state grant program that helps businesses upskill and train current or new employees. This program remains one of the state’s strongest workforce-readiness tools. However, with reduced state funding this year, grants are expected to be highly competitive. Two funding rounds are planned — the first is open now through 5 p.m. on Thursday, October 30, and the next will take place in 2026. The Lansing Regional Chamber partners closely with Capital Area Michigan Works!, which provides direct support to employers during the application process. You can connect with CAMW! through their employer portal: https://lnkd.in/gDywnnrg

2

Caregiving is hurting retention in Indy HR leaders in Indianapolis, Carmel, Fishers, Noblesville, Brownsburg, Avon, Southport, and Beech Grove—you’re seeing it. Quiet absences. Missed deadlines. Good people stepping back from growth. This is a performance issue and a people issue. Here’s what works across the Indy Metro area; simple moves that protect dignity and boost results: • Start with flexible time 🕒 Make it easy to step out for medical visits and emergencies. Clear guardrails, simple approval, no stigma. You’ll cut last-minute call-offs. • Offer eldercare navigation, not a brochure 🤝 Give employees a trusted guide to find safe, affordable options fast. Local, vetted resources save hours and reduce errors. • Train managers for consistent responses 📍 Provide short scripts and checklists. Be kind, be clear, protect privacy. Consistency reduces risk and drama. • Protect confidentiality and data 🔐 Use de-identified reporting. No personal health details to HR. Align with your policies and EAP. Set SLAs and escalation paths. • Measure what leaders care about 📊 Track usage, time saved, reduced absenteeism, and retention in caregiver populations. Share quick wins with finance and ops. What you gain: fewer absences, faster return to focus after a crisis, higher engagement, and a stronger employer brand in a tight labor market. Senior Care Authority Indianapolis is local and vendor-neutral. We support your people, align with your policies, and keep the lift light for HR. Pilot in one site or department for 3 months: dedicated advisor, de-identified monthly insights, clear outcomes. If you lead HR in Central Indiana, let’s build a right-sized pilot. www.SCAIndy.com What’s worked for your team so far? I’d value your perspective. #CaregivingAtWork #HRWithHeart #IndianapolisHR

3

I recently spoke with the Racine Urban League on Navigating the DE&I or DE&I +Belonging Landscape, and I want to reset the conversation with facts. DE&I(Diversity, Equity & Inclusion) is not niche work. It directly impacts the majority of today’s workforce, including: • Women (47% of the U.S. workforce – BLS) • Professionals over 40 (nearly 25% of U.S. workers – BLS) • People with disabilities (26% of U.S. adults – CDC) • Veterans, caregivers, and first-generation professionals ☝🏾What the research consistently shows: • Companies with diverse leadership teams are more profitable (McKinsey, Diversity Wins) • Inclusive cultures drive higher engagement and retention (Deloitte, Global Human Capital Trends) • Fair, skills-based hiring expands access to stronger talent pools (SHRM) 🧐 So why is DEI under attack? Because it’s often framed as political or exclusionary — when in reality, DEI is: -A HR/talent strategy -A risk-management strategy compliance/legal -A performance strategy At its core, DE&I is about access, consistency, and opportunity, not quotas or preference. The future of DE&I will belong to leaders who: • Use data and HR strategies • Speak plainly • Align DE&I to business outcomes This conversation matters especially now.

12

1 Comment

STATE SEEKS OHIO EMPLOYER FEEDBACK WITH IN-DEMAND JOBS SURVEY Ohio Department of Job and Family Services Director Matt Damschroder today announced the opening of the latest In-Demand Job Survey for Ohio businesses to provide feedback on the state's In-Demand Jobs List. “Tracking Ohio’s top jobs helps paint the picture of Ohio’s workforce needs,” said Damschroder. “Understanding the future labor market helps us plan programming and ultimately helps inform students and job seekers looking at potential careers.” The survey is open to all businesses registered in Ohio, giving small and large businesses alike the opportunity to shape how Ohio prepares people for the workforce. To learn more visit https://lnkd.in/gu4Ww-H7

9

1 Comment

Crain's Detroit Business published an article today about the new Comerica Bank layoffs. The layoffs aren’t shocking. What’s shocking is that anyone is acting surprised. This is what happens when leadership manages numbers but falls short on managing narratives. If strategy changes and people don’t hear it early, layoffs feel sudden. If leaders communicate reality clearly and consistently, people may not like it- but they’re not blindsided. That’s Leadership 101. And too many big banks still fail it.(not sure of the reality here) Now here’s the part everyone is ignoring. Comerica Bank is letting go of a lot of good people! - Not dead weight. - Not low performers. - Capable bankers who know how to operate inside complex systems. And if you’re a bank saying, “We can’t find talent,” but you’re not actively recruiting right now - stop lying to yourself. This is one of the best talent windows we’ve seen in years. The smart banks won’t post jobs and pray. - They’ll reach out. - They’ll move fast. - They’ll sell leadership, stability, and clarity. Not ping-pong tables and culture buzzwords. Here’s the reality: - Big banks optimize for efficiency - Community banks win with trust, clarity, and proximity - Moments like this separate leaders from operators If you wait until everyone else starts hiring, you already lost. This isn’t bad news. It’s a leadership test. And a recruiting gift. The only question is whether you’re paying attention - or waiting for permission….. #banking #banks #merger #communitybanking

187

11 Comments