Lake Michigan College is the recipient of a $180,000 Michigan Talent Investment Agency grant. The award was announced Thursday by Talent Investment Agency Director Wanda Stokes. She says the agency is giving out a total of $1.8 million to Michigan Works agencies, colleges, and non-profit organizations across the state for apprenticeship programs. In LMC’s case, the money will be used for construction and manufacturing training. Stokes tells us supporting apprenticeship programs is in line with Governor Rick Snyder’s “vision to promote high-paying, high-demand, careers available in the professional trades.” Economic development agencies say a professional trades shortage exists in Michigan and is expected to continue through 2024. Community colleges and employment agencies have been making a stepped up effort to provide training to those who could fill those jobs.
