Dearborn - Gov. Jennifer M. Granholm Monday announced a $350,000 Economic Development Job Training grant to support skills upgrading for 300 current Ford Motor workers and 400 new hires in Dearborn.
The training is an investment made by Ford for the launch of the 2009 Ford F-150, according to spokesperson Anne Marie Gattari. The workers will be transplanted to the Dearborn truck plant from a variety of other Ford sites, she said.
"The training will enhance (the employees') skills so they can build the next generation F-150 at the Dearborn truck plant," Gattari said.
Gattari said a third shift will be added at the plant, specifically for the transplanted employees. She added that the 400 new hires are composed of workers from other Ford sites.
"They're not from off the street," Gattari said.
The funding, provided by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, will underwrite cutting-edge training in advanced manufacturing applications specific to each company's needs.
"Our highly-skilled, adaptable workforce is critical to attracting jobs and investments to Michigan," Granholm said. "Upgrading our workers' skills allows our manufacturers to stay competitive in the global economy, which in turns helps strengthen Michigan's economy."
In her 2007 State of the State address, Granholm emphasized the need to make Michigan a global economic powerhouse in the 21st century. Strengthening the workforce is part of that plan, with job training one of the tools being used to enhance the state's business-friendly climate.
The training for Ford workers will be provided by Henry Ford Community College (HFCC).
Gary Saganski, HFCC director of corporate training, said the grant will go toward improving Ford employees' skills in advanced manufacturing.
"We're glad to be working with Ford and the employees," Saganski said. "We've been working with Ford since this program began in the 90s, so we have a good working relationship with the company."
"EDJT grants help employers and employees meet the challenge of staying current with changes in technology," MEDC President and CEO James C. Epolito said. "Neither can prosper in global competition without the ability to adapt."
Since 1994, more than $339 million in EDJT grants has helped nearly 610,000 Michigan workers improve their skills and enhance the competitiveness of their employers.
The Michigan Economic Development Corporation, a partnership between the state and local communities, promotes smart economic growth by developing strategies and providing services to create and retain good jobs and a high quality of life. For more information about the MEDC, please visit www.michigan.org.
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