Senator Stabenow Continues “Jobs of the Future” Tour at Delta College
U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow continued her "Jobs of the Future" Tour at Delta College where she highlighted the College's Fast Start programs, which are training workers for new high-tech jobs at innovative businesses. Created in 2008, Fast Start programs help prepare workers with the cutting-edge skills they need to work at companies like The Dow Chemical Company, Dow Corning, and Hemlock Semiconductor through a partnership with Delta College and Michigan Works! The event is another stop on Stabenow's "Jobs of the Future" Tour, where she is meeting with Michigan business leaders and discussing her initiatives to boost Michigan's new economy by helping innovative companies create the new high-tech jobs of the future.
Senator Stabenow said: "When we make things here and grow things here, we create jobs here in Michigan. One of the most common things I hear from businesses who are creating new innovative jobs is the challenge they have finding graduates with the right skills to match the needs of emerging high-tech industries. Delta College is rising to this challenge. This program is a great example of how our colleges and businesses are partnering to help prepare workers for jobs of the future."
Jean Goodnow, President of Delta College, said: "Through this successful partnership, we are transforming the economy of the Great Lakes Bay Region and providing employers with a qualified and talented workforce. Senator Stabenow has been instrumental in supporting alternative energy legislation that has benefitted job growth in our region. I am pleased that Delta College was selected for the Jobs of the Future Tour and we look forward to continuing our partnership."
Rich Wells, Vice President and Site Director for Dow Michigan Operations, said: "Fast Start is a revolutionary program that shows community colleges like Delta can bridge the disconnect between their curriculum and the labor needs of growing industries. Collaboration between educational institutions and employers is mutually beneficial - graduates will acquire the skills they need to compete for jobs while businesses will have access to the specialized talent they urgently seek."
Fast Start works directly with Michigan companies to train individuals so they have advanced skills for jobs in emerging industries. The four types of Fast Start training programs offered are Solar Manufacturing, Chemical Process Operator, Advanced Lithium Ion Battery Manufacturing, and Business Process Services. Fast Start is designed for individuals who can make a full-time, 40 hour per week classroom/training commitment (and an additional 15-20 hours per week outside of class). For more information, please click here.
