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Oakland County Receives $1.8M for Workforce Development

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  Published in Stocks and Investing on Sunday, February 22nd 2026 at 7:16 GMT by The Oakland Press
      Locales: Michigan, UNITED STATES

PONTIAC, MI - February 22, 2026 - Oakland County is poised for continued economic growth thanks to a significant investment of $1.8 million in state grants earmarked for workforce development. Announced last month by the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO), these funds are strategically allocated to programs designed to bridge the skills gap and prepare residents for high-demand careers, particularly in the skilled trades and advanced manufacturing sectors.

Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter hailed the grants as a "vital investment" in the region's future, emphasizing the importance of collaboration between government, educational institutions, and the private sector. "These grants aren't just about training," Coulter stated. "They're about building pathways to prosperity for our residents and ensuring our local businesses have the skilled talent they need to compete globally."

The grants represent a continuation of a statewide initiative to bolster Michigan's workforce, a critical component of attracting and retaining businesses in a competitive national landscape. The focus on skilled trades - areas often facing acute shortages - reflects a growing national trend recognizing the value of hands-on technical skills. While many programs emphasize four-year degrees, there's been an increasing acknowledgement of the economic viability and fulfilling nature of careers in fields like construction, machining, and automation.

The $1.8 million will be distributed among four key organizations:

• Oakland Community College (OCC): $500,000 - OCC will utilize these funds to expand its pre-apprenticeship programs in advanced manufacturing. This initiative aims to provide individuals with foundational skills and practical experience, making them more competitive applicants for registered apprenticeships. OCC has a long history of successful partnerships with local manufacturers, ensuring curriculum relevance and a clear pathway to employment. The college plans to leverage the funding to upgrade equipment in its advanced manufacturing labs, offering students exposure to the latest technologies like robotics, CNC machining, and 3D printing.

• Generation WorkAdvance: $400,000 - Generation WorkAdvance will focus on intensive skills bootcamps in the rapidly evolving field of information technology. These bootcamps are designed for adults looking to quickly acquire in-demand skills like data analytics, cybersecurity, and cloud computing. The program's emphasis is on accelerated learning and practical application, with participants completing projects that simulate real-world work scenarios. The goal is to equip individuals with the qualifications necessary to secure entry-level IT positions and advance their careers.

• STAR Academy: $350,000 - STAR Academy, a respected training provider for the construction trades, will use the grant to expand its training capacity and introduce new curriculum focused on sustainable building practices and energy efficiency. The construction industry is experiencing a significant labor shortage, and STAR Academy's program will help to address this gap by providing individuals with the skills needed to become electricians, plumbers, carpenters, and other essential tradespeople. There's growing demand for skilled professionals who can install and maintain green building technologies.

• Michigan Works! Oakland County: $550,000 - Michigan Works! Oakland County will serve as a central hub for career navigation and training support services. This includes career counseling, job placement assistance, and access to financial resources for training. Sue Trainor, Director of Michigan Works! Oakland County, expressed excitement about the funding, stating, "This will enable us to help even more residents access the training and support they need to find good-paying jobs." Michigan Works! will also focus on connecting employers with qualified candidates and providing customized training solutions to meet specific workforce needs.

The success of these programs hinges on strong partnerships with local businesses. LEO and Oakland County officials stress that aligning training programs with industry needs is paramount. Regular communication with employers ensures that curriculum remains relevant and that graduates possess the skills that are truly in demand. This collaborative approach minimizes the risk of creating a surplus of trained individuals in areas where jobs aren't available, and maximizes the impact of the investment.

Looking ahead, Coulter emphasized the continued importance of investing in workforce development. "Our skilled trades and manufacturing sectors are growing and thriving, and these grants will help us to ensure that we have the workforce to support that growth," he said. The county plans to explore additional funding opportunities and expand its partnerships with businesses and educational institutions to create a sustainable pipeline of skilled workers for years to come. The goal isn't just to fill jobs, but to create a skilled, adaptable workforce that can drive innovation and economic prosperity in Oakland County and beyond.