If you are interested in working with Hybrid and Electric Vehicles, Southeast Michigan is the place to be. A recent WIN study showed that in Southeast Michigan there are projected to be approximately 1,400 openings for mechanical, electrical, and electronics engineers and technicians annually.
To help train enough qualified workers to help fill these jobs, Southeast Michigan has been awarded several federal training grants that you may be eligible to receive if you have the right qualifications.
State energy sector partnership training grant opportunity
In 2009, the Southeast Michigan Works Agency Council (SEMWAC) was awarded $1.6 million by the US Department of Labor to train unemployed, dislocated and incumbent worker in Advanced Energy Storage technologies. To date, the SEMWAC State Energy Storage Partnership Training grant has trained over 330 people in programs at Michigan Tech, Wayne State University, Macomb Community College and A & D Technology in Ann Arbor.
You can still apply for this grant to earn a Certificate in Advanced Energy Storage from Macomb Community College. This is a two-course certificate designed for people who have experience in manufacturing, electronics, repair or a related field, and will provide an introduction to Hybrid and Electric Vehicles, advanced batteries and safety procedures. The final round of training starts on March 19 and will run for 12 weeks every Tuesday and Thursday evening.If you are interested contact Kris Betts at kbetts@macomb-stclairworks.org.
Advanced Energy Storage Systems Initiative
In 2012, the Southeast Michigan region was awarded a $2.1 million grant aimed at developing talent, and helping stimulate economic and small businesses development. The Advanced Energy Storage Systems Initiative (AESSI) is being led by the Macomb- St. Clair Michigan Works, NextEnergy and the Minority Supplier Development Council.
To help develop talent, the AESSI grant is funding training for dislocated and incumbent workers through Wayne State University and Macomb Community College. WSU is providing a series of six short courses in Advanced Battery Systems designed for incumbent workers. MCC is providing a 200 hour Production Operator Certificate and a 28-credit Certificate in Electric Vehicle Development Technology for dislocated.For more information on the WSU program, employers can contact Sarah Tenant at stennant@macomb-stclairworks.org. For the MCC programs, dislocated workers can contact Deb Ross at brunell-rossd@macomb.edu.