Macomb is the only Michigan recipient

The US Department of Labor announced today that Macomb Community College will receive $4,971,642 to train unemployed and dislocated workers for jobs in the defense industry.  The grant builds on a $550,000 award that Rep. Levin secured in this year’s annual appropriations bill for the college’s Center of Expertise in Defense.  The grant is part of $226 million in Recovery Act grants announced today for job training in high growth and emerging industries.

“This award recognizes the strength of Macomb Community College’s training programs and collaboration with local partners and provides a key boost to Macomb County’s efforts to increase defense-related jobs,” said Rep. Levin.

“This grant is an important step in helping our residents strategically retool for an emerging sector of our local economy, while leveraging our population’s strengths in manufacturing and technical fields,” said James Jacobs, president, Macomb Community College. 

“The Recovery Act’s investments are making a positive difference in the lives of America’s working families,” said Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis. “The Recovery Act funded grants announced today will ensure thousands of workers across the nation can receive high-quality training and employment services, which will lead to good jobs in healthcare and other industries offering career-track employment and good pay and benefits.”

Macomb Community College will use the grant to serve 1,600 participants and place 922 individuals into training-related employment in defense industries, one of the fastest growing fields in Macomb County.  The Department of Defense’s expansion of the Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command (TACOM) and the Tank Automotive Research, Development, and Engineering Center (TARDEC), both located in Warren, Michigan, is expected to create almost 5,000 new jobs, as well as attract new defense-equipment businesses and manufacturers to Southeast Michigan.  Macomb Community College’s partnership with TACOM and TARDEC will allow Macomb Community College to prepare workers directly for jobs at these facilities. 

Workers will be prepared for jobs in the defense industry by filling knowledge and skill needs in acquisitions and logistics, engineering and advanced technology.  Macomb Community College and its partners will provide support services, including remediation for workers who lack basic skills, wrap around services to support appropriate access to child care and transportation, and intensive job preparation, placement, and referral.