Automation Alley, a technology business association covering a 10 county region in Southeastern Michigan, concluded its four-year Technical Talent Development Program (TTDP) on a successful note. The nonprofit trained 1,347 local workers through its program, exceeding their original goal to train 715 workers.
The TTDP, made possible through a $5 million grant funded by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment, and Training Administration, was an initiative to help companies in Southeast Michigan hire the best information technology talent available. Automation Alley provided funding to local employers to cover the cost of high-level IT training, including industry-recognized certifications.
The training local employees received was administered by local educational institutions and training providers, with the type of training determined by the employer.
“TTDP was a collaborative effort, bringing together business, education, individuals and industry partners to create positive change in Southeast Michigan,” said Karol Friedman, Automation Alley’s director of talent development. “Even though this particular program has come to an end, Automation Alley will continue to work tirelessly to support job creation and retention in our region and to ensure Southeast Michigan’s technology workforce is among the most skilled in the nation.”
Better-trained employees mean that Southeast Michigan businesses can compete at a higher level with businesses outside the region. In today’s technology age, IT training is essential to running a successful business, and Automation Alley has worked with business owners to ensure that their employees, both current and new hires, have the skills necessary to help their businesses grow.
Automation Alley has also supported business growth in the region by investing in six startup companies during Q1. The organization’s total dollars invested in local startup companies is now $9.08 million. The most recent startups to receive funding are part of Automation Alley’s 7Cs program.
The companies that received funding were RazorThreat, Len & Jerry’s Modular Components, MEISelectric, The Automation of Things, MagWerks LED and Quipzor.
