WIN supports Southeast Michigan employers by coordinating targeted, efficient, and cost-saving talent solutions. The mission of WIN’s employer strategies work is to strengthen and sustain a collaborative, employer-driven talent system that serves as a resource hub and connection point for regional businesses, the industry, and other stakeholders. The mission is facilitated by gathering real-time talent and skill demand data, verifying the demand with regional companies, and orchestrating talent gap solutions as a part of business service processes and academic solutions. We do this by leveraging resources, programs, and support across our local talent partners, including Michigan Works! Agencies, colleges, economic development agencies, universities, and industry support organizations. Get the help you are looking for by contacting Al Lecz or dialing 313.744.2946 (2WIN).
Advanced Manufacturing
WIN connects with various organizations and associations working in this space and is leading important initiatives to better align the talent system with talent needs. WIN serves as project lead and fiscal agent for InnoState, a new coalition among WIN, the Detroit Regional Chamber’s Connection Point, the Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center (MMTC), the National Center for Manufacturing Sciences (NCMS), the Business Accelerators of Southeast Michigan (BANSEM) and the Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME). Backed by funding from the MEDC and various federal government agencies, InnoState is focused on expanding the New Product Contract Manufacturing Cluster of firms to increase their business and compete globally. WIN also convenes the skilled trades taskforce, which addresses employer talent needs through ongoing dialogue between the talent system and employers looking for skilled trades talent.
Information Technology
Information technology jobs are some of the fastest growing in the region. WIN’s cluster strategy includes the convening of an employer-led, multi-industry council, which has come to be known as the Tech Council of Southeast Michigan. The Council is convened to raise awareness of and shape community responses to regional talent needs. This group meets routinely and has two primary focuses:
• talent attraction and development; and
• marketing and branding Southeast Michigan as a technology hub.
The Council is comprised of more than 30 employers who have a significant need for information technology talent and is open to any additional company who may be interested in participating. In addition, WIN is directly involved with company-led training initiatives like “IT in the D” and serves as a communication conduit for the region’s various talent partners. WIN is also working closely with the MEDC, the State of Michigan, business accelerators, and many others to collaborate and help drive their efforts and programs aimed at closing the IT talent gap in Southeast Michigan.
Health Care
The health care sector is Michigan’s largest private employer. In late 2012, WIN was asked to convene the Southeast Michigan Health Care System Human Resource Executives, with the purpose of looking at shared concerns around health-worker shortages, both short and long-term. At a time when workers in key positions are preparing for retirement, and employers are aligning with new policies (such as ICD-10 coding), the region’s health systems agreed to continue an ongoing and coordinated dialogue. The group is currently planning strategies that will ensure academic programs and other training investments are aligned with employer hiring needs.
