LANSING, Mich. (WZMQ) – State and industry leaders are focusing on ways to grow and train Michigan’s workforce. That was the topic today, on the last day of the annual Mackinac Island Policy Conference where some U.P education leaders spoke with legislators.
Presidents from Michigan State, Michigan, Ferris State, and Oakland Universities participated in the panel to discuss their role in training the next generation of Michigan’s workforce.
“It’s about attracting that talent and we have to be thinking forward.” Said Kevin Guskiewicz, MSU president. “What is it that’s going to prepare students and graduates for jobs and careers of the future.”
The presidents discussed their universities’ work to help students graduate into jobs that keep them in the state. Northern Michigan University’s president, Brock Tessman, didn’t participate in the panel but was in attendance. He said at Northern, they’re focused on the workscholars program.
“It’s all about connecting students really early in their career at Northern to employers so that the relationship is built over time,” Tessman said. “If we have students that are graduating from any of our universities in Michigan and they’re entertaining different job offers, different career starting points, whatever we can do to get them to start in Michigan after graduation is such a watershed moment.”
He said those relationships allow students to secure work right after graduation, but Tessman explained that it takes more than just programs to keep talent in the state. He said at Northern they’re focused on building an environment that makes the U.P. feel like a home for students who come from all over the country.
“One of our primary goals: of course, we’re thinking about our student’s future,” Tessman said. “We’re thinking about trying to make sure as many of our students as possible find their future in Michigan.”
The other university presidents discussed the resources they’re putting toward exposure. making sure potential students are aware of the options they have when it comes to the majors and programs that are available.
“We have so many students that come our way from different parts of the state.” Said Bill Pink, Ferris State University President. “From their experience, the idea of exposure, there are many programs on our campus, they have no clue about. they didn’t know they had a job to do that.”
Tessman explained that the partnerships between universities are an important part of making sure all students know about their options in the state. He said it will be a team effort for Michigan universities to train and retain talent in the state.
