A Statewide Ecosystem for Workforce Development

Ryan Hundt - CEO of the Michigan Works! Association

Love the episode? Leave a review on your favorite podcast platform!

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

"If we're going to accelerate implementation and see those results in the near term and the long term...I think it takes visionary leadership and acceptance of being able to take some risks, be bold, be daring. Understand that sometimes if you take on a new initiative, or a new venture, it may not be as wildly successful as you could have imagined...But at the end of the day, it might be the thing that is the game changer for your company, for your community, for your region, here in Michigan." - Ryan Hundt

Michigan Works! Association is the workforce development engine for the state of Michigan. With 16 regional workforce agencies and 99 physical locations across the state, Michigan Works! is providing the resources to get Michiganders into high-wage, high-demand careers and driving massive economic growth for the state.

Chief Executive Officer Ryan Hundt joins us for this episode to discuss all things workforce development. States across the U.S. should take notes on the model and strategies Michigan Works! has implemented that are unique, successful and will drive long-term impact in the state.

3 Big Takeaways from this episode:

  1. The Michigan Works! model enables a comprehensive, cohesive workforce development strategy statewide: The Michigan Works! Association is truly unique in its structure. By having a centralized entity with regional agencies spread across the state, the association is able develop strategies that are cohesive statewide. It also enables Michigan Works! to have a strong voice to advocate for its members at the state and national levels.
  2. The model also enables the unique needs of each region to be met: Michigan is a diverse state - every region has different industries and workforce and economic development needs. The 16 regional agencies are able to address those unique local needs, meeting employers and individuals in their own towns with the resources they need.
  3. Workforce development is about far more than employment: Solving the workforce shortage and getting people back to work is a complex, multi-faceted issue. It's about more than just skills and training; it includes issues like transportation, childcare, population decline, housing, and much more. Michigan Works! Association is a great example for how a workforce development organization should address all these components.

Resources:

Learn more about the Michigan Works! Association: michiganworks.org

Helpful resources: michiganworks.org/useful-links

Follow the Michigan Works! Association on social media:

Facebook  |  Twitter  |  YouTube  |  LinkedIn

What our listeners are saying

I needed this podcast back when I was in High School!

Such great content that deserves more attention at all level of education. I wish I heard some of these episodes when I was navigating my own career path. Incredible guests, with incredible messages to share. Keep up the great work!

Compelling

I find Matt's approach to be very compelling. He brings both perspectives, industry AND education. He doesn't hold back on what he thinks is important...

The #1 podcast in TechEd

This podcast is a great resource to keep up with all the exciting changes in the world of manufacturing and technology. Get key insight from industry leaders from the Midwest and around the globe that you won’t find anywhere else. A must listen for anyone interested in how technology is changing the way businesses operate.

★★★★★

Inspiring topics featuring inspiring leaders

I’ve listened to most of your weekly podcasts and enjoy listening to the stories and conversations that feature business and education leaders from Wisconsin. Kudos to you for creating a platform that presents ideas and success stories that are important to Career and Technical Education teachers and leaders.

Best Career and TechEd Podcast

There are a lot of education podcasts out there. This is the only one that really focuses on bringing together voices from inside AND outside education and focuses specifically on STEM and Career/Tech Ed. This is a great podcast for anyone in education and also for anyone who employs STEM or skilled-trades talent in their workforce.

Filling in Gaps

This show spotlights a large and growing aspect of education that doesn’t get enough attention. Practical and technical education is a field growing exponentially. This podcast Highlights many of the facets of this diverse field.

★★★★★

The pulse of Industry 4.0

This podcast has its fingers on the pulse of Industry 4.0, and Matt K. is a phenomenal guide, traversing the complexities of manufacturing and education in one forum. A+ work all around!

New and Exciting Content With Every Episode

I really enjoy listening to this podcast when I'm driving or have a free moment. Each episode brings a new guest with a fresh and exciting perspective of both education and the workforce!

Fantastic Topics on the Future of Industry

These podcasts are the best for learning about current and future technology. The stories are great. We need more of these interviews.

★★★★★

Become a Subscriber

Subscribe & leave a review on your favorite podcast platform