Workforce Development
Workforce development is one of the greatest economic challenges currently facing Southeast Michigan. The current problems are exacerbated by the region's demographic forecast that shows the aging of the population and a reduced number of working age people in the next 30 years. This has serious consequences for workforce development.

It is apparent that workforce development efforts need to span across sectors. Government, education, and business all have a role in creating the workforce and conditions that Michigan needs to compete in the new economy. Developing an educated and skilled workforce, organizational development, and creating vibrant communities are all components of a comprehensive workforce development strategy.

SEMCOG is focusing its work on:

• Working with its Education Advisory Council on promoting alignment of the education curriculum with business needs.
• Advocating for legislation to support these recommendations.
• Providing a forum for discussion of workforce development at its Community and Economic Development Advisory Council meetings.
• Actively developing planning tools and promoting best practices for creating vibrant communities.
• Supporting efforts to improve the economic development infrastructure in Southeast Michigan, i.e., increasing the capacity and outreach of workforce development agencies and supporting all modes of mobility.

Additional materials
Recommendations of SEMCOG's Taskforce on Workforce Development in the Changing Economy

SEMCOG’s University on Preparing Michigan’s Workforce for the Future 

For a complete listing of SEMCOG reports please click here

For more information on SEMCOG’s workforce development efforts, contact Naheed Huq.