State officials are looking to address a skilled worker shortage in Michigan.
The Michigan Department of Education is investing $12-million dollars into career technical education programs for high schoolers.
$7-million was split between 50 school districts, and $5-million will be awarded as grants in January.
Lisa Seigel is a Department Specialist with the Michigan Department of Education, Career and Technical Education office.
“In Michigan, employers are in need of professional trades workers, and that’s the message we’re trying to get across, that these are professional jobs, many have the vision of older factory job that are maybe dangerous and dirty, many of these jobs are not that way.”
Seigel said the money will be used for updating equipment, purchasing new software and expanding programs.
“The premise of the five million dollars is to, again, update equipment, but also make CTE classes more available, demonstrate commitment of local and regional partners and employers, and increase career awareness for the students and adult learners,” said Seigel.