A shortage in skilled labor is prompting some colleges to expand their offerings in those fields.
Mid Michigan College has announced it’s expanding its integrated manufacturing program.
Shawn Troy is the Dean of Workforce and Career Education at the college. He said they now offer five pathways for students.
“You can either go into plastics engineering technology, manufacturing management, welding, automation of robotics, and C&C machining. And we did those unique career pathways because we’re trying to get students exposed to the world of manufacturing and what they’ll be running into in the workforce.”
Troy said changes in manufacturing and a decreased interest in skilled trades by workers mean Michigan is seeing a ‘lost generation’ of manufacturers.