Michigan Business Beat | Stephine Beckhorn, LEO Michigan is #3 for Helping Residents Get Employed!

Chris Holman welcomes back Stephanie Beckhorn, Director, Employment & Training, Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) Topic: New Report: Michigan is #3 in the Nation for Helping Residents Get Employed! Can you tell us a little bit about LEO’s Office of Employment and Training? The Office of Employment & Training released its annual report this week. What are some of the key findings from that report? What are the key programs making the findings in this report possible? Just last year, LEO unveiled the state’s first-ever Michigan Statewide Workforce Plan. How does the work of the Office of Employment and Training support this plan? » Visit MBN website: www.michiganbusinessnetwork.com/ » Watch MBN’s YouTube: www.youtube.com/@MichiganbusinessnetworkMBN » Like MBN: www.facebook.com/mibiznetwork » Follow MBN: twitter.com/MIBizNetwork/ » MBN Instagram: www.instagram.com/mibiznetwork/ Michigan ranks #1 nationally in adult credential attainment and serves more job seekers than any other Midwest state New report highlights Michigan’s work to grow businesses, support talent and strengthen communities LANSING, Mich. — Michigan helps more people access employment services than any other state in the Midwest, leads the nation in adult credential attainment and ranks #3 nationally for helping adults get jobs. These are among the highlights in the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity’s (LEO) 2024 Employment and Training Annual Report which was released today. The report shows how workforce programs across the state are supporting business growth, strengthening communities and helping attract and keep talent to fill in-demand jobs. LEO’s Office of Employment and Training works closely with Adult Education providers, Community Rehabilitation Programs, the Michigan Works! network and other partners to offer support and services to individuals and businesses across the state. Their Bureau of Services for Blind Persons, Michigan Rehabilitation Services and Workforce Development served more than 346,000 individuals and 7,928 Michigan businesses in 2024. “Building a strong, inclusive economy starts with ensuring every Michigander has access to opportunity,” said LEO Director Susan Corbin. “That’s why the Bureau of Services for Blind Persons, Michigan Rehabilitation Services and Workforce Development are so vital. Their collaborative efforts help break down barriers to employment and open doors for individuals of all abilities. Together, we’re creating a workforce where everyone can contribute, succeed and thrive.” According to the report, nearly 200,000 participants in Employment and Training programs secured employment in 2024, with more than 84,000 individuals receiving employment-related training and about 27,700 earning industry-recognized credentials. “Our work within the Office of Employment and Training plays a critical role in delivering customized workforce solutions that help create brighter futures for all Michiganders, including individuals with disabilities,” said Stephanie Beckhorn, Deputy Director of LEO’s Office of Employment and Training. “These efforts are helping Michiganders achieve financial security, empowering businesses to grow and strengthen communities across our state. But our work doesn’t stop here. We remain committed to innovation and continuous improvement so everyone has the opportunity to succeed and make it in Michigan.” Helping Michiganders with Disabilities Achieve Success Bureau of Services for Blind Persons’ accomplishments in 2024 include: 1,517 individuals served 1,079 Michiganders trained 625,607 audiobooks disseminated $8.4 million gross sales for Business Enterprise Program operators Michigan Rehabilitation Services develops customized workforce and training solutions for businesses and individuals with disabilities to engage and prepare for employment...