Recently, SEMCA Michigan Works! joined workforce development leaders from across the state for the Michigan Works! Association 2025 Advocacy Day in Lansing. The event offered a valuable opportunity to engage with legislators and highlight the profound impact of workforce programs.
Leading the delegation were CEO Gregory Pitoniak, COO Katherine Brady-Medley, and SEMCA board members Ashleigh Glass-Cooper and Al Haidous. Together, they discussed workforce development challenges and successes with policymakers, offering insights supported by data. The conversations focused on SEMCA’s essential role in connecting job seekers to in-demand careers and ensuring businesses have access to the skilled talent necessary for growth.
Advocacy Day: A Strong Partnership for Workforce Growth
Advocacy Day underscored the strong, ongoing partnerships between the state and local workforce organizations. The event highlighted the importance of transparency in tracking outcomes and measuring success, ensuring that workforce development programs receive the support and resources they need. This collaboration is key to driving the region’s workforce growth and enhancing economic opportunity for both job seekers and employers in Southeast Michigan.
Through initiatives like the Going PRO Talent Fund, youth outreach programs, barrier removal efforts, and local job training services, SEMCA continues to create pathways to employment. These programs not only provide job seekers with the skills needed to enter high-demand careers, but also help businesses gain access to a pool of skilled talent to support their growth and success. Additionally, barrier removal services ensure that individuals facing challenges—whether related to criminal records, lack of transportation, or other obstacles—receive the support needed to re-enter the workforce.
Impact in 2024
SEMCA Michigan Works! operates at seven American Job Center locations across Monroe and Out-Wayne Counties, including Dearborn, Grosse Pointe, Highland Park, Livonia, Monroe, Southgate, and Wayne. These centers serve as essential hubs where job seekers can access a range of employment services, training programs, and career resources.
By leveraging these centers, SEMCA facilitates connections between local businesses and skilled workers, ensuring that job seekers have the support they need to secure and succeed in their careers. This approach helps close the gap between employer demands and the capabilities of the workforce, ultimately contributing to the region’s economic growth.
- 1,907 local jobs filled with the help of employment services
- 4,126 employers served by Business Solutions Professionals
- 1,653 individuals participated in training programs
- 159,520 individuals received a range of support services to re-enter the workforce, find new employment, and more
Employer and Job Seeker Engagement
Key events throughout the year further fostered connections between employers and job seekers, with notable achievements including:
- 687 job seekers attending Virtual Job Fairs
- 55 businesses participating in these virtual events
- 550 employer-focused events, including in-person job fairs, employer education, and career exploration activities
Support for Businesses through Training Programs
In 2024, SEMCA Michigan Works! awarded $4.5 million in 70 Going PRO Talent Fund grants, directly supporting businesses in their workforce development efforts:
- 13 Monroe County Employer Awards totaling $973,752
- 57 Wayne County Employer Awards totaling $3,565,216
- 338 workers participated in short-term training funded by these grants.
1,315 individuals received further training in high-demand fields like Advanced Manufacturing, Health Care, IT, and Transportation.
Investing in Youth and Overcoming Barriers
Youth outreach and career programs reached new heights in 2024:
- 1,457 students participated in Wayne County Manufacturing Day, exploring businesses and educational opportunities
- 407 youth benefited from SEMCA’s Jobs for Michigan Graduates (JMG) programs, with a 99% graduation rate and 82% continuing education or employment after graduation
SEMCA also made strides in removing barriers to employment:
- 1,980 individuals applied for the Clean Slate Expungement program, and 578 successful convictions were expunged
- 297 applications were processed for the Driving Privilege Reinstatement program, including 20 licenses successfully reinstated
- 486 refugees and immigrants were assisted in integrating into Michigan’s workforce
Additionally, SEMCA invested $58,376 to assist 589 individuals in overcoming barriers to training and employment.
WayneLINC and the Global Epicenter of Mobility
SEMCA proudly serves as the Program Administrator of Wayne County’s WayneLINC Program, which plays a critical role in supporting local workforce development. Additionally, SEMCA contributes as the Talent Pillar of the Detroit Regional Partnership’s Global Epicenter of Mobility initiative. These partnerships are driving workforce innovation and ensuring the region remains at the forefront of mobility and economic advancement.
Making a Difference, One Success Story at a Time
By advocating for policies that support job seekers, businesses, and economic advancement, SEMCA, along with its partners, continues to ensure that more individuals have access to career opportunities and training programs that lead to long-term success. Whether it’s helping someone gain new skills, connecting them with a job, or supporting businesses in their search for skilled workers, SEMCA’s work makes a difference every day. Together, we’re creating stronger communities, building a more skilled workforce, and enhancing the region’s economic growth.
