Wayne County proudly unveils WayneLINC, an ambitious $20 million workforce development project funded by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). With the goal of serving 3,420 participants by March 31, 2026, WayneLINC is poised to provide vital training and support to individuals, bolstering economic growth in all communities throughout the county.
WayneLINC will begin accepting applications on August 1 at select locations, with all providers participating as the summer progresses.
By designating SEMCA Michigan Works! as the program administrator, Wayne County entrusts SEMCA with overseeing a network of ten service providers covering the entire county. These providers will deliver career coaching, supportive services, subsidized employment, and training programs, ensuring comprehensive support for WayneLINC participants.
WayneLINC represents a significant investment in the future of Wayne County,” stated Wayne County CEO Warren C. Evans. “By providing accessible training, support, and resources, we aim to empower individuals from all walks of life to achieve their career goals and contribute to the economic prosperity of our community.”
Spanning nearly 30 service locations across Wayne County, WayneLINC also offers almost 100 training courses at zero cost to participants. Covering diverse industries such as logistics, welding, construction, and more, these courses equip individuals with the skills necessary to thrive in today’s competitive job market.
Structured around four key Scopes of Service, WayneLINC offers tailored support to meet the diverse needs of participants:
- Career Navigators: Providing intake services, coaching, and career planning assistance to help participants chart a path towards success.
- Underrepresented Populations: Addressing the specific challenges faced by veterans, refugees, individuals with disabilities, immigrants, and those with justice involvement to help them gain and maintain employment.
- Subsidized Training and Employment Program: Offering coaching and support for participants to obtain training, skills, and credentials in key industries while receiving necessary assistance.
- Return to Work: Providing individuals with supportive services to eliminate barriers to training and employment, facilitating a smoother transition back into the workforce.
Additionally, WayneLINC includes initiatives to address legal barriers to employment. The WayneLINC Clean Slate Expungement program offers free legal assistance and guidance to set aside eligible convictions for qualified applicants under the State of Michigan Clean Slate legislation. The Driving Privilege Reinstatement (DPR) program aids in the restoration of driving privileges for eligible applicants through collaboration with relevant authorities. Both Clean Slate and DPR are provided directly by SEMCA’s Justice Involved Workforce Legal Services team.
“The launch of WayneLINC marks a significant milestone for Wayne County. This initiative will expand the pool of employable residents and assist employers in meeting their talent needs,” remarked Gregory Pitoniak, Chief Executive Officer for SEMCA. “The opportunities unlocked by WayneLINC will provide life-changing assistance to thousands of individuals in Wayne County.”
For more information about WayneLINC and how to participate, please visit WayneLINC.org.
