Relentless focus on filling the skilled trades gap in Michigan has led Mattawan State Representative Beth Griffin to throw her support behind a five-bill package in the Michigan Legislature designed to enhance skilled trades education in Michigan’s public school system. She calls the plan, “an opportunity for Michigan’s future.”
Griffin says, “We need to help match our education with the careers and jobs that are out there today,” adding, “That will ultimately help our state’s students, while giving them better access to post-high school programs. This is a great step toward helping prepare kids for their future.”
The legislation was developed from the recommendations of the Michigan Career Pathways Alliance, which includes state K-12 educators and local employment leaders working together to help strengthen Michigan’s future.
Looking at the potential generated by the legislation, Griffin says, “This will give our local school districts more course flexibility, better access to experienced instructors, and the ability to work closely with local business owners,” concluding, “Ultimately, these bills give more opportunity to Michigan children.”
The legislation, as written, would do several things, according to Griffin. It:
- Creates a K-12 model program that emphasizes career learning and themes for each grade level, while focusing on engaging with parents, community businesses and industry interests;
- Provides continuing education and professional development credit for teachers who spend time engaging with local employers and professional trade centers;
- Allows proprietary schools, community colleges and skilled trade employers access – with parental consent – to high school pupil directory information for the purposes of recruitment and career opportunities; and
- Permits schools to more readily hire professional trade instructors to teach classes that align with their expertise.
House Bills 5139, 5140, 5141, 5142 and 5145 now advance to the Michigan Senate for its consideration. Stay tuned.
