Holland-area workforce training providers receive grants for equipment
ZEELAND — Three workforce training providers in West Michigan have received grant funding for equipment to improve or expand training programs for healthcare and automation.
Lakeshore Advantage, in collaboration with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, awarded a total of $130,150 to three training providers — Grand Rapids Community College Lakeshore Campus, the Ottawa Area ISD’s Thompson M-TEC and the Allegan County Area Technical Education Center.
The ACATEC, a service of the Allegan Area ESA offering 19 technical training programs, was awarded $30,400. It will use the funds to cover the cost of training equipment for students working to earn patient care tech and EKG certifications.
A $49,875 award to GRCC’s Lakeshore Campus will go toward advanced automation training equipment. It will also provide certification opportunities under the Smart Automation Certificate Alliance and FANUC certifications.
Thompson M-TECH will also receive $49,875. It will be used for equipment to train on a FANUC/Miller ARC Robotic Weld Cell and offer FANUC certifications.
“Our training providers are educational catalysts for the ongoing development of our local workforce,” said Jennifer Owens, president of Lakeshore Advantage. “As lakeshore companies continue to grow and expand, the need for a trained workforce becomes more pressing.
"The Michigan Workforce TEC Grant Program helps ensure our training providers have the appropriate equipment to help workers and students achieve the credentials and skills needed to be successful in today’s marketplace.”
These grants are part of a $3 million statewide funding program from the Michigan Workforce TEC Grant Program. Lakeshore Advantage was one of several organizations that administered the program on behalf of the state.
This article originally appeared on The Holland Sentinel: Holland-area workforce training providers receive equipment grants
