Michigan Workforce Development Conference Alive with Talk of the NCRC and KeyTrain

The Michigan Works! Association, recognized nationally as the largest and most progressive workforce development association in the country, hosted its annual meeting in Detroit with nearly 800 in attendance.  There was a particular buzz at this year’s conference in light of the fact that the Michigan Department of Labor & Economic Growth has recognized the National Career Readiness Certificate® (NCRC) from ACT as Michigan’s primary workforce skills credential and put forth a plan to offer the NCRC through all 25 Michigan Works! agencies.  The NCRC is based on the WorkKeys® job skills assessment system.  KeyTrain® is the primary training provider and partner for the NCRC effort in Michigan and a Silver Sponsor of the 2008 Conference.

Keynote speakers included Stedman Graham, Chairman and CEO of S. Graham & Associates, and Jason Dorsey, often referred to as The Gen Y Guy™.  The conference was packed with two days of presentations, panel discussions and interactive sessions covering information related to the current condition of the workforce and topics relevant to practitioners in delivery of workforce services. 

The nearly 800 attendees learned from the experiences and best practices of agencies and partners from all parts of the state as well as guests from Washington and other parts of the country.

The 21-year-old Michigan Works! association consists of Workforce Development boards, Elected Officials and Agency Directors from all 25 of Michigan’s workforce areas.  Michigan Works! addresses workforce issues through a public-private partnership that is unique in the country.