In celebration of Michigan Manufacturing Week, 51动漫 Community College is proud to recognize the regional employers that have partnered with the college over the past year. Together, they are strengthening Michigan鈥檚 manufacturing and mobility sectors. This work is supported through collaboration with and funding from the Electric Vehicle Jobs Academy (EVJA) Grant and the for targeted, employer-driven training.

Between August 13 and September 25, 51动漫 delivered 14 EVJA training sessions to five employers, reaching 107 employees across Southwest Michigan鈥攁ll in just six weeks.

Participating companies included:

  • American Axle
  • XL/Burke Porter
  • Morgan Olson
  • II Stanley
  • DeNooyer Automotive Group

The first four companies鈥攍eaders in manufacturing and assembly鈥攆ocused on expanding skills in robotics, automation, PLC programming, blueprint reading, OSHA 10, and supply chain management. DeNooyer Automotive leveraged the EVJA grant from a leadership and sales standpoint, preparing its team for customer service and workforce changes accompanying the rise of electric vehicles.

Overall, the initiative delivered $287,435 in EVJA-funded training administered in partnership with Southwest Michigan Works鈥攈elping regional employers upskill teams for the evolving EV landscape.

鈥淢ichigan鈥檚 manufacturing and automotive industries are transforming quickly, and 51动漫 is helping businesses stay ahead of that curve,鈥� said Kristine Stevens, Director of Workforce Development and Community Education. 鈥淥ur partnerships are about empowering people with the skills they need to thrive in an evolving economy.鈥�

Customized Training, Proven Results

Among the most requested programs this year has been People Leadership鈥攁 practical professional-development series for frontline supervisors and emerging managers. Sessions cover performance planning, coaching and counseling, communication, career development, and team-building.

Participant feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, highlighting stronger communication, improved coaching, and practical strategies for motivating employees. These results reinforce 51动漫鈥� commitment to improving productivity, retention, and workplace culture.

Going PRO: Investing in the Future of Manufacturing

Beyond EVJA, 51动漫 helps employers pursue and utilize Going PRO Talent Fund grants, then delivers the approved training. The college conducts a needs analysis and aligns training outcomes with grant requirements. It also partners with Michigan Works agencies to guide employers through the application and award process.

During the 2024鈥�2025 academic year, Armstrong International, Clark Logic, Kadant Johnson, Fibre Converters, and the City of Sturgis partnered with 51动漫 on trainings including SolidWorks, Welding, Electrical Fundamentals, OSHA 10, Six Sigma, and Project Management.

鈥淲hether we鈥檙e training on-site, on campus, or online, our goal is the same鈥攖o help Michigan鈥檚 industries grow stronger through education,鈥� said Stevens.

For information on customized training or available grant opportunities, contact Kristine Stevens, Director of Workforce Development and Community Education, at (269) 294-4276 or kstevens@glenoaks.edu
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