Proposal Submission Template ALL POTENTIAL PARTNERS must complete the following sections detailing the purpose, scope, need, and budget for the proposed project. Partner Information Name of Partner: Networks Northwest Project Name: Northwest Michigan Apprenticeship Training Program (ATP) Contact person: Janie McNabb Title: Chief Operating Officer Address: PO Box 506, Traverse City, MI 49685-0506 Phone: 231-357-9001 E-mail address: [email protected] Type of partner organization (workforce development entity, education and training provider, labor organization, non-profit organization, community organization, etc.): Regional Prosperity Board, Workforce Development Entity

Statement of Purpose  Identify the specific H-1B industries and occupations targeted by the training program. (See appendix A for priority occupations) Information Technology: Application Developer, Software Developer Manufacturing: Electrical Engineering Technicians, Industrial Engineering Technicians, Mechanical Engineering Technicians – Career pathway to Engineer Healthcare: Home Health Aide, Nursing Assistant – Career pathway to Registered Nurse 

Describe the geographic region/community served.

The ten counties that comprise the northwest corner of Michigan’s lower peninsula total more than 6,000 square miles of land, with numerous bodies of water scattered throughout. The natural terrain makes transportation logistically difficult, as roadways must route around the inland lakes and the Lake Michigan shoreline. This is a detriment for employment as well as business development. There are four primary population centers, with small cities and villages of various sizes between. Citizens of smaller municipalities usually must travel to the larger cities to work, but have difficulty with finding and retaining employment due to the high cost of transportation, housing, and childcare. As a whole, the region is even with the state’s unemployment rate of 6.3%. However, several counties measure significantly higher rates, such as both Wexford and Missaukee Counties at 7.4% and Antrim at 7.8%. (DTMB, December 2014) Approximately 89% of businesses in the Northwest region are considered “small” – fewer than 100 employees (youreconomy.org). These businesses are best positioned to benefit from Apprenticeship models, because they will be able to hire workers right away, train these workers to the company’s specifications, and promote from within. Thousands of employers in the region work closely with the local workforce development system. They share their concern with workforce experts, and express frustration in trying to find skilled workers. These companies are willing to invest in an intensive screening and hiring process, on-the-job training, and continued employee development. A lack of qualified candidates has stymied their growth and business success. The Apprenticeship models developed through this grant will benefit them through developing workers with the necessary skills, incorporating foundational skills in the work-based learning component, and building a long-term workforce. 

Identify project team partners including employers, workforce development entity, education and training provider, labor organization, non-profit organization, community organization, and others, and outline their roles and responsibilities using the chart below: **Employer commitment and sponsorship is essential to the success of this grant. If you list an employer partner and are selected to participate in the State’s application, you will be asked to obtain an Employer Commitment Letter prior to the final application submission.

Organization Name Northwest Michigan Works!, Inc. Northwestern Michigan College

Partner Type

Name

Title

Role in Project

Workforce Development Service Provider

Jennifer Hains

Blended Training Coordinator

Apprenticeship Success Coordinator

Postsecondary

IT: Keith Kelly; Manufacturing: Ed Bailey

Instructor; Technical Division Director

Assistance in developing Technician Apprenticeship models; Instructor-Led Training

Baker College of Cadillac

Postsecondary

Mark Lagerwey

Dean of Business & Technology

Instructor-Led Training; coordination of On-theJob Learning for MAT2

InForth

Employer

Erin Lord

Administrator

iOmni

Employer

FlightPath Creative NorthPointe

Employer

Lindsey Schollard Joan Leppek

Business Systems Analyst Administrator

Assistance in developing the Software Developer apprenticeship model; Onthe-Job Learning

Employer

Tony Goggin

Kalkaska Screw Rec Boat Holdings

Employer Employer

Kevin Schlueter Leslie Nowlin

Avon Automotive

Employer

Peter Lanc

Software Developer President Human Resources Vice President Human Resources Director



Assistance in developing Technician Apprenticeship models; On-the-Job Learning

Describe the training needs of industry and participants the project serves or proposes to serve. Information Technology: IT companies in the Northwest region have expressed a strong need for software and application developers. They need workers who are skilled in project management, applications for mobile technology, as well as software design and coding. Manufacturing: Manufacturing companies have a high need for a variety of technicians. Workers with a foundation in electronics, hydraulics, mechanics, and machining will be desirable candidates for current openings. They have the potential to learn more on the job and move into higher level positions. They can work for companies that manufacture products as diverse as vacuum cleaners, speed boats, parts for race cars, and containers for the military. Healthcare: Healthcare companies are in dire need of workers in a variety of occupations. Basic, introductory skills include reading vital signs, understanding medical terminology, and knowing electronic charting. This kind of training prepares a worker for the Home Health Aid and Nursing Assistant positions. These are great starting points for a career path toward Licensed Practical Nurse and Registered Nurse. Employers in all industries seek workers with strong personal effectiveness skills. These include accountability, reliability, teamwork, and ability and willingness to learn. We believe that work-based learning is the most effective methodology for teaching these skills. Workers are held to expectations, but given the tools they need to succeed in the

form of mentor support and related instruction. Because the employer is clearly investing in their development, the worker feels valued and puts forth his/her best effort.

Statement of Need  Provide and describe statistical information regarding the current and projected need for registered apprentices in the chosen H-1B occupation(s) included in your proposal. Each industry of focus is projected to grow in the region. Each comprises a significant portion of the region’s economy, and average earnings are much higher than typical for the area. Below is a summary of projected growth for the industries of focus. Industry Advanced Manufacturing Healthcare Information Technology Source

Share of Regional Jobs 12.3%

Projected Growth (2010-2020) 7.7%

Average Earnings

17.1% 3.1%

15.5% 8.8%

$56,549 $59,939

Regional Prosperity Initiative: LMI Supplement, DTMB

Long-term Industry Forecasts, DTMB

EMSI

$61,283

The number of projected job openings is shown below. This information is strictly based on data, with no real-time connection to the needs of local businesses. Labor market information is based on past trends, projected out for an unknown future. Therefore, the information can be misleading. We believe that these projected numbers are very low, based on input received from local employers. Information Technology: Software Developers, Applications - 30 openings Manufacturing: Technicians - 31 openings Healthcare: Home Health Aide - 258 openings Nursing Assistant – 117 openings Source: Labor Market Information sources: EMSI, 2015; “Career Outlook through 2020” State of Michigan Bureau of Labor Market Information and Strategic Initiatives, 2014



Describe direct employer current and projected need for registered apprentices in the chosen H-1B occupation(s) included in your proposal.

Current employer commitment for the first year totals 14 new apprentices, 10 in manufacturing and four in Information technology. Additional commitments may be procured prior to final grant application. 

Describe the potential career pathway for participants in your proposal. Information Technology: The Software Developer and Applications Developer occupations can provide a longterm career with significant wages. However, if a company and apprentice wish to advance along a career pathway, additional industry certifications can be acquired. These could include new software programs, coding languages, and platforms. With further instructor-led training, the apprentice could become a Systems Analyst or Network Administrator. Manufacturing: A variety of Technician occupations can lead the apprentice to becoming an Engineer in the chosen field. These can include Mechanical, Industrial, and Electrical Engineers. Healthcare: The Career Pathway in the Healthcare Industry is full of potential. The apprentice who begins as a Home Health Aid can move up the path to Nursing Assistant. With additional education, the Nursing Assistant can become a Licensed Practical Nurse, and with more education can move up to a Registered Nurse.

Scope of Work  Describe the existing, registered apprenticeship program, including an overview of the project scope, design, key accomplishments, and outcomes. Networks Northwest (formerly Northwest Michigan Council of Governments) acquired its Standards of Apprenticeship in 2009, and updated them in 2014. These standards are generalized, allowing the organization to act as sponsor for any occupation. The agency’s workforce development service provider, Northwest Michigan Works! Inc., has dedicated resources to assist local employers with the process of registering an apprenticeship program, recruiting candidates, tracking applications and approved apprentices, and submitting appropriate documentation to the United States Department of Labor. The staff person currently responsible for this program is titled Blended Training Coordinator. She oversees the apprenticeship program as well as other training programs funded through workforce development. To date, two occupations have been approved under these standards: “Application Developer” in the IT Industry and “PLC Controls Technician, Electromechanical” in the Manufacturing Industry. The current goal of this program is to engage with relevant and interested employers, and pursue the approval of six new occupations within the next six months. We have

identified the occupations of Machinist, Butcher, Home Health Aide, a variety of Engineering Technicians, and Nursing Assistant at this time. In working with employers, we have seen a need to assist with the high cost of training on-the-job. Companies are willing to invest, but some assistance is usually needed in order for these employers to dedicate a mentor for On-the-Job Learning. The mentor’s productivity is diminished as he or she is providing training. In the long run, the company will invest a significant amount to train apprentices, but the initial infusion of funding helps to bring on enough staff to make up for the lost productivity during the early phases of training. 

Describe how USDOL funding will be used to improve or enhance the existing, registered apprenticeship program. With funding from this American Apprenticeship Grant, the goals of the program will change and be enhanced. We will title the program the Northwest Michigan Apprenticeship Training Program (ATP). We will transition the Blended Training Coordinator position to Apprenticeship Success Coordinator, enabling this staff member to focus entirely on the apprenticeship program. We will increase our outreach and engagement with local employers, leveraging the relationships of our Business Services Team and partners in economic development and education. This will increase the number of companies involved as well as the number of approved apprenticeship occupations. We will launch a marketing effort to recruit potential apprentices. Northwest Michigan Works! Career Advisors will assist in screening candidates according to specifications stated within the Standards of Apprenticeship and to meet the needs of the employers. In addition, funding from the grant will be used to support employers with the cost of training on the job. This will alleviate some of the burden that comes with dedicating a mentor, and losing productivity from that staff person. A maximum amount of $5,000 per apprentice will be provided to the employer, as a reimbursement for wages during the On-the-Job Learning portion of the training program.



Describe how USDOL funding will be used to develop or improve and enhance an existing position to meet the criteria of the role of an Apprenticeship Success Coordinator. The Blended Training Coordinator currently works on apprenticeship programs, liaising with the U.S. DOL, employers, and partner educational institutions. This takes approximately 50% of her time. She is also responsible for managing the training plans and necessary documentation for WIA, Trade Act, and PATH participants who enroll in Classroom Training. These responsibilities comprise the other 50% of her position. The American Apprenticeship Grant will fund 50% of her position and Northwest Michigan Works! will provide the other 50% in the form of leveraged funding. This will free her of

all other duties besides the Apprenticeship Training Program. She will be able to focus entirely on developing apprenticeship programs to meet employer needs. 

Describe where the coordinator will be housed and if someone is currently operating in that role or a similar role, how their responsibilities would be modified to be included in this proposal. The Apprenticeship Success Coordinator (ASC) will be housed at the Traverse City Michigan Works! Service Center, and will be an employee of Northwest Michigan Works! Inc. She will be a member of both the Leadership Team (a team of managers and program directors led by the Chief Operating Officer) as well as the Business Services Team. She will leverage the connections she has with educational institutions, developed over the five years she has served as manager of the Classroom Training department at Northwest Michigan Works!, as well as her previous employment with Davenport University. She will also work closely with Business Liaisons to engage employers and assist them in developing customized apprenticeship programs within their companies. These relationships and the ASC’s work will cover the whole ten county region.



Detail specific activities the grant will fund. Allowable activities include:     

Pre-apprenticeship training Apprenticeship Success Coordinator wages Activities that support the work of the Apprenticeship Success Coordinator On-the-Job Learning Job Related Technical Instruction

Funding from the American Apprenticeship Grant will support the following activities: o 50% of the wages and fringe cost for the Apprenticeship Success Coordinator. The remainder of her costs will be covered by Northwest Michigan Works!, Inc, using an allocated blend of Workforce Investment Act funding. o Activities that support the work of the Apprenticeship Success Coordinator will include:  Travel costs for the ASC, who will be working with employers and apprentices from across the ten-county region, as well as trips to Lansing to participate in MI-AIM workgroups and collaborate with other ASCs from around the state.  Costs of meetings held, such as Employer Forums, to gather employers with similar workforce needs, to explore the possibility of consortium apprenticeship programs. o A maximum of $5,000 per apprentice to support the cost of On-the-Job Learning. This funding will be paid as reimbursement for wages during the training period. o Pre-apprenticeship training and Job Related Technical Instruction will not be funded with the grant. Pre-apprenticeship training may be supported through Workforce Investment Act funding for eligible participants, or through financial aid or self-pay. Job Related Technical Instruction will be covered by the employer, as an investment in the ongoing training of the apprentice. 

Identify specific outcomes, including the number of individuals that complete registered apprenticeships for H-1B occupations using the chart below:

Project Outcomes

Year 1

Year 2

Year 3

Year 4

Year 5

Total

Total number of participants served Total number of new apprentices registered Percentage of targeted/underrepresented participants served Percent of apprentices served who complete

15

20

20

20

25

100

15

20

20

20

25

100

12

15

15

15

18

75

0

40%

80%

80%

80%

their registered apprenticeship program Average cost per apprentice

$8,733

$7,250

$7,325

$7,450

$7,060

$7,350

 Describe capacity to sustain the proposed project enhancements. Over the course of the five year grant period, Northwest Michigan Works! will incorporate the ATP into our mix of Business and Career Seeker services. The benefits of apprenticeship will be shared with the board, the CEO, and other decision-makers, building support for the program. At the end of the period, Northwest Michigan Works! will maintain the position of Apprenticeship Success Coordinator, fully covering the costs of that position. Funding from other programs, such as Workforce Investment Act, Trade Act, and PATH, will be appropriated to continue support to employers for the On-the-Job Learning portion of the program.

Budget  Include a proposed budget¹using the template below: Activity Apprenticeship Success Coordinator wages Apprenticeship Success Coordinator activities On-the-Job-Learning

Year 1 $40,000

Year 2 $41,500

Year 3 $43,000

Year 4 $45,000

Year 5 $47,500

Total $217,000

$3,000

$3,500

$3,500

$4,000

$4,000

$18,000

$75,000

$100,000

$100,000

$100,000

$125,000

$500,000

Subtotal

$118,000

$145,000

$146,500

$149,000

$176,500

$735,000

Administrative costs limited to 10% Grand Total

$13,000

$16,000

$16,000

$16,500

$19,500

$131,000

$161,000

$162,500

$165,500

$196,000

Job Related Technical Instruction Other (describe in narrative)



$816,000

Include narrative that describes costs associated with each activity line item.

Apprenticeship Success Coordinator: the budget above provides 50% of the cost of the position, which includes wages and benefits. Apprenticeship Success Coordinator activities: the budget above lists estimated costs for travel and meetings. If the costs incurred are higher than estimated, Northwest Michigan Works! will cover that cost. On-the-Job Learning: the budget above lists the cost of $5,000 wage reimbursement for the anticipated number of apprentices per year. Job Related Technical Instruction will not be covered by this grant.



Include a narrative description of leveraged resources provided to support the project.

Apprenticeship Success Coordinator: Northwest Michigan Works! will provide funding to support the other 50% of the position’s wages and benefits. This will be covered using an allocated blend of Workforce Investment Act funding. Total leverage for this line item equals $217,000.

Apprenticeship Success Coordinator activities: If the costs incurred are higher than estimated, Northwest Michigan Works! will cover that cost. On-the-Job Learning: Based on eligibility and availability of funding, additional apprentices may be served using funding from workforce development sources, such as Workforce Investment Act, Trade Act, and PATH. Job Related Technical Instruction: Based on eligibility and availability of funding, this portion of the cost of the apprenticeship may be covered using funding from workforce development sources, such as Workforce Investment Act, Trade Act, and PATH. If an estimated 50% of apprentices are eligible for such funding, and approximately $1,000 is provided for Job Related Technical Instruction or Pre-Apprenticeship Training, the total leverage for this line item equals $50,000.