TPM West MI

Building West Michigan’s Talent Pipelines, Industry by Industry

Talent Pipeline Management® (TPM) framework developed by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation is an employer-led approach to closing skills gaps before they become talent shortages.

Employers come together to define the skills and credentials that matter most, align training and education partners around those needs, and build a direct pipeline of qualified talent into priority roles.

TalentFirst serves as the backbone for TPM efforts across West Michigan, coordinating employers, educators, and workforce partners so no industry has to solve its talent challenges alone.

Led by TalentFirst and launched in partnership with the Michigan Manufacturers Association (MMA), TPM West MI Manufacturing brings together HR, operations, and business leaders from manufacturing companies across the region. To solve these critical workforce challenges, TalentFirst brings the nationally recognized, proven Talent Pipeline Management® (TPM) framework developed by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation to West Michigan.

How We’re Using TPM in West Michigan

Manufacturing — Active
Our first TPM collaborative brings together leading West Michigan manufacturers to tackle frontline production, maintenance and repair, and supervisory talent needs. Employers have defined shared skills profiles, are aligning training providers around them, and are building real career pathways for workers — with the goal of hundreds of new placements and promotions across the region.

Healthcare — Coming Soon
TalentFirst is laying the groundwork to bring the TPM model to West Michigan’s healthcare employers, applying the same employer-led approach to the sector’s growing workforce needs.

Future Industries
Manufacturing and healthcare are just the beginning. As TPM proves its impact, we’re exploring how to extend this model to additional industries facing critical talent gaps across the region.

What is Talent Pipeline Management®?

It is an employer-led approach to workforce planning. TPM applies supply chain principles to workforce strategy—helping employers take a proactive, data-driven role in closing talent gaps. Participants will:

Organize for employer-led collaboration
Project future job demand
Align and communicate job requirements
Analyze gaps in the talent supply
Build and manage talent supply chains
Improve performance through continuous feedback
Reduce costs in recruitment, training, and onboarding

TPM by the Numbers

10-year proven track record
33+ regional collaboratives
3,000+ engaged employers
1,000+ certified practitioners in 42 states

Is Your Industry Next?

If you’re a CEO or senior leader curious about how Talent Pipeline Management could work for your industry, we’d love to tell you more as our programs take shape.

Information on Talent Pipeline Management (TPM) Cohorts + Interest for Your Industry.

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Why TPM West MI?

As an employer partner, your company will:

Work alongside peer manufacturers to address shared talent needs
Reduce hiring and training costs through strategic alignment
Gain visibility into real-time talent demand and supply data
Strengthen relationships with local education and training partners
Position your organization as a leader in workforce innovation

TalentFirst & MMA will provide:

Strong facilitation and support from TPM-certified staff
Expert and confidential data analysis
Clearly defined solution and action plan to identified talent gap(s)

Who should participate?

This is for manufacturers with a presence in West Michigan who are ready to lead the future of workforce development and talent creation.

Types of roles engaged from employers:

Executive sponsors who align the effort with company strategy
HR leaders who own talent strategy and workforce planning
Operations leaders who link talent to production

We’re seeking participants who are:

Strategic and data-driven
Collaborative and committed to collective progress
Reliable and action-oriented
Visionary in their approach to workforce innovation

What is the commitment for employers?

6-month cohort | July – December 2025
Monthly in-person working sessions
Ongoing virtual collaboration and data exchange
Confidentiality guaranteed for all employer-contributed data