When the U.S. Chamber Foundation recently recognized Michigan for its leadership in advancing employer-led talent strategies, it was more than an award. It was recognition of a model that is producing real results for employers across the state.
TalentFirst President Kevin Stotts joined workforce leaders from across the state at the Michigan Industry & Talent Network Kickoff, where Michigan was recognized by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation for its leadership in employer-led talent strategies. TalentFirst CEO Council member Mark Peters, Chairman and CEO of Butterball Farms, Inc., delivered the event’s keynote address.
For years, Michigan employers, education partners, workforce organizations, and community leaders have worked together to address talent challenges through a simple but powerful principle: start with employer demand.
At TalentFirst, we see that principle in action every day through our Manufacturing Talent Alliance.
When Employers Lead, Solutions Improve
One of the most significant workforce challenges identified by West Michigan manufacturers is the growing demand for Maintenance and Repair Technicians. Through TalentFirst’s TPM Manufacturing collaborative, ten manufacturers came together and projected a need for 350 maintenance technicians by 2030.
These roles are critical to operational success. When positions remain vacant, employers face increased overtime costs, delayed preventive maintenance, lower productivity, and greater risk of equipment downtime.
Instead of waiting for someone else to solve the problem, employers took the lead.
They defined the roles, identified the competencies required for success, established skill levels, and worked together to clarify what the market actually needs. That information now provides a clearer signal to education and training providers and creates stronger alignment between workforce preparation and industry demand.
The Business Case for Collaboration
Workforce development is often discussed as a community issue. It is also a business issue.
Research conducted through the collaborative found that each unfilled maintenance technician position represents a significant cost to employers through lost productivity, vacancy time, overtime, and delayed maintenance. Even modest reductions in vacancy time can generate meaningful value while improving reliability and performance.
That is why employer collaboration matters.
When companies work together, they can build solutions at a scale that would be difficult to achieve individually. They can validate skills, influence training design, strengthen talent pipelines, and accelerate results for the entire industry.
Building a Pathway for the Next Generation
The Manufacturing Talent Alliance has moved beyond identifying challenges and into deploying solutions.
The model includes a pre-apprenticeship pathway for new entrants, apprenticeship opportunities for multi-skilled technicians, and a train-the-trainer approach that prepares experienced technicians to develop future talent.
Together, these strategies create opportunities for both career starters and incumbent workers looking to advance. More importantly, they create a sustainable pipeline for one of manufacturing’s most critical occupations.
A Model for Michigan’s Future
The recognition from the U.S. Chamber Foundation highlights something we have long believed: workforce challenges are best solved when employers are at the center of the solution.
No single employer can build the talent pipeline our economy needs on its own. But when employers align around shared talent needs, define the skills they require, and work collectively to build solutions, the impact extends far beyond any single company.
Michigan’s recognition is a testament to what is possible when employers move from conversation to action. It is also a reminder that the future of our workforce depends on continued collaboration, alignment, and leadership from the business community.
As TalentFirst continues to support employer-led initiatives across West Michigan, we remain focused on building practical solutions that strengthen businesses, expand opportunity, and create the talent infrastructure our region will depend on for years to come.
“The most effective workforce solutions start with employers. When employers define the need, shape the strategy, and work together to build solutions, everyone benefits: businesses, workers, and the regional economy.”
— Kevin Stotts, President, TalentFirst
To read more about TalentFirst’s TPM work with West Michigan businesses, read the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s article on the effort.
Photos of Mark Peters of Butterball Farms delivering the keynote address at the U.S. Chamber event honoring Michigan’s work:
