HFC awarded $100,000 Closing the Skills Gap grant over the next four years

Over the next four years, Henry Ford College (HFC) will be awarded $100,000 as part of the overall $4 million Closing the Skills Gap grant through its partnership with the Workforce Intelligence Network (WIN) for Southeast Michigan.

WIN is a partnership of 10 community colleges – including HFC – and six Michigan Works! agencies.

This $4 million grant, led by Oakland Community College, is the second such grant to be awarded to WIN through the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL). The DOL also recognized WIN’s partners as one of the Top 15 national performers for the current multi-year American Apprenticeship Initiative grant, which ends Sept. 30. The grant commits WIN’s partners to serving 3,200 apprenticeship training participants and 720 registered apprentices in the manufacturing sector over a 48-month period, effective March 1.

"Earn while you learn" education model

HFC is making great strides in its ongoing efforts to provide skilled workers that employers need now and in the future with its Advanced Manufacturing, Skilled Trades, Computer Information Systems (CIS), Cybersecurity, Automotive Technology and ASSET, and Architecture/Construction Technology programs. Many of these programs provide an “earn while you learn” education model, resulting in a certification that can lead to an associate degree and industry-recognized certification.

“Henry Ford was the father of industrial education. HFC has a greater responsibility to produce knowledgeable skilled trade workers in the region. We take great pride in that,” said Dr. Patricia Chatman, Dean of the HFC School of Business, Entrepreneurship, and Professional Development (BEPD), who represents HFC on the WIN Board.