Glen Oaks boosts Michigan’s manufacturing workforce with EV and leadership training
Among the most requested programs this year has been People Leadership — a series of professional development workshops that equip supervisors with tools for performance planning, coaching and counseling, communication, career development and team building.
In celebration of Michigan Manufacturing Week, Glen Oaks Community College is recognizing regional employers that partnered with the college over the past year to strengthen Michigan’s manufacturing and mobility sectors. These efforts were made possible in collaboration with Southwest Michigan Works, utilizing funds available through the Electric Vehicle Jobs Academy (EVJA) grant and the Going PRO Talent Fund.
Between Aug. 13 and Sept. 25, Glen Oaks delivered 14 customized EVJA training sessions to 107 employees across Southwest Michigan — all in just six weeks.
Participating companies included American Axle, XL/Burke Porter, Morgan Olson, II Stanley and DeNooyer Automotive Group. The first four employers, leaders in manufacturing and assembly, focused on robotics, automation, PLC programming, blueprint reading, OSHA 10 and supply chain management. DeNooyer Automotive Group used the grant to deliver leadership and sales training, preparing its team for changes that come with increased production and sales of electric vehicles.
Together, the companies invested nearly $287,000 in training aimed at bolstering Michigan’s position in the evolving electric vehicle industry.
“Michigan’s manufacturing and automotive industries are transforming quickly, and Glen Oaks is helping businesses stay ahead of that curve,” said Director of Workforce Development and Community Education Kristine Stevens in a press release, “Our partnerships are about empowering people with the skills they need to thrive in an evolving economy.”
Among the most requested programs this year has been People Leadership — a series of professional development workshops that equip supervisors with tools for performance planning, coaching and counseling, communication, career development and team building.
“This training helped me become a better communicator and coach for my team,” read one leadership participant evaluation. Another participant said, “I came away with practical ways to motivate and engage employees.”
These outcomes reflect Glen Oaks’ continued commitment to helping employers enhance productivity, employee retention and workplace culture.
In addition to EVJA training, Glen Oaks continues to support local workforce growth through the Going PRO Talent Fund, a state grant program that helps employers offset the cost of training. The application window for the 2025 funding cycle is now open and closes Oct. 17, 2025. Glen Oaks encourages employers to take advantage of this opportunity to apply for grant support and invest in training for their teams.
Recent Going PRO partnerships include Armstrong International, Clark Logic, TH Plastics, Kadant Johnson, Fibre Converters and the City of Sturgis. Training areas have included SolidWorks, welding, electrical fundamentals, OSHA 10, Six Sigma and project management.
“Whether we’re training on-site, on campus, or online, our goal is the same — to help Michigan’s industries grow stronger through education,” Stevens said.
To learn more about customized training or assistance with Going PRO grant applications, contact Kristine Stevens at (269) 294-4387 or kstevens@glenoaks.edu.
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