Governor Gretchen Whitmer is a lifelong Michigander. She is a lawyer, an educator, former prosecutor, State Representative and Senator. She was the first woman to lead a Senate caucus. But the most important title she boasts is MOM. Inspired by her family, she’s devoted her life to building a stronger Michigan for everyone.
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August 05, 2022
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 5, 2022
Contact: [email protected]
Governor Whitmer Announces Partnership with Google to Offer Free Job Training for Michiganders
LANSING, Mich. — Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer joined the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) in announcing a new partnership with Google to connect 500 local job seekers with no-cost access to Google Career Certificates training to help Michiganders land good-paying, high-demand jobs in growing fields.
“Google Career Certificates will help 500 Michiganders get on a no-cost path to a good-paying career in a high-growth field like Data Analytics, Digital Marketing and E-Commerce, IT Support, Project Management, or UX Design,” said Governor Whitmer. “This program builds on the investments in the bipartisan state budget I recently signed which includes $670 million to strengthen our economy and empower workers and employers. I will work with anyone to help Michiganders land in-demand, high-skill jobs and ensure businesses can grow in every region of our great state.”
The online program can be completed in three to six months of part-time study — with no degree or experience required. After finishing the program, graduates are connected with an employer consortium of over 150 companies — including Deloitte, Ford, Verizon, Walmart and Google — that consider them for relevant roles.
“The Google Career Certificates are a great opportunity for Michiganders to earn industry-recognized credentials and increase their earning potential in a short amount of time,” said Stephanie Beckhorn, Director of LEO’s Office of Employment and Training. “Participants will have the ability to learn at their own pace and prepare for the demands of today’s job market.”
In partnership with Google, the National Association of State Workforce Agencies (NASWA) is providing access to these certificates through state workforce agencies such as LEO. Designed and taught by Google employees, each certificate includes over 150+ practice and graded assessments, quizzes or writing assignments to ensure rigor and mastery.
“Google is proud to offer our Google Career Certificates through the National Association of State Workforce Agencies,” said Lisa Gevelber, Founder, Grow with Google. “Through this partnership, we’re advancing our work to ensure all Americans have access to the job training needed to increase their economic potential.”
Launched in 2018, more than 70,000 people have graduated from the program in the U.S. Seventy-five percent of them report a positive career impact — such as a new job, higher pay or a promotion — within six months of completion, and 55% of graduates identify as Asian, Black or Latino.
Those interested in learning more about the program or applying for a scholarship should contact their local Michigan Works! Service Center. Scholarship recipients need access to a computer, hand-held device or smartphone and the internet. If you do not have access to one or more of these tools, a Michigan Works! representative can help. Scholarship recipients must complete the certificate within six months.
To find the nearest Michigan Works! Service Center, visit MichiganWorks.org.
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