U.S. Department of Labor awards OCC and WIN for excellence, expanding opportunities in advanced manufacturing
Oakland Community College (OCC) and the Workforce Intelligence Network for Southeast Michigan (WIN) were honored in December 2024 with two prestigious awards from the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL). The awards recognize the collaborative success in expanding advanced manufacturing apprenticeships throughout Southeast Michigan using the DOL’s Closing the Skills Gap (CSG) grant.
The CSG grant supports large-scale expansions of apprenticeships in advanced manufacturing, healthcare, information technology and other non-traditional apprenticeship industries such as cybersecurity and emerging occupations using artificial intelligence.
OCC and WIN received both the Sustainability and Expansion Award and the Adaptive Leadership Award. These honors reflect the outstanding success of OCC and the WIN Board of Directors in expanding apprenticeships in advanced manufacturing for small- to medium-sized businesses beginning in 2020.
OCC, and its partners in the CSG grant program who received the Sustainability and Expansion Award, reflect the visionary leadership and efforts required to ensure the program’s long-term impact. The Adaptive Leadership Award highlights the team’s dedication and innovative strategies in navigating complexities and driving success.
"It’s hard to believe five years have passed since OCC and WIN embarked on this transformative
journey. Over this time, the team and our partners have showcased unparalleled dedication
and collaboration, which has led to incredible outcomes," said Joseph L. Petrosky,
Vice Chancellor for Economic & Workforce Development at Oakland Community College.
"Working together, we surpassed key performance goals but also set a benchmark for
what’s possible in workforce development.”
Key highlights from the results of the Closing the Skills Gap grant include:
- Apprentices Enrolled in Training: 200% of the target goal, with 1,442 participants enrolled compared to the initial target of 720.
- Total Participants: 129% of the target goal, with 4,155 participants engaged compared to the target of 3,200.
According to WIN Executive Director Michele Economou Ureste, these awards recognize the hard work, resilience and forward-thinking approach of OCC, WIN, and stakeholder partners, even in challenging times.
“Everyone's commitment to building a sustainable future for advanced manufacturing apprenticeships has made a profound impact on workforce development in the region," she said. "A heartfelt thank you to everyone who has been part of this journey. Your hard work, dedication and passion have been the driving forces behind our success! We also extend our gratitude to all our partner organizations for their collaboration and support."
Along with more than 600 employers and stakeholder partners, the WIN Board of Directors involved in the Closing the Skills Gap grant Henry Ford College, Macomb Community College, Monroe County Community College, Mott Community College, Oakland Community College, Schoolcraft College, Washtenaw Community College, Wayne County Community College District, DESC/Detroit at Work,GST Michigan Works!, Macomb/St. Clair Michigan Works!, Michigan Works! Southeast, Oakland County Michigan Works! and SEMCA Michigan Works!
While the CSG program closes on February 28, the WIN Board remains focused on building
upon the lessons learned and relationships forged during this initiative.
"We are excited to continue creating opportunities to empower individuals and strengthen
our regional workforce," said Petrosky. "Congratulations to our incredible team and
partners! Together, we are creating lasting change and paving the way for a brighter
future for Michigan career seekers."
For more information on Department of Labor apprenticeship grant opportunities visit
dol.gov/featured/apprenticeship/grants. For additional registered apprenticeship tools and resources visit miapprenticeship.org.
About OCC
Oakland Community College offers more than 80 degree and certificate programs with
the resources students need to be successful and advance our community. As a top transfer
institution, OCC offers one of the state’s most affordable tuition rates and flexibility
in scheduling. The College is nationally recognized for its high-demand career training
and expert faculty in their fields. More than 1 million students have enrolled in
the College since it opened in 1965. Learn more at oaklandcc.edu.
About WIN
The Workforce Intelligence Network for Southeast Michigan (WIN) is a division of SEMCA and a collaborative effort between
nine community colleges and seven Michigan Works! Agencies. In partnership with numerous
other organizations, WIN is working to create a comprehensive and cohesive workforce
development system in Michigan, providing employers with the talent they need for
success. Covering a 19-county area, including Eaton, Genesee, Hillsdale, Huron, Ingham,
Jackson, Lapeer, Lenawee, Livingston, Macomb, Monroe, Oakland, Sanilac, Shiawassee,
St. Clair, Tuscola, Washtenaw, and Wayne counties WIN has been recognized as one of
the top workforce collaboratives in the nation by the U.S. Department of Labor, and
celebrated 10 years of research, engagements, and solutions in 2021. For additional
information about WIN visit winintelligence.org/about-us/.
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Media Contact: Marketing & Communications | 248.341.2020 | contactus@oaklandcc.edu