SBA’s CIBRE and No Worker Left Behind retool Michigan’s workforce together

A life raft for those caught in Michigan’s economic storm, the state’s No Worker Left Behind (NWLB) program is helping people train for new careers in the emerging knowledge-based economy. Workers with NWLB funding are turning to Oakland University's School of Business Administration for undergraduate, graduate and professional education certificate programs to acquire the skills necessary for the 21st century workforce.

With support through the NWLB program, Anne Stebbins enrolled in the SBA’s Paralegal Certificate Program to prepare for a new career as a paralegal. An employment generalist at Chrysler’s Warren Truck Plant, she was laid off in 2007.

"I knew I had to get additional education to be marketable and update my skills," says Stebbins. "NWLB definitely made the difference whether I returned to school or not. My husband had been laid off in March 2006 and had found another job for a lower wage, restricting our already tight budget. Then, two months after I began the SBA’s Paralegal program he was laid off again and has not found a job yet."

The NWLB program covers up to two years of tuition at any Michigan community college, university or other approved training program, with the stipulation that it must be a degree or occupational certificate in a high-demand occupation or emerging industry, or in an entrepreneurship program. Those eligible include workers unemployed, laid off, or with a family income less than $40,000.

To apply for the program, a worker must begin by visiting a local Michigan Works! Agency to sign up for NWLB, attend orientation meetings and complete assessments. If approved, workers will receive a referral for training, as well as career and course advising.

All of OU’s SBA programs – bachelor’s, master’s, graduate certificate and professional certificate programs – help workers develop skills for the new economy and qualify for NWLB support.

Professional certificate programs offered through the SBA’s Center for Integrated Business Research and Education (CIBRE) professional education department include Certified Financial Planning, Paralegal and Automotive Product Development Management. Review programs and workshops include Quantitative Methods, Project Management and Appraisal.

Fulfilling its mission to help transform the Michigan economy, the CIBRE is frequently adding certificate courses where participants can gain new skills in emerging and high-demand fields in a relatively short time. New programs this summer include Project Management Certificate, Project Management (PMI) Examination Review, Web 2.0 Interface Development, Credit Analysis and Financial Distress and Corporate Restructuring.
For those workers who want to build on existing skills and education, the SBA offers graduate programs in business administration, accounting and information systems technology management. Other programs include a MBA/JD dual degree, post master certificates and an Executive MBA with concentrations in health care management or information systems leadership.

“An educated and skilled workforce is critical as Michigan attempts to attract a new and diverse business portfolio. Helping retool the workforce helps Michigan keep its business edge,” says Lori Crose, director of operations, for the CIBRE’s professional education department. “Many of our alumni and others are looking to universities and community colleges to help them educate, re-educate and retool for the new economy. Our mission is to serve the community.”

To locate the closest Michigan Works! Office, visit www.michiganworks.org or call (800) 285-WORKS (9675). For more information about CIBRE’s programs or to register, visit the SBA’s Professional and Community Education Web site at www.sba.oakland.edu/ce/ or call (248) 370-3177.

By Dawn Pauli

SBA Anniversary Special Offer

SBA alumni interested in the SBA’s professional development certificate program offerings can take advantage of a special 40th Anniversary discount – 10 percent off the first class only of any certificate program offering. The discount is available from October 2009 through October 2010. For a list of offerings, see www.sba.oakland.edu/ce. For more information contact Carrie at (248) 370-3177.