OU's SBA and No Worker Left Behind retrain workers

Press Release

Contact: Dave Groves
(248) 370-2759
groves@oakland.edu


For Immediate Release
Thursday, Aug. 6, 2009


OU's SBA and No Worker Left Behind retrain workers for new careers

Rochester, Mich. – Michigan's No Worker Left Behind program aims to train people for new careers in emerging industries, and many professionals with NWLB funding are turning to Oakland University's School of Business Administration to get that training.

With NWLB support, 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," Stebbins said. "NWLB definitely made the difference whether I returned to school or not."

The NWLB program covers up to two years of tuition for degrees or occupational certificates in a high-demand occupations, emerging industries or entrepreneurship programs. Eligible workers have either been laid off, accept unemployment or have a family income of less than $40,000 per year.
All SBA 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) 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, CIBRE is frequently adding certificate courses for participants to gain new skills in emerging and high-demand fields in a relatively short time. New programs this summer include the project management certificate, project management examination review, Web 2.0 interface development, credit analysis and financial distress, and corporate restructuring.

“An educated and skilled workforce is critical as Michigan attempts to attract a new and diverse business portfolio,” said Lori Crose, director of operations for the CIBRE’s professional education department. “Helping retool the workforce helps Michigan keep its business edge.”

To locate the closest Michigan Works! office, visit www.michiganworks.org or call (800) 285-WORKS. 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.

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