Michigan has access to federal funds to address
the digital skills gap across priority sectors, including
manufacturing, agriculture
The National Skills Coalition (NSC) released new data
spotlighting the demand for digital skills in Michigan’s labor
market. The NSC analysis found that 89% of jobs analyzed require
digital skills, including those in Michigan’s priority sectors like
manufacturing, healthcare and agriculture. Previous NSC research
found one-third of workers lack the foundational digital skills
necessary to enter and thrive in today’s job market, pointing to a
significant divide in Michigan’s workforce readiness.
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(Graphic: Business Wire)
The findings come at a pivotal moment as states plan to
implement the historic $40 billion Broadband Equity Access and
Deployment Program (BEAD), part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure
Law passed by Congress in 2021. Over the next few years, more than
$1.5 billion will be directed to Michigan through the BEAD program
to advance digital equity among populations most impacted by the
digital divide.
“By closing the skills gap, we can better prepare Michiganders
for economic opportunity, increase workforce readiness, and build
on the work we’ve done to connect homes and businesses to
high-speed internet,” said Michigan Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist II.
“Digital skills training gives people the tools to benefit from
their connected communities and can improve the lives of people
across the state of Michigan.”
Over the next year, the NSC will work with policymakers, its
member state coalitions, Comcast, and non-profit partners to ensure
local, state and national leaders are aware of and take advantage
of public sector digital equity funds to invest in skill
development programs.
“This new research demonstrates the urgency—and the payoff—if
Michigan directs a significant portion of BEAD resources to
high-quality digital skills training programs,” said Rachel Unruh,
National Skills Coalition chief of external affairs.
“Digital skills bring the magic to connectivity, and are essential
to advancing equity, opportunity, and economic growth.”
The new report also found that public investments to close this
digital skill gap can generate measurable economic payoff for
workers, businesses and the broader economy. For workers, moving
from a job that requires no digital skills to one that requires
just one digital skill can yield a 23% increase in wages. For
employers, providing workers with upskilling opportunities can save
businesses $25,000-$78,000 in turnover and retention costs per
employee.
The demand for digital skills was found across every industry
and in almost every occupation, including entry-level and frontline
positions. The most in-demand digital skills in Michigan include
data entry, computer literacy, and Microsoft Excel. High-demand,
industry-specific skills include construction and manufacturing
software, electronic medical record software, SAS statistical
software, and SAP.
“Gaining a new digital skill is like turning on the electricity
after a lifetime of burning candles,” said Marcus Keech, Grand
Rapids Chamber director of government affairs. “Our goal is to fuel
the continued growth of our workforce by working together with
policymakers, business leaders, and organizations like Comcast to
address gaps and accelerate workforce potential—supporting digital
skills education will help us do exactly that.”
To support Michigan’s digital equity journey, Comcast has
invested more than $855 million in technology and network
infrastructure, and more than $13.5 million in cash and in-kind
contributions to nonprofit organizations across Michigan in the
last three years.
“Digital skills training unleashes the potential of high-speed
internet within homes and businesses,” said Craig D’agostini,
Comcast vice president, government & regulatory affairs. “We’re
proud to be a partner in Michigan’s digital equity journey, and to
continue to work with policymakers and community leaders to close
the digital divide. Together, we can ensure the success of
Michigan’s workforce, today and tomorrow.”
Project UP is Comcast’s $1 billion commitment to advancing
digital equity in the company’s footprint in Michigan and across
the country. To support Michigan’s digital equity efforts, Comcast
offers several programs to increase internet accessibility and
skills training opportunities, including:
- The Comcast Internet Essentials program provides low-cost,
high-speed broadband service to income-constrained households,
connecting more than one million students, parents, veterans and
seniors in Michigan.
- Comcast also participates in the federal government’s
Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), which provides qualifying
households a $30 monthly credit toward internet and mobile
services—often making internet service in the home free.
- Comcast operates more than 60 Lift Zones across Michigan. Lift
Zones are robust Wi-Fi hotspots in safe spaces designed to help
students get online and participate in remote learning. Many sites
also serve adults and can connect them to job searches, healthcare
information and public assistance, and digital skills content.
About National Skills
Coalition
National Skills Coalition fights for inclusive, high-quality
skills training so that people have access to a better life, and
local businesses see sustained growth. We engage in analysis and
technical assistance, organizing, advocacy, and communications to
improve state and federal skills policies.
About Comcast
Corporation
Comcast Corporation (Nasdaq: CMCSA) is a global media and
technology company that connects people to moments that matter. We
are principally focused on broadband, aggregation, and streaming
with over 56 million customer relationships across the United
States and Europe. We deliver broadband, wireless, and video
through our Xfinity, Comcast Business, and Sky brands; create,
distribute, and stream leading entertainment, sports, and news
through Universal Filmed Entertainment Group, Universal Studio
Group, Sky Studios, the NBC and Telemundo broadcast networks,
Peacock, NBC News, NBC Sports, Sky News, and Sky Sports; and
provide memorable experiences at Universal Parks and Resorts in the
United States and Asia. Visit www.comcastcorporation.com for more
information.
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version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240122501130/en/
Press: National Skills
Coalition Nicky Lauricella Coolberth
nickylc@nationalskillscoalition.org Comcast – Heartland
(Michigan, Indiana & Kentucky) Amy Pietzak 248-318-8906
amy_pietzak@comcast.com Samantha VanHoef 734-478-7118
samantha_vanhoef@comcast.com
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