A new partnership to combat a growing labor shortage in Southwest Michigan

BERRIEN COUNTY, Mich. - There's a new partnership to combat a growing labor shortage in Southwest Michigan, called the "Berrien Talent Collaborative Program".

The "Berrien Talent Collaborative Program" will work to connect high school students with job openings through paid apprenticeships rather than a traditional college education.

Berrien Resa, Lake Michigan College, and the Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber came together to help place high school students into job vacancies.

One of the first steps in this partnership was Lake Michigan College’s donation of its Niles campus.

Renamed the Berrien Innovation Center, this facility will be dedicated to training students.

Arthur Havlicek, the President, and CEO of the Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber, recognizes the great potential in high school students.

“What we have is an untapped supply chain of high school students who are eager find a high paying job without having to incur debt," said Havlicek.

This apprenticeship program is currently in the pilot phase. They are still looking for students and employers who are interested in this program.