New workforce development opportunities available, thanks to regional partnerships

Metro Detroiters looking to pursue careers in fields as varied as nursing, machining, IT work, and more are being offered a new path to job training and workforce development, thanks to a recent partnership between Focus: HOPE and a handful of local educational and business organizations. Two Oakland County institutions, Oakland University and Oakland Community College, are among the organizations offering training for Focus: HOPE participants.

The Steps for Success Program, a partnership between OCC, Focus: HOPE, and the Detroit Regional Chamber Fund, offers students continued academic and social support throughout their schooling. Students attend the first semester of school at the Focus: HOPE campus and transition to OCC for their remaining courses. A Focus: HOPE Student Success Coach/Case Manager will follow the student throughout their studies, offering tutoring services, workshops, and additional support.

Steps for Success is available to current and newly enrolled students at OCC as well as students already involved with Focus: HOPE.

For students wanting to get into the nursing field, Focus: HOPE has partnered with Oakland University for a workforce training program. Focus: HOPE's program, the Machinist Training Institute, is also currently forming new classes. That program has graduated hundreds of students into the manufacturing and automotive sectors.

To qualify for any of the programs, students must pass both math and English assessments administered by Focus: HOPE.

More information is available through Focus: HOPE by website, email, or (313) 494-4300.

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