Any student. Any job. One thriving community.
The Berrien Talent Collaborative helps our community by creating a talent supply chain. The Collaborative, a partnership between Berrien RESA, Lake Michigan College, the Southwest Regional Chamber and the Greater Niles Chamber of Commerce, represents an employer-led initiative for high school students that merges the area’s education and job development resources to create a sustained pool of skilled workers through an apprenticeship program.
Employers
You have a labor issue. We can solve that problem.Economic Partners
Employers need qualified talent. We can help.High School Administrators & Guidance Counselors
We provide free, industry-driven training during high school.High School Students & Families
You deserve a career you love without going into debt.Employers
- Untapped Talent Exists in Berrien County. You just need to know where to find it.
- We know that employers need qualified talent.
- In southwest Michigan, over 90% of employers report it is difficult to hire workers. Of those, 50% said applicants lacked the technical skills to perform the job. Of the Berrien County students who graduated in 2022, 60% did not attend college or a trade school. (W.E. Upjohn Institute, 2023) Do not let this talent pool go untapped!
- Through this registered apprenticeship program, high school students can get the direct training needed to become your next pharmacist, project manager, veterinary technician, software engineer, accountant, or logistics coordinator.
High School Students
- You deserve a career you love without going into debt.
- There are 2,600 job opportunities in Berrien County. (W.E. Upjohn Institute, 2023) One of them should be yours.
- Did you know, of the total U.S. workforce, only 30% of the labor market requires employees to have a 4-year degree. (W.E. Upjohn Institute, 2023)
- Getting a traditional degree is not for everyone. It can be expensive and overwhelming. However, just because you don’t have a traditional 4-year degree does not mean that you don’t deserve to have a great career. Consider participating in a registered apprenticeship while in high school. You will gain real world experience while getting paid and will complete a program with a guaranteed job and no student loans!
We help our community grow.
The Collaborative is a partnership between Berrien RESA, Lake Michigan College, the Southwest Regional Chamber and the Greater Niles Chamber of Commerce. The group represents an employer led initiative for high school students that merges the area’s education and job development resources to create a sustained pool of skilled workers through an apprenticeship program.
Reduce Barriers
We reduce barriers to entry into the workforce by creating flexible, accessible and cost-effective opportunities for aspiring workers through registered apprenticeships.
Fill Jobs
The Collaborative works to significantly reduce vacancies in the local workforce by providing
immediate and sustainable talent, starting with students who are seeking on-the-job
training as part of their high school curriculum.
Build a Talent Supply Chain
We aim to increase retention through the development of broad foundational skills and
training based on specific industry-driven standards leading to highly skilled talent.
Community Growth
We strive to improve the economic prosperity of employees and businesses by providing students with paid apprenticeship opportunities that will advance their careers. With highly skilled and committed people on staff, we anticipate businesses will realize increased productivity, resulting in increased profit margins.
