BENTON HARBOR, Oct. 1, 2024 — State Rep. Joey Andrews (D-St. Joseph) presented a check at the ribbon cutting ceremony for the Berrien Talent Collaborative. This program, created in part by the Berrien Regional Educational Service Agency, Lake Michigan College, the Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber and the Greater Niles Chamber of Commerce, aims to connect businesses with students and establish more apprenticeships in the region. Andrews helped secure $500,000 in state funding for the collaborative to get started. After the event, Andrews issued the following statement:
“Job development has always been a top priority of mine. That’s why I fought to include $500,000 in funding for this collaborative. Entering the workforce can seem like a daunting challenge for many, which is why we need programs like these to help with the process and provide a path to a career without tremendous debt. I’m thrilled to see this collaborative come to life today, and I look forward to seeing the careers and economic development it brings to Southwest Michigan.”
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