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Chairmen Richard Shaink and Tim Herman called the meeting to order at 8:05 a.m.

I. Introductions

Tim Herman thanked Scott McDonald, apprenticeship coordinator, Michigan Laborers’ Training and Apprenticeship Institute, for hosting the meeting. All in attendance introduced themselves and the organization they represented.

II. Funding Updates

Gary Tower introduced Patty Cantu, director, Michigan Department of Career Development. Patty informed the committee that the Michigan Department of Career Development is now under the Michigan Department of Labor.

Patty updated members on the status of CPS dollars. At the present, funding is in a holding pattern. Letters have been sent to legislators and educators informing them that a proration of funds must be done. Legislators are being encouraged to create alternative funding methods. If the proration goes through, $1 million will be available statewide (25 regions). Distribution of these funds has not yet been approved. Groups are being formed to brainstorm ideas on how to use funding. Also, there is talk of rolling back decreases in taxes. The full language of the law requires that the EAG remain intact, along with accountability measures.

According to the Governor’s directive, it is possible that $15 million in federal dollars may be recalled to fund the Freedom to Learn Project, a sixth grade laptop program.

There are numerous proposals on how to maintain programs that are currently running. Many people across the state have worked diligently to get board approval of career pathways and EDPs. Many boards desire to continue programs.

There has been no mention of funding cuts to the state aid dollars for CTE programs. At the present time, there has been no reauthorization of federal dollars for this year or next year. A statewide reduction of $1.8 million in Federal Perkins and $1 million in Adult Education is anticipated.

Beverly Brown, GASC Technology Center, stated that CTE directors have been working with legislators for support of Perkins funding through the Michigan Career Leadership Network. Legislators recognize the important of maintaining foundation dollars.

Patty commented that many states in the nation are experiencing budget difficulties. Michigan ranks second for the most serious budget challenges. The rainy-day fund has been depleting over the past couple of years. It is anticipated that struggles will continue through 2005. She reiterated that hard choices have to be made during tough economic times. She encouraged the EAG to be proactive in this endeavor.

Sherry Bradish, Mott CC, asked Patty for the status of 2003-04 Tech Prep and Perkins funding approval letters. At this time, approval letters have not yet been received. Patty stated that she will look into the matter right away. She apologized for their delay, and noted she will take care of the oversight.

III. Career Preparation Services in Region 15

At the last EAG meeting, a request was made by Julianne Princinsky to design a matrix to illustrate program overlap in the two counties in order to reaffirm collaboration in light of future funding issues. The chairmen asked Gary Tower to provide the matrix to be shared at today’s meeting.

This matrix, along with supporting documents from Genesee and Shiawassee counties, including the Focus Council and the Business Education Coordinating Council, was distributed.

The matrix highlights career preparation standards in the areas of career pathways, career awareness and exploration, career and employability skills, and EDPs. Standards are divided (elementary, middle school and high school) and presented at the fiscal agent and service providers level.

Brian Pyles added that, in addition to the Shiawassee RESD, the Shiawassee Chamber of Commerce is instrumental in providing services to local districts. Promotional efforts and financial contributions are being made. Shiawassee County is at a disadvantage in light of the small number of supporting agencies in their county. The burden of funding quality programs rests heavily on Shiawassee RESD.

Donna Burmeister stated that local districts in Genesee County are planning to continue delivery of some career prep activities with local dollars.

Please see the attached materials for a more in-depth understanding of CPS activities and programs being offered and delivered in Genesee and Shiawassee counties.

IV. Tour of the Michigan Laborers’ Training and Apprenticeship Institute (MLTAI)

Brian Pyles introduced Scott McDonald, apprenticeship coordinator, MLTAI. Scott began by informing members that the Institute, which opened in 1980 and doubled in size by 1991, had just completed a multi-million dollar renovation approximately two years ago. The MLTAI, also known as the Laborers’ International Union of North America, is leading the way by meeting the many diverse needs of the local unions, contractors, and membership.

There are three permanent training sites which accommodate the training needs of construction craft laborers across Michigan. The sites offer over 33 training and safety courses in the areas of Construction, Environmental, Life Skills, and Supervisory. The three centers are located in Perry, Wayne, and Iron Mountain.

Primary courses include:

Ø MIOSHA Construction Safety and Health

Ø Concrete Technology

Ø Oxy-Acetylene Cutting and Burning

Ø Mason Tending

Ø Pipe Laying

Ø Scaffold Building

Ø Asbestos Abatement

Ø CPR

Ø Hazardous Waste Remediation

Ø Lead Abatement

Ø Mine Safety and Health

Ø Confined Space Entry

Ø Hoisting and Rigging

Ø General Construction

The MLTAI Apprenticeship Program is continuing to work with community colleges and universities to allow apprentices and journeymen to earn college credit toward an associate or bachelor degree. All apprentices must complete 4,000 hours in the following on-the-job, general skills training areas:

Ø Site Preparation and Maintenance

Ø Tools, Equipment and Materials

Ø Safety

Ø Environmental Remediation

Ø Building Construction

Ø Heavy/Highway Construction

Apprentices must also complete no fewer than 332 hours of classroom instruction in the above-mentioned categories, as well as the following areas:

Ø Construction Math/Metrics

Ø Measuring Tools

Ø Blueprint Reading

Ø MIOSHA Construction and Safety and Health

Ø First Aid/CPR

Ø Commercial Drivers License

Ø Attitudes/Human Relations/Communications

Ø Foreman Preparedness

Ø Environmental Remediation

Tuition is covered by employer-funded contributions at a rate of $.25 cents per hour worked by each employee. Student ages range from 18 to 65 years of age. Senior members often advance to supervisory training due to physical demands. The average apprentice is 20 years old.

The projected earning power range is from $45,000 to $80,000 a year based on training, skill level and work schedules.

In addition to the Apprenticeship Program, the MLTAI also offers an innovative “School to Work” program. It is a highly successful program involving junior and senior high school students with real-world construction opportunities.

After the presentation, a tour of the facility was made. Mock training sites were visited, depicting real-life working environments.

If you would like additional information on the MLTAI, please contact Scott McDonald at 517.625.4919 or mlti@tds.net .

The next meeting of the EAG is scheduled for February 25, 2004. It was suggested that another tour be scheduled at a different workforce development community agency. Information will be forwarded with the next meeting notice to be mailed in January.

With no further business, the meeting adjourned at 9:15 a.m.

Approval of Minutes:

Dr. M. Richard Shaink, Co-Chair, EAG (Date)

Mr. Tim Herman, Co-Chair, EAG (Date)

MRS/TH:ch