Talent drives prosperity. Regions need to develop, certify, and report talent at all levels to compete with other regions in the 21^st Century. Historically, high school diplomas and college degrees have been the credentials of choice. More recently, work readiness credentials such as the ACT National Career Readiness Certificate (NCRC) have been gaining popularity because they offer a reliable certification of foundational skills known to be directly relevant to workplace needs. According to the 2006 census, 28% of adults had received a bachelor’s degree or higher. We need reliable credentials for everyone. The race is now on between the states and regions to build and certify foundational skills to showcase their talent to employers looking to relocate. We can win this race. The NCRC is our bridge to prosperity.

Michigan must realign our infrastructure with the demands of the global economy.  Consider:

·         Last century – solid regional infrastructure meant good roads, rail access, water, electricity, etc. – the ability to receive supplies and ship goods effectively.

·         This century – solid infrastructure means high speed internet connections and knowledge workers – people capable of operating in a networked world – creative networked brains.

·         Today – there is a surplus of unskilled workers - 33% of the workforce competes for the bottom 12% jobs.

·         Today – there is a shortage of skilled workers – those that work with their head and their hands – the fastest growing segment of the workforce.

·         The high school graduation rate in the United States is 69.9% (freshmen that graduate).

·         The number of people living below and near poverty is increasing. It is no surprise. Those who lack solid foundational skills, cognitive skills, to do knowledge work are less valuable to employers.

·         Unskilled workers earn low wages. They are the working poor. They suffer and they draw upon regional resources to make ends meet. Unskilled workers are more likely to draw public assistance.

·         Skilled workers earn higher wages and are self-sufficient. They can survive and prosper in the new “flat” world and they contribute resources to the region. Skilled workers pay more taxes.

·         The only way to reverse the trend of increasing poverty is to “skill up” our region.

·         Four year degrees alone won’t do it. We need higher skills at all levels of the workforce.

·         Jobs follow talent.

·         We must transform unskilled workers into skilled workers

·         The NCRC is the most cost effective way to transform our workforce.