Jul 19, 2019
One of the most important assets of any organization is its people. As companies are seeking to locate or expand their operations in a region, they are increasingly focused on the local labor market and ensuring that there is access to a large talent pool that can support their business goals. In fact, site consultants have reported in multiple surveys that workforce is the number one factor driving location decisions for their clients.
Of course, there are other factors at play in the decision. The second most important factor according to site consultants is transportation infrastructure, followed by available buildings and sites, state and local tax structure, and available incentives.
Economic development is constantly evolving. Companies want to talk about the talent profile in the region, in addition to viewing properties and discussing all of the available incentives.
Luckily, the Aerotropolis region has a great story to tell when it comes to talent.
Highly Skilled Workforce
Centrally located between Detroit and Ann Arbor, the Aerotropolis region provides a labor market spanning 12 counties and containing a labor force of 3 million people. Easy access to the region via I-94 and I-275 supports commuters from within a 60-mile radius.
The workforce in our region reflects the unique characteristics of the state of Michigan:
- Nearly 90% of the population holds a high school diploma or higher.
- Over 40% of the population holds an associate’s degree or higher.
- The largest concentration of engineers in the country.
- The largest concentration of commercial and industrial designers in the country.
- More than 316,000 high-skilled, tech-savvy STEM workers currently employed in the market.
- 70,000 people employed in the IT industry, including 25,000 software developers and programmers.
Some of the most popular industries in our region include:
- Education and Health Services
- Manufacturing
- Wholesale and Retail Trade
- Leisure and Hospitality
- Professional and Business Services
- Financial Activities
- Warehousing, Transportation, and Utilities
Not only does the Aerotropolis region offer an outstanding talent pool, but we also have a vast pipeline of students who represent the employees of the future.
Talent Pipeline
There are many exceptional educational institutions and opportunities in the Aerotropolis region, designed to prepare young people for the jobs of the future. Companies looking for a vast talent pipeline will find what they need here in our region.
We are home to thousands of well-prepared and highly motivated graduates from top colleges and universities who are looking for satisfying and challenging work.
Top Five Universities by Number of Graduates:
- University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
- Wayne State University
- Eastern Michigan University
- Oakland University
- Baker College
Top Ten Majors for Graduates:
- Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services
- Health Professions and Related Programs
- Liberal Arts and Science, General Studies, and Humanities
- Engineering
- Education
- Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services
- Psychology
- Biological and Biomedical Sciences
- Social Sciences
- Visual and Performing Arts
We also have a network of community colleges that prepare students for a variety of career paths and work with local companies to develop customized workforce training programs.
A Wealth of Resources for Companies
The Detroit Aerotropolis Region Development Corporation is dedicated to expanding workforce capabilities and assisting employers in leveraging the vast talent pool that exists in our region.
The key to success is making connections between employers and a labor force with the right set of skills and experience. Michigan has invested significant resources in talent development, and companies in our region can reap the benefits.
Companies seeking to locate or expand in the Aerotropolis region have access to several organizations that can assist them in finding the best talent:
Talent and Economic Development of Michigan (Ted) – Ted and its subsidiary agencies work to provide the connections, expertise, and innovative solutions to drive continued business growth, build vibrant communities, create affordable housing, generate tourism, and attract and retain key talent to fill Michigan’s vast pipeline of opportunities.
Pure Michigan Talent Connect – Pure Michigan Talent Connect is a launch pad for new jobs, careers, and talent. It is a tool connecting Michigan’s job seekers and employers. It serves as a central hub linking all public and private stakeholders who support Michigan’s workforce. Pure Michigan Talent Connect serves as the state’s labor exchange system.
Southeast Michigan Community Alliance (SEMCA) – SEMCA is a non-profit organization created to maximize the use of state and federal workforce funds for the mutual benefit of employers and workers. They listen to employers needs and assist in identifying and obtaining the best talent. SEMCA is part of the Michigan Works! Association. All of their services are provided free of charge.
Going PRO Talent Fund – The Going PRO Talent Fund makes awards to employers to assist in training, developing, and retaining current and newly hired employees. Training must be short-term and fill a demonstrated talent need experienced by the employer.
The Aerotropolis Advantage
Attracting significant investment to a region requires the right mix of workforce, location, a business-friendly environment, and incentives. The Aerotropolis region offers all of these things.
With the talent pool that we have to offer, companies of all sizes across all industries will be able to access the resources they need to thrive right here in the Aerotropolis.
The Aerotropolis has a variety of available properties, including both vacant lots and existing facilities. Our website is always up to date with the latest listings for companies and site consultants to consider.
