The Northern Lakes Economic Alliance (NLEA) announced this week that its grant application submitted in partnership with the Industrial Arts Institute in Onaway has been selected as one of just five projects statewide to receive funding through the Michigan Office of Future Mobility and Electrification’s Michigan Maritime Innovation Grant Program.
The projects are all intended to advance the newly released Michigan Maritime Strategy, which is the state’s first comprehensive 10-year roadmap for growing its maritime economy.
The Industrial Arts Institute (IAI) will use the grant funding to build a specialized training curriculum tailored to growing maritime and naval industries by expanding its welding and fabrication programs. The new programming will see its first cohort of graduates in spring 2027. Grant funding will also allow NLEA to assess the economic impact on maritime trade and manufacturing in the region.
“Northern Michigan has a long history of innovation in the skilled trades, and this grant strengthens our region’s ability to lead in maritime manufacturing as well,” said Tammy Ward, executive director of IAI, in a statement. “In partnership with NLEA, IAI is enhancing our curriculum with maritime-aligned competencies that directly support shipyards, manufacturers and employers across the Great Lakes. This investment deepens workforce pathways and expands opportunities for our communities, ensuring the next generation of skilled trades professionals is prepared for the industries that drive Michigan’s future.”
This article originally appeared on Cheboygan Daily Tribune: NLEA, Industrial Arts Institute celebrate Michigan Maritime Innovation grant
Reporting by Jillian Fellows, Cheboygan Daily Tribune / Cheboygan Daily Tribune
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Jillian Fellows, Cheboygan Daily Tribune | USA TODAY Network
