Chris Holman welcomes Jose Reyes, Executive Director, NPower Michigan, Detroit, MI
discusses workforce development, digital literacy, and tech career pathways for underserved communities.
Watch Jose and Chris discuss workforce development, digital literacy, and tech career pathways for underserved communities in the SoundCloud Podcast shared below:
There were several questions Chris wanted to find out about in this conversation:
Can you explain what NPower Michigan is and the mission it serves? Specifically, how does the organization aim to build a talent pipeline that meets employer needs and engages the local community?
Your organization focuses on enhancing workforce readiness through digital literacy and credentials. Could you describe some of the key programs or initiatives NPower Michigan offers to help individuals prepare for careers in the tech industry?
How does NPower Michigan approach recruiting individuals from underserved communities?
What partnerships or strategies have been particularly effective in helping young people transition from high school to further education or the workforce?
Industry collaboration seems to be a significant part of your strategy. Can you provide examples of how NPower Michigan works with industries like Mobility, Manufacturing, Healthcare, and Green Energy to create career pathways and apprenticeships?
NPower Michigan has achieved impressive outcomes, such as high job placement rates and significant wage increases for program graduates. What are some of the key factors that have contributed to these successes, and what plans do you have to continue building on this momentum?
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About our guest: José Reyes serves as the Executive Director of NPower Michigan. He is responsible for leading NPower’s strategic direction, overseeing its administrative management, and directing collaborative partnerships within the region.
Throughout his career José has worked at the nexus of education, government, non-profits, and the private sector creating collective impact strategies to improve the quality of life for individuals, families and communities.
José began his career as a change agent serving as Aide to the Vice Provost for Minority Affairs at the University of Michigan. While working at the University, José developed and implemented policy, programs, and research designed to promote greater access and achievement for underserved populations.
In the late 1990s José joined the Detroit Wayne County Mental Health Agency, one of the largest public-sector healthcare systems in the nation. During his tenure he helped to redefine the county’s service model, its quality management system, and pioneered the county’s first web-based customer care system.
José spent nearly a decade at Prism Solutions, serving as Director of Public Sector Solutions and Senior Consultant. Over the years, José has worked with a vast number of nonprofits and governmental agencies to sharpen strategy, refine operations, and build capacity.
In 2011, José was appointed by Mayor David Bing to serve as Deputy Director of the City of Detroit’s Workforce Development Department. During his tenure Jose lead the transition of the City’s department into one of the largest and best performing nonprofits in Michigan. As the co-architect of Detroit Employment Solutions Corporation (DESC) and its former Chief Operations Officer, José has been the driving force behind many of DESC’s innovative approaches. He has been nationally recognized for his expertise in workforce development, particularly as it relates to innovative strategies among underrepresented populations in the workforce. José has been credited for his role in developing the White House recognized Tech-Hire initiative in Detroit, as well as:
Expanding the Grow Detroit Young Talent summer youth program to 8,000 children.
Establishing a strategic partnership with DPSCD for redevelopment of 21st century CTE schools for youth and adults.
Establishing the City of Detroit’s first youth engagement center for Opportunity Youth.
Opening American Job Centers within two Michigan Department of Corrections facilities.
Creating the Detroit Registered Apprentice Program (D-RAP), a DOL recognized best practice model.
With nearly two decades of experience, José is nationally recognized as a subject matter expert on Workforce and Economic Development. José has provided consultation services to other Workforce Boards, including the City of New Orleans and the state of Nevada. He continues to serve as a panelist for Policy Link, a national research and action institute dedicated to advancing economic and social equity for boys and men of color. Prior to joining NPower, he served as the Director of Workforce and Community Development at Washtenaw Community College, creating innovative, industry-driven talent pipeline strategies.
Your organization focuses on enhancing workforce readiness through digital literacy and credentials. Could you describe some of the key programs or initiatives NPower Michigan offers to help individuals prepare for careers in the tech industry?
How does NPower Michigan approach recruiting individuals from underserved communities?
What partnerships or strategies have been particularly effective in helping young people transition from high school to further education or the workforce?
Industry collaboration seems to be a significant part of your strategy. Can you provide examples of how NPower Michigan works with industries like Mobility, Manufacturing, Healthcare, and Green Energy to create career pathways and apprenticeships?
NPower Michigan has achieved impressive outcomes, such as high job placement rates and significant wage increases for program graduates. What are some of the key factors that have contributed to these successes, and what plans do you have to continue building on this momentum?
» Visit MBN website: www.michiganbusinessnetwork.com/
» Watch MBN’s YouTube: www.youtube.com/@MichiganbusinessnetworkMBN
» Like MBN: www.facebook.com/mibiznetwork
» Follow MBN: twitter.com/MIBizNetwork/
» MBN Instagram: www.instagram.com/mibiznetwork/
About our guest: José Reyes serves as the Executive Director of NPower Michigan. He is responsible for leading NPower’s strategic direction, overseeing its administrative management, and directing collaborative partnerships within the region.
Throughout his career José has worked at the nexus of education, government, non-profits, and the private sector creating collective impact strategies to improve the quality of life for individuals, families and communities.
José began his career as a change agent serving as Aide to the Vice Provost for Minority Affairs at the University of Michigan. While working at the University, José developed and implemented policy, programs, and research designed to promote greater access and achievement for underserved populations.
In the late 1990s José joined the Detroit Wayne County Mental Health Agency, one of the largest public-sector healthcare systems in the nation. During his tenure he helped to redefine the county’s service model, its quality management system, and pioneered the county’s first web-based customer care system.
José spent nearly a decade at Prism Solutions, serving as Director of Public Sector Solutions and Senior Consultant. Over the years, José has worked with a vast number of nonprofits and governmental agencies to sharpen strategy, refine operations, and build capacity.
In 2011, José was appointed by Mayor David Bing to serve as Deputy Director of the City of Detroit’s Workforce Development Department. During his tenure Jose lead the transition of the City’s department into one of the largest and best performing nonprofits in Michigan. As the co-architect of Detroit Employment Solutions Corporation (DESC) and its former Chief Operations Officer, José has been the driving force behind many of DESC’s innovative approaches. He has been nationally recognized for his expertise in workforce development, particularly as it relates to innovative strategies among underrepresented populations in the workforce. José has been credited for his role in developing the White House recognized Tech-Hire initiative in Detroit, as well as:
Expanding the Grow Detroit Young Talent summer youth program to 8,000 children.
Establishing a strategic partnership with DPSCD for redevelopment of 21st century CTE schools for youth and adults.
Establishing the City of Detroit’s first youth engagement center for Opportunity Youth.
Opening American Job Centers within two Michigan Department of Corrections facilities.
Creating the Detroit Registered Apprentice Program (D-RAP), a DOL recognized best practice model.
With nearly two decades of experience, José is nationally recognized as a subject matter expert on Workforce and Economic Development. José has provided consultation services to other Workforce Boards, including the City of New Orleans and the state of Nevada. He continues to serve as a panelist for Policy Link, a national research and action institute dedicated to advancing economic and social equity for boys and men of color. Prior to joining NPower, he served as the Director of Workforce and Community Development at Washtenaw Community College, creating innovative, industry-driven talent pipeline strategies.
José is a graduate of the University of Michigan and holds a Bachelor’s in Sociology and a Master’s degree in Social Work. He is a Board of Governors Emeritus for the School of Social Work. José also attended the University of Detroit’s law school. He is a life-long Michigander, born and raised in Detroit. In addition to his professional endeavors, José is active in the community and continues his involvement with groups that promote strong communities and enrichment opportunities for children and families.
