Emerging Sectors® Company Benefits from Oakland County's Workforce Development Services
The Oakland County Workforce Development division offers a variety of services to assist small and large businesses with their recruitment, hiring, and training needs. United Solar Ovonic LLC, one of Oakland County's premier Emerging Sectors® companies, has capitalized on their programs to attract and train new, highly-qualified employees.
Headquartered in Auburn Hills, United Solar Ovonic is the world's largest manufacturer of thin film solar products for converting sunlight into electricity. They partnered with Workforce Development in 2005, when the alternative energy company experienced increased hiring due to the opening of a second manufacturing facility in Auburn Hills.
Ways Oakland County assisted United Solar with their work force needs:
Oakland County's Michigan Works! Service Center in Troy accepted over 320 candidate applications for Production Technician opportunities for the Auburn Hills facility. Since July of 2006, over 100 candidates have completed pre-employment testing and 16 have been hired as Production Technicians. The recruitment and pre-screening services provided by Workforce Development resulted in an increased number of diverse candidates and significantly expedited the company's hiring process.
In 2005, Oakland County Workforce Development awarded United Solar Ovonic $41,000 in Workforce Investment Act Incumbent Worker training funds. Fifty-seven United Solar employees received training in Lean Manufacturing, Leadership Skills, and Managing Performance.
In September of 2007, United Solar received an additional $43,000 to train 250 employees in Manufacturing Simulation. The training, delivered by Oakland Community College, will help ensure the retention of a highly skilled and trained workforce.
“We are delighted to recruit and refer our customers for new positions with United Solar and offer assistance in retraining their current employees,” commented John Almstadt, Manager of Workforce Development. The partnership of Oakland County Workforce Development, United Solar Ovonic LLC and Oakland Community College exemplifies the benefits of government, business, and education working cooperatively to attract and retain a highly skilled workforce and premier companies in Oakland County.
For information on programs and services available through Oakland County Workforce Development, please call 248-858-5520.
