This article appeared in the December 2020 issue of MiMfg Magazine. Read the full issue and find past issues online.

Q: You come to the role of Acting Director of the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity with a wealth of experience in state government. How does your background help you work with manufacturers?

Corbin: The manufacturing community has played an important role in my life, both personally and professionally. I grew up in a blue-collar town just north of Flint, in the heart of the auto industry, witnessing firsthand how the manufacturing sector creates value. It offered a continuously growing career path for many of my family members, friends and neighbors. Throughout my career in state government, I’ve worked directly with Michigan manufacturers in a variety of positions and regulatory programs, including Deputy Director and Chief of Staff for the Department of Energy, Labor and Economic Growth where I had oversight responsibility for protecting Michigan’s workforce, with the Unemployment Insurance Agency, the Workers’ Compensation Agency and the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration (MIOSHA) falling under my direction. When I served as a Division Director at the Michigan Public Service Commission, I was able to see closely the energy needs of Michigan manufacturers. Later, when I took on a leadership role at Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) as both Chief Deputy Director and now Acting Director, it showed me how manufacturing has a significant impact on Michigan’s jobs and our economy. The great contribution of our manufacturing industry is something all Michiganders need to be proud of and must continue investing in. This growing under-standing of the sector has served me well in building relationships with our manufacturing partners.

Q: Rapidly changing regulations and an evolving legal landscape for issuing orders have perplexed many employers. What is LEO doing to help manufacturers stay up-to-date on these changes?

Corbin: Corbin: Keeping workplaces safe is MIOSHA’s utmost priority and our team has proactively engaged regularly with MMA and business stakeholders and is continuously fielding questions through the COVID-19 hotline — 855-SAFE-C19 (855-723-3219) — from those who are inquiring about general compliance matters. We continue to educate businesses through live Q&A webinars, direct MMA member townhalls and the continuously updated resources on michigan.gov/COVIDWorkplaceSafety, including posters, industry-specific requirements, factsheets, and sample preparedness and response plans. Over the coming months, Ambassadors will also continue our education efforts through visits to thousands of employers, providing individualized site assessments, tips, and suggested improvements to help reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission.

Q: Despite the remarkable changes experienced in 2020, recruiting, retaining and developing talent remains the top challenge for Michigan manufacturers.  How can LEO help employers with this challenge?

Corbin: Helping employers address skills gaps and talent shortages is at the heart of LEO’s mission and a key driving force behind our programs and initiatives. Most notably is the work being done to reach the state’s Sixty by 30 goal — ensuring 60 percent of Michigan’s workforce has a skill certificate or college degree by 2030. Under the Sixty by 30 umbrella, we’ve launched the Futures for Frontliners program offering free tuition for essential workers, and we’re gearing up for an early 2021 launch of the Michigan Reconnect program to extend free tuition to adults 25+. In addition, LEO uses a variety of programs and initiatives to best meet the talent needs of the state’s manufacturers (see the side bar) including financial resources such as the Going PRO Talent Fund, Registered Apprenticeship expansion, the Business Resource Networks with local Michigan Works! Agencies, Michigan’s Industry Cluster Approach, the state’s labor exchange (Pure Michigan Talent Connect), postsecondary efforts such as the Michigan Career and Technical Institute, career exploration tools such as Michigan Training Connect, and services focused on supporting accommodations for the hiring and/or retaining of persons with disabilities.

Q: As we approach the new year, what is your vision for LEO?

Corbin: LEO is laser focused on providing Michigan’s residents and job providers the support they need during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, while also enacting initiatives that lay the groundwork for a future economic recovery. Whether it’s through employment and training, providing a safety net with unemployment, keeping workplaces safe or ensuring residents have attainable housing, LEO’s nearly 3,000 dedicated public servants are the driving force behind our strategic efforts to serve all 10 million Michiganders every day.