Manufacturing is alive and well in Wayne County, and Livonia is hoping to be a part of that. Livonia is launching Pure Potential, an initiative focused “on creating a workforce and economic development resource library, that supports job-seekers, employers, and small business owners.” The move comes as Livonia looks to support and expand its strong manufacturing base, with notable firms such as NYX, AlphaUSA, and Roush finding their respective headquarters here.

One key goal of Pure Potential is to develop the next generation of manufacturing employees by leveraging educational institutions located here in the city. One key partner in this project is Schoolcraft College, which opened a new manufacturing and engineering center in 2020. The center, located on Merriman between Schoolcraft and Plymouth Roads, features classes on various advanced topics including 3D-Printing, Mechatronics, CNC, and Robotics. The location of this center is paramount to its success, as it is located next to several community partners businesses. Businesses that serve as a destination for the program’s steady supply of graduates. The center is currently hosting free tuition for select robotics and mechatronics classes.

Livonia’s drive towards enhancing its manufacturing base comes at critical time. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the number of manufacturing sector employees in the Detroit-Dearborn-Livonia area grew by 20% between 2012 and 2022. To keep up with this regional demand, Schoolcraft coordinates an open house every year in the first week of October corresponding with National Manufacturing Day. The program last attracted the interest of 700 middle school students in 2019.

Learn more about Pure Potential Livonia here: https://livonia.gov/1912/Pure-Potential

Learn more about Schoolcraft College’s Manufacturing & Engineering Center here: https://scf.schoolcraft.edu/education-and-workforce-development/manufacturing-engineering-center/