Workplace Education Programs in Small- and Medium-Sized Michigan Firms

Abstract

This paper presents a systematic, baseline picture of workplace education programs in small and medium-sized businesses (less than 500 employees) in Michigan. Specifically, it addresses why some firms are offering and other firms are not offering workplace education programs, what are the characteristics of the programs being provided, and what are the impacts of these programs on firms and employees. The paper draws upon two data sources. Case studies of 28 Michigan businesses were undertaken between May 1991 and July 1992 and a combination mail/telephone survey of small businesses in Michigan was conducted in early 1992. The paper finds that a significant share of the employed population, perhaps 25 to 40 percent of hourly workers, have basic skills difficulties that are reported to impair their productivity. Yet very few of the workers have an opportunity to receive education in basic skills through their workplace.

An evaluation of state‐subsidized, firm‐based training

“…Large‐ and medium‐sized firms are more likely to provide formal training to their employees than are small firms (Frazis et al , 1995; Hollenbeck and Anderson, 1992, Lynch and Black 1998). Firms that have recently restructured, organizations that require technical skills from their employees and companies that pay higher wages are also more likely to provide training to their workforce (Hollenbeck and Anderson, 1992). Finally, formal training is much more likely to occur outside the manufacturing sector (Lynch and Black, 1998).…”

A Net Impact Analysis of Adult, Job-Specific Training Programs Funded by the Ohio Department of Education

“…One way for the ODOE-funded system to interact more with employers may be to engage in workplace education activities. Hollenbeck and Anderson (1992) note that many employers are conducting education and training activities on site. ODOE could consider establishing regulations that would allow certificate programs to operate on-site and receive state subsidy.…”