Daily Press photo Panelists speak at the “Workforce Resiliency Through Partnership” event at the Delta County Chamber of Commerce Thursday.

ESCANABA — Developing and retaining a skilled workforce throughout the U.P is a critical mission of the Upper Peninsula Construction Council (UPCC) and Michigan Building & Construction Trades Council (MBCTC), leaders said Thursday.

The UPCC and MBCTC held a “Workforce Resiliency Through Partnership” event at the Delta County Chamber of Commerce, bringing together industry and government leaders to discuss strategies to address the workforce challenge.

“The demand for skilled construction workers is growing in the U.P. at the same time we are facing an aging population,” said Mike Smith, UPCC executive director. “The way to build a more resilient U.P. is by identifying, developing, and retaining a skilled workforce.”

To that end, the UPCC has created new programs to promote career opportunities available in the union construction industry and give students hands-on experience, including:

– Building Trades Summer Camp: An earn-and-learn program that gives incoming high school freshmen to seniors construction experience in a safe, controlled environment.

– Construction Connect UP: An earn-and-learn program serving as an effective transition from school to work by giving high school seniors academic education and the skills necessary for competing in the construction world.

– Career Fairs: Hands-on career fairs are held each spring and fall across the UP, focused on high school juniors and seniors. The goal is to introduce students to careers in the union construction industry. Students participate in hands on activities similar to a day on a construction site.

Thursday’s event in Escanaba included a panel discussion facilitated by Marty Fittante, CEO of Invest UP. Steve Claywell, president of the Michigan Building and Construction Trades Council, emceed the event.

Panelists included:

– Doug Leisenring, Superintendent of Delta-Schoolcraft ISD

– Dr. Brock Tessman, President of Northern Michigan University

– John Hartwell, Career and Outreach Coordinator for IUOE 324

– Deb Brunell, Executive Director of UP MIWorks

– Paul Meneghini, Manager of Community Engagement, Enbridge

– Jeremy Menard, Operations Manager for Billerud Escanaba

Sean Egan, deputy director of the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity, closed out the evening. Hilary Doe, chief growth officer for the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, also was on hand to talk about the Governor’s Grow Michigan Together Council, an initiative to address the loss and aging of Michigan’s population.

“We want to be on the same page as our industry partners so we can better address any issues they may have,” Smith said. “This was a valuable event where long-term relationships are fostered. Our goal is the success of a resilient U.P.”