LANSING – The Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs is launching a program to connect employers with foreign-born professionals, particularly in the science, technology, engineering and math fields.

The Michigan International Talent Solutions program, created by the Michigan Office for New Americans within LARA, plans to offer customized job search training to skilled and permanently work-authorized immigrants, the department said. The program will work through a partnership with national nonprofit Upwardly Global.

“We welcome professionals from all over the world, making Michigan the best place for them to restart their careers,” Governor Rick Snyder said in a statement about the program. “Diversifying our workforce is just as important as diversifying our economy. Michigan was built on immigrant innovators and entrepreneurs who created some of the world’s most productive companies. As we make our economic comeback, integration of immigrant talent into our workforce gives our employers the competitive advantage they need to be successful in the global economy.”

Skilled immigrants with professional credentials represent 6 percent of Michigan residents, and with an estimated 100,000 current job openings in the state, there is potential and incentive to get these professionals into gainful employment, the department said.

Under the program, new American professionals will receive customized individual and online job search training, including:

Professional resume development in U.S. format;

Assistance completing job applications;

Networking and marketing skills;

Interview skills and preparation; and

Salary negotiation.

There is no placement fee for employers who use the program, LARA noted. Interested job seekers can apply online but must possess a green card or have other permanent work authorization status. They must also possess at least a bachelor’s degree or higher from a foreign university, have a minimum of two years of professional work experience outside the United Stated, and be proficient in English.

Employers interested in accessing the MITS international talent pool can contact Annie Fenton, MITS program director, at [email protected] or visit www.michigan.gov/mona for more information.

This story was published by Gongwer News Service. To subscribe, click on www.gongwer.com