(Photo courtesy of Oakland County)
Barron Industries of Oxford and its employee Dakota King were recently honored with an Impact Award from the Michigan Works! Association, in recognition of the employer’s commitment to workforce development and collaborative relationship with Oakland County Michigan Works!
Celebrating its 100th anniversary this year, Barron is a family-owned, global manufacturer of precision cast parts, machined components and complete assemblies for customers in the aerospace, defense, automotive, oil and gas, nuclear, medical and other industries.
“The relationship between Oakland County Michigan Works! and Barron Industries shows how government and industry can effectively work together to benefit both our residents and businesses,” said Oakland County Executive David Coulter. “Our collaboration has helped a number of people find good jobs while enabling Barron to grow its workforce with highly trained workers.”
Barron began working with Oakland County Michigan Works! in 2018 when the company needed help in filling several skilled trade positions and launched an on-the-job training program. To date, 17 people have been hired and trained through the program for positions as casting and molding technicians, mold technicians, finishing specialists and other roles.
In 2021, Barron joined the Oakland County Business Resource Network, which provides employees with a success coach to help them overcome challenges that can act as barriers to sustainable, long-term employment. Last year, Barron launched a U.S. Department of Labor Registered Apprenticeship program for CNC machinists.
Barron has participated in the State of Michigan Going PRO Talent Fund, receiving grants totaling $137,964 over the last two years to retrain current staff members, and hire and train new workers. The company also received a Regional Talent Innovation Grant of $10,750 to train eight employees.
“Barron Industries has been an invaluable partner to our Michigan Works! system,” said Sarah Hug, business services representative, Oakland County Michigan Works! Waterford. “Their team is incredibly responsive and dedicated to making a difference in the lives of their employees.”
Dakota King, 25, joined Barron’s on-the-job training program in 2021. He was interested in the skilled trades and started working in the company’s foundry operations. Last year, he took on additional responsibilities in Barron’s burn-out operation, which included a wage increase for the cross-trained utility employee.
“Because of the OJT program, Dakota and other new employees get the help they need in coming to Barron and starting in an entry-level position,” said Scott Michael, manager of manufacturing operations. “Once here, they are trained in operating many different machines including wax injection presses, metal finishing, laser cutting, and other casting foundry equipment. They are also exposed to skilled trades through our CNC machining, welding and quality control departments.”
Jennifer Llewellyn, director, Oakland County Michigan Works!, said, “Dakota and others who have won Impact Awards are tremendous examples of the type of dedication and hard work needed to build a career.”
The Impact Award Program, sponsored by the Michigan Works! Association, honors businesses, individuals, and Michigan Works! frontline staff across the state of Michigan who work to transform lives and contribute to a strong economy in Michigan.
Oakland County Michigan Works! operates centers in Novi, Oak Park, Pontiac, Southfield, Troy, and Waterford, where they assist more than 105,000 job seekers annually. Services include career coaching, interviewing and job search workshops, placement assistance, training courses and job trend information.
The centers also assist more than 3,000 employers seeking help with talent recruitment, apprenticeship programs, job fairs, candidate pre-screening, hiring and training support, layoff support and labor market data.
Staff are available in-person or by virtual appointment to work one-on-one with job seekers to build their resumes, prepare for job interviews and help address other needs. To schedule an appointment, call 248-858-5520 and select the office nearest to you. The centers are hosting several virtual workshops for job seekers. A schedule can be found at OaklandCountyMIWorks.com.
