Today, the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) and Herco and Detroit Training Center LLC, announced the Contractor Assistance Program (CAP). This new program will grow the construction workforce and increase developer capacity for larger contracts and projects across Michigan.

The Contractor Assistance Program was created with $1.7 million in funding from the Housing and Community Development Fund. This program will help deploy training and technical assistance to individuals seeking to participate in the skilled construction trades, along with those seeking to become licensed builders. Contractors, small businesses and emerging developers who need assistance to secure and complete large projects are also eligible for CAP assistance.

“The construction workforce has experienced a persistent shortage, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic.” said MSHDA Executive Director Amy Hovey. “CAP will address these shortages by encouraging individuals to learn a skilled trade and work alongside contractors and developers who are interested in working on large projects, ultimately contributing to the Statewide Housing Plan and creating more equitable housing.”

To grow Michigan’s construction workforce, CAP will prepare hundreds of builders to pass the Residential Builder’s License Exam and provide them with additional training on Fair Housing and accessible housing. The program will also bring new and existing contractors and developers together to potentially partner on new projects.

Herco and Detroit Training Center LLC, will administer CAP, which will be available statewide. The program will primarily be marketed in areas that have been identified as having a significant shortage of construction skilled trades labor.

“Herco and Detroit Training Center LLC together have combined over 30 years of experience in developing job training and job placement opportunities,” said Phyllis Loudermill owner of Herco. “We are thrilled to have the opportunity to bring skilled trades training, builders license training, and the Contractor Assistance Program to economically disadvantaged areas across the state of Michigan. Our goal is to provide individuals new opportunities in construction and to provide contractors access to a pool of qualified skilled workers along with the tools needed to grow their business.” 

For more information on CAP, visit https://www.michigan.gov/mshdacap .