Holly Reilly and Roberts Sinto Corporation
Holly Reilly found an opportunity to support her family – and the metalcasting and foundry industry – with help from the MEDC’s Talent Action Team and the EV Jobs Academy.
Which comes first: the skilled worker or the job that requires and rewards their talent? Michigan is drawing investment in advanced manufacturing by investing in people through the Talent Action Team, an MEDC program that works directly with employers to identify priority occupations and the skills needed to fill these positions, as well as with the state’s educational institutions to train workers, often in concert with the EV Jobs Academy through the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO). To see how it works in action, consider one person’s story of a new career discovered and barriers overcome.
At the beginning of 2025, Holly Reilly was working as a driver for a food delivery app, the latest in a series of jobs that did not provide enough steady income or consistent hours to care for her family as she would have liked. She was ready to find a career that would give her the stability she needed and an opportunity to build for the future. As Reilly explained, “I have four boys and I want to be able to take care of them and show them the possibilities for their future too.”
In nearby Grand Ledge, Roberts Sinto Corporation was hiring. Seeking qualified, certified technicians, the internationally recognized equipment manufacturer and full-service systems engineering company offered solid pay and steady employment.
Reilly already had the determination and drive to succeed in a technical career, but she needed the skills.
Planning for the Future
Browsing the Lansing Community College (LCC) website, she noticed a banner for the Electrical Control Technician (ECT) course. It was an intensive seven-week program that would prepare her to complete the certification exams for Smart Automation Certification Alliance (SACA) credentials and train her to manage and troubleshoot complex industrial equipment, such as programmable logic controllers (PLCs). In less than two months, it could change her life. Recognizing an opportunity, she applied immediately, was contacted by LCC within a few days, and enrolled.
The program was offered free of charge to Reilly, thanks to support for LCC from the MEDC Talent Action Team. Identifying proficiency with electrical controls as being crucial to the talent pathway for EV manufacturing, the Talent Action Team provides funding to LCC to develop and offer the ECT course tuition-free for qualified applicants.
Overcoming Barriers
The course met full-time, five days a week and required additional study to successfully complete the certificates. Reilly soon knew she had found her calling. “When I started this program, I was really unsure of what I wanted to do. For years, I wanted a career in something I really enjoyed and was passionate about. I found both of those things through this class,” she said.
Reilly could build her skills from the ground up, but she would not have the opportunity to work outside of class. She needed help with her rent, and support to purchase necessary tools, work boots, protective gear and clothing.
Through the Capital Area Michigan Works! agency, Reilly was able to access funds set aside by LEO through the EV Jobs Academy program. “Our agency helped to support removal of barriers she was facing, in this case housing, to help support her successful completion of the training,” said Carrie Rosingana, CAMW! chief executive officer.
The funds paid for one month of rental assistance and supportive services and let her dedicate herself entirely to skill development and caring for her family. “I really appreciate the help you’ve given me [through the EVJA grant]. It made a huge difference in my success in the class. Without financial assistance I wouldn’t have had the time I needed to study to do well and pass all those certifications,” Reilly said.
The Journey Continues
On completing the course, Reilly earned eight SACA industry-recognized certificates and her OSHA 30 card. With these certificates, she was offered and accepted a position as an electronic controls technician at Roberts Sinto Corporation. Today, she works full-time, earning about 25% more on an hourly basis than she did in food delivery.
Thanks to the support of the MEDC and its Talent Action Team, along with the EV Jobs Academy, Reilly is now part of a technical workforce that makes Michigan one of the few places on the planet that can do what we do. As she gains experience and confidence, she will grow into her place in the state’s economy of innovation and prove to all that you can ‘Make It’ in Michigan.