Motorcycle Tour Day 1: Peters Kicks Off in Farmington Hills, Highlights Veterans Apprenticeships in Flint
FLINT, MI – U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) today kicked-off Day One his fourth annual motorcycle tour across Michigan at a kick-off event in Farmington Hills. Peters then rode with workers and riders to Flint, where he visited Mott Community College (MCC) to hold a roundtable discussion on promoting apprenticeship opportunities – especially for veterans – and toured MCC’s Regional Technology Center.
“One of my first jobs growing up was riding my bicycle around my neighborhood to deliver newspapers. From that point, I knew I had a passion for riding – and nothing beats going across Michigan on my motorcycle,” said Senator Peters. “It was great to be surrounded by fellow riders at this morning’s kick-off event. I’m excited to continue the ride across the state.”
“I’ve gotten to know Gary well during these rides, and it’s great to see how committed he is to going to all corners of the state,” said Eric McPherson, Sheet Metal Workers Local 80 member who rode with Senator Peters last year and at this year’s kick-off. “Gary has always had the backs of working families and we’re going to continue partnering with him to stand up for workers.”
Top left to right: Peters kicks off 4th annual motorcycle tour at Motor City Harley-Davidson in Farmington Hills. Bottom left to right: Peters at Mott Community College in Flint.
Click here to download photos from Day 1 of the Motorcycle Tour.
Peters then traveled to Mott Community College, where he held a roundtable discussion on the importance of expanding apprenticeships and skills trainings for students, workers and veterans and toured their Regional Technology Center. Throughout the visit, Peters highlighted bipartisan legislation he introduced to expand opportunities for veterans to register for apprenticeships by requiring that veterans are included in Department of Labor (DOL) standards for registered apprenticeship programs.
“I appreciated hearing from leaders at Mott Community College about all the work they’re doing to support students and veterans get the skills they need to get good-paying jobs,” said Senator Peters, a former Lt. Commander in the U.S. Navy Reserve. “Across Michigan, one challenge I consistently hear is having workers with talents needed to close the skills gap. I’m proud to have gotten signed into law provisions that close the skills gap, as well as lead bipartisan legislation that will increase apprenticeship opportunities for veterans – so that they can put their unique skills to work.”
“We were pleased to host Senator Peters today. Mott is committed to supporting students with talents and skills to give back to this community,” said Dr. Beverly Walker-Griffea, President, Mott Community College. “Apprenticeships are a great way for students to get a hands-on experience, and we are proud that many of our programs include veterans. Senator Peters is right to focus on this as an important part of Michigan’s future, and we applaud his efforts.”
Throughout the motorcycle tour, Peters will be highlighting issues important to Michigan, including closing the skills gap and expanding apprenticeships, supporting veterans, preserving the Great Lakes as an economic engine and major source of drinking water, and strengthening our national defense and border security. Tomorrow, Peters will head to Escanaba for the second day of his motorcycle tour. He will additionally be making stops in Marquette County, Traverse City, Grand Rapids and Grand Ledge.
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