Training programs funded by the Going PRO Talent Fund must lead to a credential for a skill that is transferable and recognized by the industry. This creates a highly-skilled workforce that benefits employers, strengthens communities and gives employees a skill for life. Here is just one example... GE Aviation-Muskegon manufactures ...
On January 16, 2020, 195 Muskegon County residents entered the doors at our Muskegon Service Center. Even though some had to wait two hours to be seen, the general attitude was of hope and appreciation. Why? Because they were there to apply for an expungement—or have a criminal conviction(s) removed ...
The Going PRO Talent Fund was designed to help employers upskill their current workforce and train new hires to address the growing skilled-labor shortage. Funds awarded in 2019 to West Michigan employers through the highly competitive grant process resulted in training for 2,243 existing workers and 4,447 new hires. Workforce ...
High Demand Career Opportunities in Construction and IT High demand industries in West Michigan, like construction and IT, offer great job security, opportunities for growth and strong wages. If you're looking for a change or finishing school and deciding what career is right for you, consider one of these industries. ...
“Alone We Can Do So Little; Together We Can Do So Much.” - Helen Keller West Michigan Works! understands we cannot address our region’s workforce challenges alone. In a time of low-unemployment and continued job growth, we rely on partnerships within our communities to create holistic workforce solutions. Our ...
An estimated 1.3 million individuals with disabilities call Michigan their home. Over half of these individuals are working-age and have abilities that can add value to the workplace. Unfortunately, individuals with disabilities often face barriers to finding and obtaining employment. If this sounds like you or someone you know, Michigan ...
Firstronic, an electronic manufacturer based in Grand Rapids, assembles printed circuit boards for the medical, industrial, automotive and LED industries. The company has seen steady growth over the past seven years, increasing revenue from $7 million to $70 million and growing from less than 50 employees to nearly 200. To ...
U.S. veterans return from duty with knowledge, skills and abilities that employers are looking for in their workforce. Here are some transferrable skills that veterans bring to civilian jobs: TEAMWORK: Most military activities are performed with the help or coordination of others. Veterans have learned to collaborate with others to ...
There are nearly 43,000 Spanish speakers living in Kent County according to the 2013-2017 American Community Survey. To better serve all of the area’s residents, we recently launched a Spanish language website at es.westmiworks.org. Spanish speakers can learn—in their native language—how to begin filing for unemployment and registering for work, ...
Each year during Women in Construction Week, local chapters of the NAWIC (National Association of Women in Construction) hold events honoring the role of women in the industry. Chapter #194 in Grand Rapids serves the West Michigan region and hosted the Women in Construction Luncheon on Wednesday, March 6, 2019. ...