Be a Part of the Talent Solution

Regional collaboration is essential to addressing talent, curriculum and advocacy issues.

Industry councils bring employers together and, along with community partners, educators, and economic developers, address talent shortages and build a pipeline of talent for the future.

We’re proud to be part of these industry councils in West Michigan.

West Michigan Tech Talent (WMTT) is a group of employers, education providers and workforce experts focused on creating and sustaining a diverse pool of IT talent while promoting West Michigan as a thriving IT community.

Key initiatives of the industry council:

  • GROW – working with education and community partners to ensure that students receive a strong and relevant foundation in technology
  • DEVELOP – partnering with employers to create training and development opportunities to address identified IT skills gaps
  • RECRUIT – harvesting best practices and tools to help West Michigan employers successfully recruit technology professionals
  • U.S.DOL Registered Apprenticeship – computer support specialist

Sign up for the newsletter today: westmichigantechtalent.com


Discover Manufacturing is a regional network of manufacturers who are committed to addressing the short- and long-term talent needs of West Michigan’s manufacturing industry.

Key initiatives of the industry council:

  • Promote Manufacturing – encourage individuals to consider careers in manufacturing
  • MiCareerQuest – hands-on career and college readiness event for middle and high school students
  • Manufacturing Week – coordinated effort to showcase the industry and career opportunities available
  • U.S.DOL Registered Apprenticeships – industrial manufacturing technician, maintenance technician, maintenance mechanic, tool & die maker, machine operator, CNC machine specialist, CNC machinist operator, mechatronics technician, welder combination.

Sign up for the newsletter today: discover-manufacturing.com


The Construction Careers Council is dedicated to creating beneficial retention programs and projects aimed at keeping current talent in the construction industry and promoting the construction industry as a sustainable career pathway for all ages.

Key initiatives of the industry council:

  • MiCareerQuest – hands-on career and college readiness event for middle and high school students
  • U.S.DOL Registered Apprenticeships – construction apprentice, mechatronics technician electrical, HVAC installer/servicer
  • Careers in Construction Month – a national campaign to increase public awareness of construction careers and inspire the next generation of craft professionals
  • Construction Traveling Roadshow – K-12 and post secondary career exploration events

Sign up for the newsletter today: constructioncareerscouncil.org

The West Michigan Health Careers Council is an employer-led effort to build a pipeline of health care talent by using proven assessment tools, engaging in training programs, opening access to training funding streams and more.

Key initiatives of the industry council:

  • Advancing demand-driven, evidence-based career pathways to support health care careers.
  • Encouraging individuals to consider careers in health care.
  • Participating in MiCareerQuest, a hands-on career and college readiness event for middle and high school students.
  • Offering U.S.DOL Registered Apprenticeship programs.
  • Improving the availability and coordination of internships and externships.

Sign up for the newsletter today: wmihealthcareers.org

The Agribusiness Talent Council is focused on promoting the industry and careers; increasing training opportunities; and working with educators to align curriculum with the needs of employers.

Key initiatives of the industry council:

  • Customized Training – working together with local employers and training providers to create specialized training that meets the unique needs of the Agribusiness Industry, including Leadership and Skills Development.
  • Industry Promotion – Efforts to market the Agribusiness Industry as a great career pathway for all ages.
  • MiCareerQuest – Hands-on career and college readiness event for middle and high school students.
  • U.S.DOL Apprenticeships – Working to create more registered apprenticeships for food processing and agriculture, using industry experts and various funding opportunities.

Sign up for the newsletter today: wegrowmi.org