WORKSmart is a quarterly email newsletter with workforce development news and resources, events, services and more of what’s happening at West Michigan Works! Did you miss the last newsletter? Sign up so you don't miss the next one! $9.5 Million in Training Dollars Coming to West MichiganThis year employers in the ...
Meet Karla and Bob. They both came to a West Michigan Works! service center after losing their jobs. They both started their job search with fear they wouldn’t get rehired because they’re older workers. After help from their career coaches, they both found jobs similar to their previous ones and ...
In 2018 West Michigan Works! (WMW) helped 44,890 job seekers, served 3,193 employers and filled 10,463 jobs. This work isn’t done in isolation; it’s accomplished through partnerships with employers, training providers, educators and community organizations. Each December, we look back over the year and recognizes a few of its key ...
Back L to R: Riley Frens, Nick Borgman, Sam Sandee, Gordy Bacheller. Front L to R: Laurie Trestrail, Kelle Bergers, Andrea Gafford On Monday, November 12, West Michigan Works! recognized seven area service workers with 2018 Beverly A. Drake Essential Service Awards for their integrity, commitment, and passion in their ...
To increase Michigan’s talent in Professional Trades and apprenticeships, the state’s Talent Investment Agency gathered a group of thought leaders for a conversation moderated by MLive at The Grand Rapids Press, including our CEO, Jacob Maas. The forum is part of Experience Sooner, a public awareness effort focused on elevating ...
Manufacturers throughout West Michigan are gearing up for open houses and student tours that will showcase their facilities and career options. The tours are part of Manufacturing Week 2018, which runs from October 1-5, 2018. More than 100 manufacturers are expected to host more than 1,000 students during this year’s ...
Since 2013 they have applied for and received millions of Going Pro Talent Fund dollars. The Going Pro Talent Fund (previously Skilled Trades Training Fund) provides competitive awards for short-term training that addresses documented skill deficits. Employers play an integral role in the Talent Fund program; they work with their ...
You don’t always remember what they say, but you remember how they make you feel. The people we encounter throughout our day have the ability to improve our lives one interaction at a time. In their various roles in service industry jobs Jen, Dave and Chris interact with many people ...
Collaboration aligns labor supply with employer demand Much of the work being done to address talent demand issues is happening through industry sector collaboration, or industry councils. Councils bring together employers, workforce agencies and other partners such as training institutions and economic development agencies to create regional, sector-specific workforce strategies. ...
The Michigan Works! service center in Hastings added General Educational Development (GED) testing center to its list of services. The site will offer monthly testing dates for Barry County residents who are looking to earn the equivalent of a high school diploma and improve their employment prospects. Passing a GED ...