Gina Mancha was displaced from a long career in automotive manufacturing and needed to find a new career. As a dislocated worker, Gina was eligible for services through Michigan Works!. With guidance from a career coach, she completed a career portfolio—a collection of documents that highlights experience, skills and accomplishments—and ...
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. ...
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 ...