Michigan Works! West Central's Business Services team is ready to help you submit your comprehensive Going PRO Talent Fund application. For more info, visit MWWC.org/GoingPRO. | | Applications Accepted Through 5 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 30 | | |
The highly anticipated application period for the semi-annual Going PRO Talent Fund is officially underway. Michigan Works! West Central is ready to assist area businesses looking to upskill their employees and strongly encourages you to connect with our Business Services team immediately to ensure the timely submission of a successful application.
An estimated $29 million is expected to be awarded through the Cycle 1 fall grant round of the Going PRO Talent Fund. Businesses can apply for up to $2,000 per employee in training reimbursement, and up to $3,500 per USDOL registered apprentice.
For more info about the Going PRO Talent Fund and to connect with your Business Services specialist, visit MWWC.org/GoingPRO.
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Michigan Works! West Central Awarded Grant to Provide Training
in Construction, Infrastructure, Energy & Mobility Sectors
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Michigan Works! West Central is partnering with three other Michigan Works! agencies to provide training in four key industry sectors: construction, infrastructure, energy and mobility. The Regional Innovation Project will unite efforts across Northern Michigan to address workforce shortages by connecting job seekers with the training necessary to fill these critical and in-demand roles.
“With our four Michigan Works! agencies partnering together on this initiative, we will be able to provide essential base-level credentials to career seekers throughout Northern Michigan in the construction, infrastructure, energy and mobility sectors,” said Shelly Keene, Executive Director for Michigan Works! West Central. “Our united approach will strengthen Northern Michigan’s workforce pipeline by preparing hundreds of individuals for success in these high-growth, high-demand industries. We are proud to collaborate with our neighboring agencies on this initiative to provide seamless comprehensive services to 39 of Michigan’s 83 counties.”
For more info about the this new training opportunity, click here.
| | Career Services, Training and Housing Assistance Available | | |
Have you heard about the National Farmworker Jobs Program (NFJP)?
Through NFJP, eligible low-income agricultural workers may receive individualized Career Services and Training, Housing Assistance and other related services to help them secure life changing economic futures in Michigan and support the state’s $105 billion food and agricultural industry.
Want to know more? Visit your nearest Michigan Works! West Central service center to see how NFJP may be able to help you! Find your nearest service center at MWWC.org/Contact. Additional information about the program is available at Michigan.gov/NFJP.
| | ABOVE: Attendees at the fourth-annual Reentry United conference listen to a panel of guest speakers. BELOW: Warden Melinda Braman addresses those in attendance at the annual event in Grand Rapids. | | 4th Annual Reentry United Conference
Hosts Guests From Across Michigan, U.S. | | |
With a sold-out crowd of more than 300 people from across Michigan and several other states, the 4th annual Reentry United conference was a testament to the growing momentum behind reentry efforts in Michigan and beyond.
The day opened with remarks from Warden Melinda Braman, the 2024 Warden of the Year, who set the tone with a message of hope and collaboration. Following her was keynote speaker Adam Clausen, whose story deeply resonated with the audience. At just 24 years old, Adam made a series of life-altering decisions that resulted in a staggering 213-year prison sentence. Incarceration helped him to turn his life around and after 20 years, 5 months, and 17 days he was released. His message reminded everyone of the power of change and the importance of second chances.
Read more about this year's event and see pictures from the conference by clicking here.
| | ABOVE: Several of this year's 20 Under 30 award winners attended a special awards luncheon in late-July at our Ludington service center. They received their awards and several legislative tributes. | | |
On a sunny Friday in late-July, we celebrated the 2025 class of winners of our annual "20 Under 30" publication at an awards luncheon in Ludington. Awardees received a certificate and placard from Michigan Works! West Central, as well as proclamations from state legislators.
At the event, we also recognized participants in our young adult programs, including the Jobs for Michigan's Graduates (JMG) program. Hopefully, we will see them in the pages of a future edition of the "20 Under 30" magazine!
To more information about this year's awards luncheon, click here. To read this year's magazine and previous years' publications, click here.
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Meet Jacob. At just 19 years old, he was already paving a path toward a successful career. An employee at a local dairy farm, he set a goal to earn his commercial driver's license to expand his opportunities.
WIth the help of the WIOA Out-of-School Youth program, Michigan Works! West Central was able to help Jacob successfully earn his CDL.
He now is able to use his training to contribute more to the farm's daily operations and long-term success.
To read Jacob's full success story, click here, and to view other success stories from our region, click here.
| | JOB SEARCH TIP OF THE MONTH | | 'Be Presentable at the Interview' | | | | |
A job interview can be stressful, but it doesn't have to be. One thing you can do to remove some stress and help you stand out among those being interviewed, is to look your best.
Recruiters pay attention to the way you present yourself. Make sure you get enough sleep the night before your interview, wear wrinkle-free, professional clothing, and be sure to enter the room energized and fully focused on the interview.
If you need some professional clothes, come checkout our closets of gently-used business attire to make sure you're dressed to impress. Visit any one of our six service centers to talk to your Talent Specialist for help looking your best and to practice mock interviews. Find the service center nearest you at MWWC.org/contact.
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BEHIND THE SCENES
Middleton Earns Shining Star Award
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Newaygo County Talent Specialist Honored at
Michigan Works! Association's Annual Conference
| | ABOVE: A total of 16 individuals from across Michigan received the Shining Star award at the Michigan Works! Annual Conference in September in Kalamazoo. Michigan Works! West Central selected Newaygo County Talent Specialist Andrew Middleton to receive the award this year. He is pictured third from the right in the back row with all of this year's winners. BELOW: Middleton is pictured with Michigan Works! West Central Executive Director Shelly Keene after receiving his award. | | |
Each year, the Michigan Works! Association recognizes a staff person from each of the Michigan Works! agencies across the state. These individuals are those who go above and beyond their daily duties to make a difference. This year, the team at Michigan Works! West Central has selected Talent Specialist Andrew Middleton for the award.
He has been with the organization for four years, and his knowledge of our programs and services has made him one of the go-to Talent Specialist when staff have questions. In recent years, he has stepped out of his comfort zone to become a leader among our frontline staff and strengthen his value to the organization.
To read Andrew's full story and to view pictures from the awards presentation, click here. Congratulations Andrew!
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Michigan Works! West Central is funded by State and Federal funds and governed by local Workforce Development Boards and Local Elected Officials. More details available on the Legal Disclaimer page at MWWC.org/legal-disclaimer. Michigan Works! West Central is an equal opportunity employer/program. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. Michigan Relay Service: 711 | Supported by the State of Michigan. |
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