New Facility Will be One-Stop Shopping for Jobs, Education & Community Services

In an effort to improve services and reach more participants in Oceana County, we're changing locations! This fall, we will be moving from our service center in downtown Shelby to the new Oceana Community Education Center in Hart.

Renovation on the former Gale's IGA market is nearing completion, and we expect to move to our home in late-October. Our new service center will be located at 710 S. State St. in Hart, between the county fairgrounds and downtown.

The new location will be owned by West Shore Community College, and house the Lakeshore Food Club, Michigan Dyslexia Institute, Mid Michigan Community Action Agency and Stella's Coffee House. The college also will hold classes in the new center.

For more information about our new Hart service center, click here. Be sure to watch our social media profiles for updates on the move. Come visit our new home in Hart this fall!

Young Professionals Honored

'20 Under 30' Winners Receive Awards, Tributes at Awards Luncheon

Each year, Michigan Works! West Central recognizes young professionals under the age of 30 who are making a difference in their careers, workplaces and communities in our annual 20 Under 30 magazine.

We recently recognized this year's winners at an awards luncheon in Ludington to honor these emerging leaders and celebrate the success they've found in their careers, so far.

Checkout a video from this year's 20 Under 30 awards luncheon, which was held in Ludington.

Winners received certificates and commemorative awards from Michigan Works! West Central, along with special recognitions from state and federal legislators.

Congratulations to all of this year's 20 Under 30 winners! Keep up the great work!

To view this year's magazine, click here. For a complete list of this year's winners and to watch a video of this year's awards luncheon, click here. Nominations for our 2027 magazine will open in February.

Still Breaking Barriers

More than 350 Attend

5th-Annual Reentry United Conference

What began in 2022, as a regional effort has evolved into the largest reentry-focused conference in Michigan, drawing attendees from across Michigan and the United States. Corrections officials and workers from a combined total of 15 states have attended the annual Reentry United conference in its first five years! ... And we're still growing.

This year's conference was held on Aug. 14, at Grand Valley State University's main campus in Allendale. With a theme of "Breaking Barriers," a total of 28 breakout sessions were held at this year's conference. Opening remarks were delivered by Michigan Department of Corrections Director Heidi Washington, while keynote speaker Dr. Kendall Taylor, co-founder and CEO of Salute 1st, challenged attendees to think boldly about leadership, resilience and creating pathways for long-term success.

Be sure to checkout a video recap and pictures from this year's event by clicking here. For more information about Reentry United, click here.

Showcasing Success!

Highlighting Success Stories From Region 4A

Newaygo County Woman Reenters the Workforce

Meet Susan. We were able to help her pass her insurance licensing exams so she could return to the workforce after a lengthy maternity leave.

We also provided her with support services on the path to full-time employment, including helping her obtain reliable transportation.

To watch Susan's video success story, click here, and to view other success stories from our region, click here.

18 Individuals to Receive Training

Local Companies Awarded Going PRO Talent Fund Grants

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity recently announced more than $6 million Cycle 2 Going PRO Talent Fund grants to 121 businesses across the state, including two in our region.

Michigan Works! West Central helped two local companies obtain a combined total of $47,970 in Going PRO Talent Fund training grants to up-skill their employees. Great Lakes Castings and Quick Way, both of Ludington, will train a total of 18 individuals using the funds, including 10 UDSOL Registered Apprentices.

The Going PRO Talent Fund helps employers train, develop and retain current and newly hired employees through short-term employer driven training programs. Funded training leads to industry recognized, transferable credentials that prepare workers for long-term career success. Workers who complete training supported by Going PRO see an average hourly wage increase of 6.2 percent.

For more information about the program and to see if your business is eligible for training funding assistance, contact our Business Engagement Team here.

INSET IMAGE: Pictured is the team from Great Lakes Castings in Ludington being presented with a reimbursement check after completing its FY2024 Going PRO Talent Fund training plan.

JOB SEARCH TIP OF THE MONTH

'Maintain Good Body Language'

Your body language tells a story. It coveys a lot about your character and it's one of the first things people notice about you. Don't be afraid to practice being good at.

When going to your next job interview, be sure to do the following:

Maintain good posture
Give a warm greeting
Sit upright
Maintain eye contact
Smile

We know these are easier said than done, which is why we suggest you practice the items on this list before your next interview.

If you want some help preparing for your next interview, visit any one of our six service centers to talk to a Talent Specialist. We'll help you practice so that you're ready to ace your next job interview. Find the service center nearest you at MWWC.org/contact.

BEHIND THE SCENES

Ann Walker Receives Shining Star Award

ABOVE: Michigan Works! West Central Talent Specialist Ann Walker (right) holds her Shining Star Award during the Michigan Works! Association Annual Conference in mid-September. She was selected for the award due to her ability to go above and beyond for her clients. She is pictured with Michigan Works! West Central CEO Shelly Keene.

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 selected a Ludington Talent Specialist Ann Walker, who exemplifies dedication, compassion and an unwavering commitment to youth success across the region.

Her enthusiasm is evident in everything she does, from celebrating others' achievements to personally attending youth participants' graduations. She also supports her coworkers, mentors youth, champions new opportunities and so much more! Congratulations Ann!

To read what her coworkers have to say about why she was selected for this award, click here.

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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.

More than 350 Attend

﻿5th-Annual Reentry United Conference

5th-Annual Reentry United Conference