5th-Annual Hiring Parties Kickoff June 8 in Big Rapids

Is your business looking to hire? Come join the party, ... the Hiring Party!

Michigan Works! West Central's fifth-annual Hiring Parties will be held throughout the region this June. We are looking for hiring employers to join our six large outdoor job fairs to connect with local job seekers.

We'll provide the hot dogs and water, you bring a list of job openings and a single-serving snack to share. Together, we can meet your hiring needs and provide employment to hundreds of local workers!

2026 HIRING PARTY SCHEDULE

Save the dates for this year's Hiring Parties. Register here.

June 8 – Big Rapids
June 10 – Newaygo
June 16 – Ludington
June 18 – Hart
June 23 – Baldwin
June 25 – Reed City

In the first four years, our wildly successful Hiring Parties have helped an astounding 634 local people find work! Let us help you meet your business' hiring needs!

For more info about this year's Hiring Parties, to see pictures from last year and to register your business, visit MWWC.org/LetsParty.

Going PRO Talent Fund Spring Application Period Opens Today

Six Local Employers Received $263,663 Last Fall to Train Employees

This past fall, Michigan Works! West Central helped six businesses receive more than a quarter-million dollars to help train their workforce through the Going PRO Talent Fund.

Since the program began in 2014, we've helped a total of 71 employers obtain nearly $5.85 million in training funding assistance!

We're looking to help even more employers obtain training funding this spring through the Going PRO Talent Fund application period, which opens today!

Our track record speaks for itself. Let our experienced Business Engagement team help you up-skill your employees. The spring application period is open today through April 24.

For info about the Going PRO Talent Fund and to see about submitting a comprehensive application, contact our Business Engagement team today!

All About Apprenticeships!

14 Businesses Recognized for Expanding Local Apprenticeship Options

Our team is proud to support local businesses with USDOL Registered Apprenticeships.

This past January, we presented 14 employers with some impressive hardware to display and to celebrate their commitment to developing and expanding local apprenticeship programs.

Check out the complete list of employers and see pictures from three employer-appreciation events by clicking here. For more info about starting an apprenticeship program at your business, click here.

Join a Free 45-Minute Webinar to See if a USDOL Registered Apprenticeship is Right for Your Business!

Do you want to learn more about USDOL Registered Apprenticeships, but feel overwhelmed by the info available? We've got you covered!

Join one of our FREE 45-minute monthly webinars all about apprenticeships. Reserve your spot by clicking here.

Michigan Works! West Central Creates

New Truck Driver Apprenticeship Program

We're always looking to expand USDOL Registered Apprenticeships options for employers in our region. We just added one more in March 2026 – OTR Truck Driver.

Trainees in the new program will complete about 160 hours of in-classroom and behind-the-wheel simulation/training, plus gain real-world experience driving a big rig.

We are looking for partnering employers to sign on this new one-year training program, and enroll employees (current or new-hire) as new apprentices.

For more info about this new training program, click here.

Showcasing Success!

Highlighting Success Stories From Region 4A

Earning CDL on Weekends, Helps Newaygo

Man Grow Business, Support Family

Meet Daniel. As a father of five and the primary financial provider for his home, he wanted to ensure long-term stability to support his family.

We were able to help him earn his CDL through weekend classes, which allowed him have the capacity during the week to grow his business.

"Thanks to Michigan Works! West Central I am now able to further my business and have bigger and better goals. I am grateful for the help and opportunity they were able to give me," Daniel said.

To read Daniel's full success story, click here, and to view other success stories from our region, click here.

JOB SEARCH TIP OF THE MONTH

'Prepare Questions for the Interviewer'

At the end of almost every interview, you're going to be asked, "Do you have any questions for us?"

Your response should always be, "Yes." This helps to ensure you will stand out among other candidates.

Ask about what it's like to work at the company, what the expectations are for the position, positive and negative things about the company, etc. Just be sure to ask something related to the job.

This shows that you are actually passionate about the job and/or the company.

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 offer free mock interviews, job-search assistance and more! Find the service center nearest you at MWWC.org/contact.

BEHIND THE SCENES

Michigan Works! West Central Honor
Long-Time Board Member Larry Emig

Reed City Conference Room Dedicated to Emig's 33 Years of Service

ABOVE: Long-time Michigan Works! West Central board member Larry Emig (left) receives a standing ovation recognizing his 33 years of service to the organization's Local-Elected Officials and Workforce Development boards. BELOW: Michigan Works! West Central CEO Shelly Keene presents Emig with a placard that is hung outside the organization's Reed City conference room, which was dedicated in Emig's name at the March board meeting.

For more than three decades, Larry Emig has embodied what it means to be a public servant. He joined Michigan Works! West Central's Local-Elected Officials board in 1993, and in 2020, began representing the Mecosta-Osceola Youth Attention Center on the agency's Workforce Development Board. Throughout the past 33 years, he has been a steady, trusted presence supporting the organization and representing the people of Osceola County.

To honor his more than three decades of service, the conference room at the organization's Reed City service center has been dedicated in Emig's honor. A plaque will forever hang outside the doorway alerting all who enter the room about his passion and dedication to local workforce development.

Emig will continue to serve on the workforce board for the foreseeable future.

To read the full story about Emig' service to Michigan Works! West Central and to see more pictures from the dedication ceremony, click here.

AT RIGHT TOP: Big Rapids Mayor Fred Guenther presents Larry Emig with a legislative tribute signed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist, State Rep. Tom Kunse and State Sen. Roger Hauck recognizing Emig's 33 years of service to the boards of Michigan Works! West Central. AT RIGHT BOTTOM: Emig (center) and his wife Libby (left) talk with Michigan Works! West Central CEO Shelly Keene following the dedication ceremony.

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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.