Michigan Works! West Central Quarterly eNewsletter – Vol. 2, Ed. 2

Going PRO Talent Fund Winners Announced! It recently was announced that 17 employers in Lake, Mason, Mecosta, Newaygo, Oceana and Osceola counties will receive more than $677,000 to train more than 520 workers through the Going PRO Talent Fund program. 17 Local Companies To Receive Funding To Train Employees The Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity recently announced it is awarding more than $677,000 to 17 local employers to help fund training opportunities for more than 520 workers in Lake, Mason, Mecosta, Newaygo, Oceana and Osceola counties. The Going PRO Talent Fund began in 2014. In the first seven years of the program, Michigan Works! West Central helped secure more than $2.9 million to train more than 2,700 workers at more than 50 different companies in its service area. Of those 2,700-plus workers, 76 were new USDOL registered apprentices. To see the full list of local Going PRO Talent Fund award winners this year, click here.

Michigan Works! West Central Wins MICA 3.0 Funds $150,000 To Be Used To Address Labor Shortages With First Responders

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity recently awarded $2.5 million in Michigan Industry Cluster Approach 3.0 (MICA 3.0) grants to several business groups and organizations across the state to address labor shortages.  "These grants are putting Michiganders first by helping innovative employers in high-demand industries address talent shortages across Michigan,” Whitmer said in a press release. “Together, we can continue leading the future of agriculture, construction, IT, manufacturing, mobility and so much more as we usher in a new era of prosperity for our families, communities and small businesses.”

Michigan Works! West Central is one of 11 groups across the state to be awarded funds through the Michigan Industry Cluster Approach 3.0 grant program.

Michigan Works! West Central is one of the 11 groups across the state to be awarded these funds. For more information about the MICA 3.0 program, click here.

MiCareerQuest West Central Returns To In-Person*

MiCareerQuest West Central is the premiere hands-on career-exploration and college-readiness event for high school students in our area. After hosting a virtual event in 2021, we are happy to announce that MiCareerQuest will return to in-person* on March 23, at Ferris State University's Wink Arena! Safety is our No. 1 priority! With the continuing COVID-19 pandemic, we are taking steps to make sure that students, vendors and volunteers are as safe as possible. We anticipate cycling about 1,500 ninth-grade students from six counties through the one-day event, where they can participate in hands-on activities in four industry sectors, including Agriculture/Food Processing; Health Care; Manufacturing; and In-Demand Careers.

MiCareerQuest West Central will be returning to an in-person format this year on March 23, at Ferris State University. * This year's MiCareerQuest West Central is subject to change due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Michigan Works! West Central and its organizing partners will make any determinations on changing the event if the pandemic requires, and inform all registered employers, vendors and volunteers as soon as possible.

MiCareerQuest West Central is FREE for your business to participate in, however, we would not be able to organize this large-scale career-exploration event without generous support from our sponsors. For more information about sponsorships and to register your business, click here.

Showcasing Success Job Seeker & Employer Success Stories From Region 4A "Better than I could have ever expected."

LAKE COUNTY -- Glenn Forgie was opening a new restaurant in downtown Baldwin called 876, and was looking for help finding new employees. He came into Michigan Works! West Central's Baldwin service center to see what services were available. The team at the Baldwin location were able to assist him setup a job fair to staff his new restaurant. The event went so successfully, that he asked the organization to host another job fair. “I was not having any success in the different avenues that I have pursued, so I entered the Michigan Works! Baldwin location to see if they would be able to assist in my hiring needs. The staff was very helpful and assisted me by setting up numerous job fairs, and they turned out better than I could have ever expected. The positions were filled with success,” Forgie said.

Michigan Works! West Central helped Glenn Forgie (above) find candidates for his new restaurant, 876, through several job fairs hosted in Baldwin.

Read Glenn Forgie's full Success Story by clicking here. See other Success Stories from Lake, Mason, Mecosta, Newaygo, Oceana and Osceola counties by clicking here.

TOP 40 Careers Through 2028

Michigan Works! West Central and the Michigan Department of Technology, Management and Budget recently published a list of the Top 40 high-demand occupations in Lake, Mason, Mecosta, Newaygo, Oceana and Osceola counties through 2028. Occupations include a mix of projected long-term job growth, projected annual job openings and median wages. The list also identifies the minimum training level necessary for each occupation. For a complete listing of the Top 40 career paths in West Central Michigan, click here or text TOP40 to (231) 796-0049. For help advancing your career, visit one of six service centers. Click here to find the service center closest to you!

JOB SEARCH TIP OF THE MONTH

"Follow Up" Immediately after a job interview, send the hiring manager a thank-you note expressing your gratitude for the opportunity to interview. If you have not heard back from them after a week, follow up with a phone call or an email. When doing so, show your excitement and interest in the position. While you wait for a response, continue searching for and applying to jobs that interest you.

Visit us at Michigan Works! West Central for help searching for jobs available in your area and within your skillset. We also can help build your resume and cover letter, conduct mock interviews and more! Ask your Talent Specialist how they can help prepare you to make a great impression when you go through the interview process! Visit mwwc.org/contact-us to find the service center closest to you! For more monthly Job Search Tips, be sure to check out our social media profiles! Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter!

BEHIND THE SCENES Michigan Works! West Central Staff Says 'Goodbye'

(ABOVE) Michigan Works! West Central staff gather during a retirement reception for longtime Accounting Specialist Beth Ridenour, who retired on Jan. 3, after 25 years with the organization. Beth is seated at the head of the table with her husband Bryan. (BELOW) Beth has several pets that she loves. Their pictures decorated the cake at the reception.

After 25 Years, Accounting Specialist Beth Ridenour Retires Michigan Works! West Central said goodbye to long-time friend and coworker, Beth Ridenour, who retired on Jan. 3. Beth has worked for the organization as an accounting specialist since 1996. During a special retirement reception, Michigan Works! West Central staff shared happy memories about working with Beth, changes in technology and letting her know she will be missed. We wish her all the best in retirement! Congratulations Beth!!

Connect with us online ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ Visit our website 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 www.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.