Michigan Works! West Central Quarterly eNewsletter -- Vol. 1, Ed. 1
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Thank you for checking out the first-ever Michigan Works! West Central Quarterly eNewsletter!! Our first issue focuses on programs available to businesses and job seekers today, as well as takes a quick look back at what we've done in 2020, so far.
Highlights in this edition include information about this year's Going PRO Talent Fund application period, a video of our first-ever MiCareerQuest West Central event, how Michigan Works! West Central has shifted to virtual and remote services amid the COVID-19 pandemic, and more!
Each edition of this newsletter will highlight some of our recent Success Stories in the "Showcasing Success" section, as well as include a behind the scenes look at the team at Michigan Works! West Central.
We hope you find value in this newsletter, and anticipate its release after the end of each quarter! If you or your business would like more information about Michigan Works! West Central, please email us here, or call (231) 796-4891. |
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$28.7 Million Allocated for
Going PRO Talent Fund
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The Going PRO Talent Fund has long been an invaluable funding source for Michigan businesses looking to upskill their existing employees or train new hires. However, due to budget cuts in 2019, no funding was allocated for the program in the 2020 (FY) budget.
Looking toward revitalizing the successful program, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer worked with the Michigan Legislature to include $28.7 million earmarked specifically for the Going PRO Talent Fund in the FY2021 state budget.
Through the Talent Fund, employers can apply for up to $1,500 per employee in training funding assistance, and up to $3,000 per new USDOL registered apprentice. Businesses in Lake, Mason, Mecosta, Newaygo, Oceana and Osceola counties are encouraged to contact Michigan Works! West Central to apply for funding. All applications in the competitive-grant program must be submitted to the state through Michigan Works! The application period opened Monday, Nov. 2.
For more information about the Going PRO Talent Fund and how your business can apply, click here.
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We're Still Enrolling for the Summer Young Professionals Program |
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Although the weather outside is no longer warm and sunny, Michigan Works! West Central still is enrolling participants in its Summer Young Professionals Program.
If you are between the ages of 18 & 24, contact us today to see about gaining professional, paid work experience to add to your resume!
To schedule an appointment with a Talent Specialist in your area, click here.
Employers interested in participating in the program also are encouraged to contact us today by emailing us here. |
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Job Seeker and Employer Success Stories from Region 4A |
Seven Slot Grille in Reed City (Osceola County) |
The Seven Slot Grille has become a very popular eatery in the Reed City area, and was remodeled in 2019 to include a bakery. The business had established itself as a community favorite, where people gathered daily to enjoy good food and good company.
But in mid-March as Michigan began to feel the effects of the COVID-19 global pandemic, the governor signed an executive order temporarily closed theaters, bars and casinos, and limited restaurants to carry-out and delivery orders.
“When the executive order was issued, we were not sure what was going to happen or how we would pay the bills,” said owner Christy Wallace. “We were also concerned about our employees.”
Wallace decided to shut down and remained closed until the governor issued another executive order on June 8, allowing for the re-opening of bars and restaurants across Michigan with restrictions in place to help stem the spread of COVID-19. This order gave those establishments, many of which had been idle for months, just one week notice to ramp up to a maximum of 50 percent capacity if they chose to reopen.
The Seven Slot Grille was again open for business, but it became necessary to start with a reduced schedule of 5 days per week. Wallace became aware of the State of Michigan Work Share program and had some questions prior to submitting a formal plan for approval, so she reached out to Michigan Works! West Central for help.
See other Success Stories from Lake, Mason, Mecosta, Newaygo, Oceana and Osceola counties by clicking here.
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Here's What We've Been up to in 2020! |
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MiCareerQuest West Central 2020 |
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Before the COVID-19 pandemic hit Michigan in mid-March 2020, Michigan Works! West Central was in full force providing services and programs to clients across its 6-county region.
What's more, we successfully organized our first-ever MiCareerQuest West Central event, which was held on the campus of Ferris State University. The event saw more than 1,300 students from 18 different high schools in our region cycle through the event throughout the day. Students had the opportunity to interact and take part in hands-on activities with 36 different employers and training providers.
Although all of this happened about a week and a half before Michigan had its first positive COVID-19 case, we were conscious of the spread of germs. It was impossible to social distance during the event, but we did provide hand sanitizer in each industry quadrant and were very attentive to any student feeling unwell. Fortunately, no one was carrying the virus, and the event went off without any major complications.
Check out the video our staff put together highlighting our first-ever MiCareerQuest event! We're incredibly proud of the work of all our staff and volunteers!!
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, we are looking at ways to hold the 2021 MiCareerQuest West Central event virtually to ensure the safety of area students, employers and our staff and volunteers. Stay tuned for more information!
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MiCareerQuest West Central March 5, 2020 @ Ferris State
MiCareerQuest West Central was held in the Ewigleben Sports Complex on the campus of Ferris State University in Big Rapids. Click on the above video link to learn more about the event!
Read more
www.youtube.com
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Michigan Works! West Central Shifts to All Virtual Services |
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Since the COVID-19 pandemic hit Michigan in March, Michigan Works! West Central has worked tirelessly to pivot how it is able to provide services virtually to continue to serve clients.
Two main areas where Michigan Works! West Central previously provided in-person programming only are client workshops and employer job fairs. Within the first two months of the pandemic, these services shifted to 100 percent online.
Since late-May 2020, Michigan Works! West Central has hosted 15 Virtual Job Fairs in which 25 different employers have participated. The image at the right is a promotional flyer for the most recent virtual event. Click here for information about upcoming Virtual Job Fairs.
If your business would like to participate in an upcoming Virtual Job Fair, please email us.
Michigan Works! West Central also created and posted more than a dozen informational videos on its website to continue its workshop programming. For a complete listing of the workshop videos available, click here. |
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Additionally, all of our Talent Specialists (essential frontline workers) fielded thousands of calls from clients looking for assistance with their unemployment claims. To ensure staff's safety, most of our Talent Specialist were working from the safety of their own homes to help our clients.
We are incredibly proud of our staff for help so many people in the workforce in our region and across the state navigate the trials and tribulations of the COVID-19 pandemic, bringing them peace of mind to make sure their unemployment claim was filed correctly.
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BEHIND THE SCENES
Michigan Works! West Central Hosts Virtual Board Meetings
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In addition to providing services remotely for job seekers and employers, Michigan Works! West Central also began holding its bi-monthly board meetings online, using the video conferencing service Zoom. The Workforce Development and Local-Elected Officials boards have met online since April, and will continue to do so as the COVID-19 pandemic continues. Above is a screenshot of the October joint meeting of the two boards. Pictured are Michigan Works! West Central staff and board members. |
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