Michigan Works! West Central

Workforce Connection              - Vol. 4, Ed. 3

Michigan Works! West Central announces its 2024 Hiring Party and Resource Fair schedule!

Hiring Parties Return May 31!

Register for 1 or all 6 hiring events/resource fairs

Is your business hiring? Or are you looking for work? You should consider our upcoming Hiring Parties!


Michigan Works! West Central hosts these block-party-style events annually in each of its 6 counties. New this year, the Newaygo, Reed City, Hart and Baldwin events also will be resource fairs, featuring area agencies talking about their programs and services.


If you're looking for work, or need some assistance, please come to one of our Hiring Parties. ... Lunch is on us!


For more information about the upcoming Hiring Parties and Resource Fairs, click here. If you are a business wanting to register for one of the Hiring Parties, click here.

2024 Hiring Party Schedule

  • May 31 - Big Rapids @ our service center
  • June 6 - Newaygo @ our service center
  • June 10 - Ludington @ Rotary Park
  • June 21 - Reed City @ our service center
  • July 11 - Hart @ the Oceana Co Fairgrounds
  • July 19 - Baldwin @ our service center


All 2024 hiring parties will be 11 am to 2 pm. The Newaygo, Reed City, Hart & Baldwin events are also resource fairs.

'20 Under 30' Nominations Are Open!

Do you know a young professional exceeding in their career? ... We want to hear about them!

Nominations are now open for our annual "20 Under 30" campaign, which highlights young professional under age 30 exceeding in their fields!


We're all about highlighting the successes of others. We're looking for the best and brightest young professionals in Lake, Mason, Mecosta, Newaygo, Oceana and Osceola counties to be featured in this year's publication!


To nominate a young professional or to see past "20 Under 30" winners, click here.

Check out this video highlighting winners from last year's "20 Under 30" awards luncheon.

Going PRO Talent Fund Cycle 2 Opens April 22

Contact the Business Services Specialist for your county for more information and to file a comprehensive application

The Going PRO Talent Fund provides competitive awards to employers to assist in training, developing, and retaining current and new-hire employees.


Training must be short-term and fill a demonstrated talent need experienced by the employer. Employers can apply for training-funding assistance for up to $2,000 per individual, or $3,500 for USDOL Registered Apprentices. 


The spring application period will be open from Monday, April 22, through 5 p.m. on Friday, May 10. Contact the Business Services Specialist in your county today to see about putting together a comprehensive application. Click here for more info about the Going PRO Talent Fund.

Contact Us Today!

Lake & Osceola counties

Kevin Welch

(231) 679-6035

[email protected]


Mason & Oceana counties

Kimberly Tagliareni

(231) 679-8787

[email protected]



Mecosta & Newaygo counties

Chad Marr

(231) 679-8746

[email protected]

Become a Healthcare Hero With MiREACH

Let Michigan Works! West Central be your sidekick!

The Michigan Rural Enhanced Access to Careers in Healthcare (MiREACH) program provides support for the education and training needed to get started in a variety of in-demand healthcare careers.


As a MiREACH participant, you can receive on-the-job training, related classroom instruction, earn a paycheck and get your foot in the door for a career with great advancement opportunities. Plus, you'll have the chance to become a local "Healthcare Hero" who can make a meaningful impact in a rural Michigan community.

For more information about jump starting your healthcare career, click here.

Showcasing Success!

Highlighting Success Stories From Region 4A

Michigan Works! helps Cuban refugee obtain essential documents to embark on new chapter in life

Ramon, a Cuban refugee, arrived in the U.S. with his son about a year ago looking for a better life. But he lacked the proper essential documents, like a driver's license, work permit and Social Security number.


After several months of making ends meet, he came to Michigan Works! West Central, which was able to help him obtain those documents and to start a meaningful job!


To read his full success story and others', click here.

JOB SEARCH TIP OF THE MONTH

'Be Consistent With Formatting

On Your Resume'

There are a lot of fun fonts available, but that doesn't mean you should use all of them.


It's OK to use different size fonts and more than one font on your resume. ... Just don't get carried away!


When you move from one section to another on your resume, be sure to keep things consistent. Try to use the same fonts, same sizes and same spacing in each section.


If you need help with your resume, come to at any of our six service centers to talk to your Talent Specialist. We know a few things about drafting a great resume and highlighting your skills! Find the service center nearest you at MWWC.org/contact-us.



BEHIND THE SCENES


Michigan Works! West Central Hosts First-Ever Dreams to Destinations Youth Conference

Michigan Works! West Central hosted its first-ever Dreams to Destinations Youth Career Development Forum on March 21, in Big Rapids. The conference was designed to give young adults an experience much like a professional conference. 


Workshops included Emotional Intelligence, Self Confidence, Training Options, and Soft & Hard Skills. Participants also played a special version of Jenga and took part in a team-building communication challenge. 


Wendy Wells, Talent Pipeline Coordinator at West Shore Community College was the event's guest speaker.



For more info about the event, to view more pictures and to see how you can get involved, 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.