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Michigan Works! West Central
Quarterly eNewsletter - Vol. 3, Ed. 1
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Michigan Works! West Central Partners With Youth Solutions To Offer Program | |
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Jobs for Michigan's Graduates (JMG) is helping young adults across the state build a better future!
Now is the right time to build a life that makes you happy and discover a career path that makes you proud! Michigan Works! West Central is proud to partner with Youth Solutions to bring the JMG program to our six-county region!
JMG is the Michigan affiliate of the national Jobs for America’s Graduates network, one of the largest and most successful student-centered programs that help young people achieve their fullest potential. Michigan's program has a more than 90 percent graduation rate, with more than 80 percent of grads going on to postsecondary education, employment or entering the military. More than 22,500 students have exited the program statewide since 2008!
For more information about the JMG program and to see if you qualify, click here! Additional information about JMG can be found by clicking here.
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ABOVE: Michigan Works! West Central Executive Director Shelly Keene presents GM Wood Products a check after completing their Going PRO Talent Fund training plan for 57 employees. Click here to read their full story. BELOW: Team members from Superior Exteriors in Mason County were presented with a reimbursement check after completing their Going PRO Talent Fund training plan to train 11 employees. Click here to read their full story. | |
Virtual Employer Info Sessions Set For Oct. 12 & 18
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The State of Michigan has yet to formally announce the opening date for annual Going PRO Talent Fund application period, however, it is expected to open in mid-November.
The state is making several changes to the popular annual training-funding assistance program. To make sure you're up to date on the new changes and the FY23 application process, be sure to attend our upcoming virtual info sessions at either 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 12, or at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 18.
Contact our Business Services team to discuss your training needs and to register for the upcoming info sessions:
For more information about the Going PRO Talent Fund, click here.
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Earn a FREE National Retail Federation Certificate | |
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Mecosta County residents* age 15 to 24 have an opportunity to earn a FREE credential from the National Retail Federation with the help of Michigan Works! West Central!
There are only 20 slots open to earn this free credential that will help you stand out in a crowd and help you reach your goals!
For more information and to enroll, contact our Big Rapids service center today at (231) 796-0049!
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*Due to the restrictions of grant funding that supports this program, the remaining slots for the National Retail Federation certificate training are only open to residents of Mecosta County. Those who live outside Mecosta County are encouraged to contact a Talent Specialist in their area for more information. To find the service center nearest you, visit MWWC.org/contact-us. | |
ABOVE: Michigan Works! West Central recently released a promotional video highlighting the quality of life in West-Central Michigan to encourage health care employers and job seekers to join the West Central Health Careers Collaborative. The Public Safety Careers Council of West Michigan still is in its early stages. More info will be coming soon. Be sure to watch a video we created highlighting our very first cohort. | |
Michigan Works! West Central Partners With Employers To Start Health Care & Public Safety Groups Across Region | |
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Through the Michigan Industry Cluster Approach (MICA), Michigan Works! West Central was able to obtain funding to form two industry-led collaboratives in health care and public safety.
The West Central Health Careers Collaborative was formed in 2020 through an $87,000 MICA 2.0 grant, and the Public Safety Careers Council of West Michigan collaborative was formed in early 2022 through a $150,000 MICA 3.0 grant.
Both employer-led groups are focused on addressing talent shortages in their respective high-demand industries. MICA 2.0 and 3.0 funding supports activities that help employers address critical workforce needs, which include, but are not limited to the following:
- Talent recruitment
- Creating customized training programs, such as USDOL registered apprenticeships
- Providing support services, like transportation and childcare
- Financial planning education
- Success coaching to enhance retention and career mobility
- And MORE!
For more information about the West Central Health Careers Collaborative and the newly-formed Public Safety Careers Council of West Michigan, click here.
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ABOVE: Vanessa Wolgamott was recognized by her peers as the 2022 Shining Star Award winner from Michigan Works! West Central's six-county region. She recently was promoted to be the organization's JMG Specialist. | |
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Vanessa Wolgamott, a Talent Specialist for Michigan Works! West Central, was awarded a Shining Star Award by the Michigan Works! Association for her efforts to meet employment needs, particularly among young adults. She received her award during the association’s annual conference on Sept. 13, in Mount Pleasant.
"Vanessa does an excellent job with our youth program. She works extremely hard with outreach and recruitment to try to increase the number of youth enrollments. She has developed great rapport with the local school districts and employers to secure work-experience sites," said Shelly Keene, Michigan Works! West Central executive director. "Vanessa is always willing to step up and fill in where needed or to work with new staff and train them with the orientation and enrollment process."
Wolgamott recently was promoted to JMG Specialist. To read her full story, click here!
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ABOVE: Vanessa Wolgamott (left) accepted her 2022 Shining Star Award during the annual Michigan Works! Association conference in Mount Pleasant. She is pictured with Executive Director Shelly Keene. | |
New mother had no driver's license, no childcare and no job at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. ... Now, everything is different. | |
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Danielle had been without a driver’s license for years due to medical condition, and busing didn't come near her home.
What's more, she had a baby at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, and did not have access to reliable childcare.
Michigan Works! West Central was able to help her obtain her license, find steady work and help her purchase a new-to-her vehicle.
Read Danielle's full Success Story by clicking here. See other Success Stories from Lake, Mason, Mecosta, Newaygo, Oceana and Osceola counties by clicking here.
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JOB SEARCH TIP OF THE MONTH | |
"Don't Under Estimate the Power of Walking In" | |
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Walking into a business and asking for an application can be a very effective way to find a job. This job-hunting strategy works great with retail, restaurant, hospitality and other service jobs.
When you go into a business, make sure you look presentable and ask for the application politely. If a business is urgently hiring, they may decide to interview you on the spot, so come prepared for that chance
If you'd like some help with mock interviews to be better prepared, talk to one of our Talent Specialists, today! Visit us at MWWC.org/Contact-Us.
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More than 180 people offered jobs during summer job fairs
Michigan Works! West Central hosted six large-scale job fairs, called Hiring Parties, this summer; one at each of its six service centers.
A total of 174 employers participated at these events, which attracted 390 job seekers! At least 182 individuals were offered work as a result of attending these events, producing a 47-percent job-placement rate!
For more information about the events, and to see more pictures from each event, click here.
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The above images are from Michigan Works! West Central's Hiring Parties in Big Rapids, Ludington, Newaygo and Shelby. Nearly 400 job seekers attended the organization's six hiring events this summer, which featured a total of 174 employers. More than 182 job seekers were offered work as a result of attending these events, producing a 47-percent job-placement rate! | | |
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. |
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