Michigan Works! West Central

Quarterly eNewsletter - Vol. 3, Ed. 3

Register Your Business FREE!

Our 2023 hiring parties are back and are going to be bigger than last year! Register your business free by clicking here. Below are the dates for this year's block-party-style job fairs:

May 5, in Baldwin
May 24, in Big Rapids
June 2, in Hart

June 6, in Ludington
June 15, in Newaygo
June 16, in Reed City

Last year, participating businesses had an average 47 percent hiring rate! Click here to build your workforce this summer!

MiCareerQuest West Central Registration Now Open!

ABOVE: Students participate in the 2020 MiCareerQuest West Central event at Ferris State University. MICQ returns to in person this spring. Register your business at MWWC.org/micq.

More than 1,500 Students From Across Region Will Attend One-Day Event

After two years of being held virtually, Michigan Works! West Central's MiCareerQuest West Central (MICQ) event returns to in person this spring!

MICQ is a hands-on career-exploration event on steroids, designed to help ninth-graders in our region explore career and education paths available locally! MICQ will be held on Tuesday, May 9, inside the Wink Arena at Ferris State University. Space is limited!

For more information and to register your business, visit MWWC.org/micq. Sponsorships are available!

Learn more about MICQ in the video above. Register your business at MWWC.org.micq.

Going PRO Talent Fund Winners Announced

Michigan Works! West Central is pleased to announce the FY23 Going PRO Talent Fund award winners in our region. A total of 11 businesses are being awarded more than $654,000 to train their employees. To view the whole list of Going PRO Talent Fund winners, click here.

11 Area Businesses Awarded $654,000 To Train Employees

Michigan Works! West Central recently announced winners of the FY23 Going PRO Talent Fund from its six-county region. A total of 11 businesses are being awarded more than $654,000 to train 386 individuals, including 49 USDOL registered apprentices!

If your company missed the application date for the fall grant round, don't worry! A second round of Going PRO applications is coming in spring 2023! Reach out to our Business Services team by clicking here to get your application ready!

To view the whole list of FY23 fall Going PRO Talent Fund winners, click here.

HIGHLIGHTING YOUNG ADULTS

Nominations For '20 Under 30' Now Open!

Last year, Michigan Works! West Central published its first-ever "20 Under 30" magazine highlighting young professionals in our region under the age of 30.

This publication received such a positive response that we're bringing it back this spring!

If you know a young professional who is excelling in their career, you can click here to nominate them for this year's magazine. Winners will be announced in late-May.

To read up on last year's "20 Under 30" awardees, click here.

Showcasing Success!

Job Seeker & Employer Success Stories From Region 4A

Newaygo Man Gets Behind The Wheel Again After

Nearly A Decade Away From Driving Big Rigs

Carl had driven truck for many years, but an injury sidelined him for nearly a decade. He was looking to get back to driving, but his license had lapsed.

He came to Michigan Works! West Central for help obtaining his CDL. There was a lot of details about driving big rigs that had changed since Carl last drove. Michigan Works! West Central was able to provide the support necessary to help Carl successfully complete his training through training partner FCG Trucking.

Read Carl's full Success Story and successes from Lake, Mason, Mecosta, Newaygo, Oceana and Osceola counties by clicking here.

ABOVE: Carl stands with a semi-truck. He recently completed training to re-earn his CDL.

JOB SEARCH TIP OF THE MONTH

"Be Mindful Of Your Online Presence"

Some hiring managers and HR professionals look at an applicant's social media presence to learn more about them. Always be mindful of the type of content you share on your social media profiles, because you never know who may be looking.

Be sure to remain courteous and professional when you post or comment. If you do now want an employer to see your postings, make sure to set your profiles to private.

For tips on resume and cover letter building, and mock interviews, schedule an appointment with one of our Talent Specialists. Find the service center nearest you at MWWC.org/contact-us.

BEHIND THE SCENES

Michigan Works! West Central Helps High School Students Tryout VR

To stay up to date with the latest technologies, Michigan Works! West Central has invested in several VR headsets. Through virtual reality, we can let participants test out a wide variety of career opportunities without leaving the room, including firefighter, construction worker, auto mechanic, hospitality worker and more!

In February, we hosted more than 100 Big Rapids High School juniors over two days to learn more about our programs and services, including testing our new VR headsets.

If you'd like to take a career for a "test drive," schedule an appointment with one of our Talent Specialist to try it out in virtual reality. Find the service center nearest you at MWWC.org/contact-us.

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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.