Michigan Works! West Central

Quarterly eNewsletter              - Vol. 3, Ed. 4

Julia Sheffer Wins Impact Award

Julia Sheffer (center) accepts a certificate for her 2023 Impact Award from the Michigan Works! Association during a May event in Lansing. Also pictured are Michigan Works! West Central staff members, Sheffer's parents, Michigan House Rep. Tom Kunse, and representatives from Papa's Place and Meceola Tech.

Michigan Works! West Central helps

Mecosta County Woman Earn CNA

Julia Sheffer earned her CNA certification in fall 2022, while working at Papa's Place Adult Day Center and attending classes at Meceola Tech. She was able to earn her certification after dealing with a fire at her family home, caring for a parent with a serious case of COVID-19 and navigating housing insecurity.


Her determination, willingness to help, desire to learn and more is why she was selected by Michigan Works! West Central to receive a 2023 Impact Award. To read her full story, click here.

To view Sheffer's awards ceremony video and acceptance remarks, watch the video above.

'20 Under 30' Now Available!

Twenty of the brightest young adults in our region are highlighted in this year's "20 Under 30" publication, which was published in early-June.


From insurance agents to HR professionals, and entrepreneurs to manufacturers, this year's winners really make the grade!


To read the full 2023 "20 Under 30" publication, click here, or pick up a print copy at any one of our service centers. For more info about our Young Professionals Program, click here.

MiCareerQuest West Central 2023

Is Hit With Students!

Nearly 1,500 students from 19 high schools across our 6-county region participated in this year's MiCareerQuest West Central. This is the first year the event has been held in person since before the COVID-19 pandemic. To view a video of this year's event, click here.

Nearly 1,500 Students From 6 Counties Attend One-Day Event!

MiCareerQuest West Central is the premiere hands-on career-exploration and college-readiness event for high school students in our area!


This year, Michigan Works! West Central hosted nearly 1,500 students from 19 different high schools across six counties at MiCareerQuest! They had the opportunity to meet with about 40 employers and engage in hands-on activities.


To read the full story about this year's MiCareerQuest West Central and to view more pictures from the event, click here.

To see highlights from this year's MiCareerQuest West Central, watch the video above.

Hiring Parties Are Where It's At!

276 Job Seekers Enjoy Lunch & Meeting With Employers

Last year, Michigan Works! West Central held its first-ever Hiring Parties. These events brought together job seekers and employers looking to hire to see if we could make a connection. We were able to help nearly half of the 390 attendees (47%) find work!


We just wrapped on our 2023 Hiring Parties, and saw 276 job seekers attend to talk with 148 hiring employers! We're still tracking to see how many people were able to find work through these events.


To see pictures from this year's Hiring Parties, click here.

Showcasing Success!

Job Seeker & Employer Success Stories From Region 4A

Osceola County Woman Is Digging Her New Career

By the age of 24, DeAnna had spent most of her career working in restaurants and bars as a bartender or server. When she came to the Michigan Works! West Central Reed City service center, she was looking for a change.


She's had an interest in operating heavy equipment since she was a teenager when she attended a Women in Trades course in Alaska.


Michigan Works! West Central was able to help fund training for her to receive her heavy-equipment operator's certification.


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

ABOVE: DeAnna stands with an excavator at North Country Heavy Equipment. She recently completed training and has obtained full-time employment.

JOB SEARCH TIP OF THE MONTH

'Check Online Job Boards'

Most jobs are posted online, and there are a large variety of online job boards where you can find them. This model makes it much easier to find the type of job you're looking for by searching for keywords, job titles and more!


You also can easily share your cover letter and resume directly with an employer you're interested in.


If you're searching for work online, we recommend using MiTalent.org. We also can help you with your job search at any of our six service centers. Find the service center nearest you at MWWC.org/contact-us. 

BEHIND THE SCENES


Michigan Works! West Central Celebrates Staff Anniversaries During Training

Several Michigan Works! West Central staff members were recognized for their years of service to the organization at a recent in-house training. Pictured from left to right are Renee Pickard, Cassie Smith, Shelly Keene, Jonathan Eppley, Chad Marr and Toni Davis.

Michigan Works! West Central recently held its first-ever in-house conference. Our dedicated staff members proposed training modules, created slideshows and presented their best practices to the rest of the team!


They did such an awesome job that we plan to host our "Always A Better Way" in-house conference every year!


During this training, we also recognized the following staff anniversaries:

Michigan Works! West Central staff take part in their first-ever in-house conference.

  • Shelly Keene, Executive Director (7 Years)
  • Jonathan Eppley, Communication and Marketing Manager (6 Years)
  • Toni Davis, Talent Development Manager (5 Years)
  • Chad Marr, Business Services Specialist (5 Years)
  • Renee Pickard, Talent Specialist (5 Years)
  • Cassie Smith, Administrative Specialist (5 Years)


Congratulations to you all, and thank you for your dedication and hard work!

Michigan Works! West Central staff take part in their first-ever in-house conference.

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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.