News and Success Stories

A letter from the director.

Click here to read a report on the Career Explorer tool, which assists job seekers in making data-driven decisions to guide their career and training goals.

The Michigan Works! Southwest 2020-2021 Annual Report is now available.

The W.E. Upjohn Institute for Employment Research and the Michigan Works! Southwest Workforce Development Board recently announced Jakki Bungart-Bibb as the new director for Michigan Works! Southwest.

The Workforce Development Board for Michigan Works! Southwest announces the award of Going PRO Talent Fund grants totaling $2,744,034.

On April 11, 2021, the State of Michigan put into effect the new expungement law. The “Clean Slate” law was created to eliminate some of the known barriers to getting old misdemeanors and felonies (7 years for misdemeanors, 10 years for felonies) removed from an individual’s criminal record.

Whether just transitioning from the military or looking for something new, veterans have many tools at their fingertips.

Many people had to make adjustments during the pandemic. Jobs changed, personal lives changed, and even basic daily routines changed.

Now imagine adding to the chaos by not only moving, but moving to a different continent and a whole new culture.

Job seekers and students now have access to a new career exploration resource, Pure Michigan Talent Connect’s Career Explorer. Individuals can access the tool on their own, or Michigan Works! Southwest Career Coaches are taking appointments to guide people through the career exploration feature.

Lanyea’s story is a pretty great example of what someone can do when they really put their mind and effort into it.

Michigan Works! Southwest announced earlier this week it is opening enrollment in three free job skill training programs. The programs are part of The Future of Work Grand Challenge, a $6 million national initiative designed to put more than 25,000 individuals impacted by COVID-19.

BRANCH COUNTY, MICH. – Michigan Works! Southwest is hosting a virtual Employers of the Day direct hiring event on April 1 from 1-5 p.m. featuring five major Brach County employers related to the Manufacturing and Production industry.