News and Success Stories

The Workforce Development Board for Michigan Works! Southwest announces the award of Going PRO Talent Fund grants totaling $2,736,131.  The Going PRO Talent Fund creates and expands collaboration between Michigan Works! Agencies, economic development organizations, and educational agencies, by funding demand-driven technical training across a variety of industries.

2020 was fraught with challenges, but it also provided opportunities to collaborate creatively with business partners. The COVID-19 pandemic presented additional layers of difficulties not only for the Southwest Michigan workforce but for those of us who work to support employers and employees.

Jacqueline Wells quickly found out she could no longer perform the required tasks of her housekeeping job after experiencing a workplace injury. Then the COVID-19 pandemic hit, and hiring stopped.

The FAE&T program helps individuals connect with employment and training activities — job search, job search training, workfare, work readiness, basic literacy and vocational training — that will improve their ability to obtain and retain regular employment and increase self-sufficiency.

Alexis Flanders has the kind of future-focused motivation the world needs right now. Having worked as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) since 2017, Flanders never had difficulty finding work – until the COVID-19 pandemic.

Michigan Works! Southwest is providing virtual employment services free to all southwest Michigan job seekers. Live virtual services now available include Employer of the Day events, job fairs, one-on-one career coaching office hours, and interactive employability skills workshops.

Some challenges Jerry faced was his lack of citizenship status and a lack of knowledge of specific beverage machines. By providing an OJT incentive, this allowed Jerry to receive the training needed and gave the company more incentive to hire him.

Antone applied for YOU’s CareerNOW occupational training program as an unemployed high school dropout to pursue the Early Childhood Education field. She was enrolled in a specialized program, WIOA, to continue to expand her vocational skills in the childcare industry and address barriers.

Many older workers face the need to continue formal employment in the labor market past the traditional age of retirement. Ellen was concerned about finding work and was equally concerned about entering a training program where she was surrounded by students 20+ years younger.

Lori worked for Spring Arbor University as an associate professor and was laid off due to staff downsizing. After losing her job, she found it difficult to find a comparable position at other colleges and universities, as few were hiring in her area of specialization.

These online workshops, designed to provide support to job seekers while contact restrictions are in place due to COVID-19, will replace in-person workshops previously offered at Michigan Works! Southwest service centers.

Individuals within a certain income range can now receive free Volunteer Income Tax Assistance services virtually. The IRS has now signed off on services being provided virtually.