Southwest Michigan Talent Development Successes Honored by State Leaders, Workforce Experts
LANSING, MI (March 31, 2021)— Southwest Michigan talent development and employment successes were among those celebrated by state leaders at the Michigan Works! Association Impact Awards this week.
Local lawmakers and statewide talent development officials gathered virtually on Wednesday, March 31 to recognize Lawton resident Mary Shinabargar, White Oaks Assisted Living and Michigan Works! Berrien, Cass, Van Buren, Powered by Kinexus, for providing essential training through the creation of an apprenticeship program in order to meet the talent demand in a fast-growing job sector.
White Oaks Assisted Living is a vibrant assisted living community in the heart of Lawton, MI employing over 50 individuals an offering state-of-the-art assisted living, memory, and respite care to its residents.
White Oaks is an essential community asset for Van Buren County as the population is three years older than the state average and the healthcare sector is expected to grow at 44 percent over the next five years. This expected growth means the challenge moving forward for healthcare providers such as White Oaks, is to be able to meet the demand for services from the community while also maintaining the high level of quality and service expected from its residents.
Executive Director Jill Pride has been a leader and innovator for White Oaks in recognizing the need to create a well-trained supply of talent to support the future growth of the business. Over the last 18 months, Pride and her team have engaged the Michigan Works! Berrien, Cass, Van Buren team to help create and launch an entry-level registered apprenticeship program for certified nursing assistants.
Mary Shinabargar is a long-term employee of White Oaks and a member of the first cohort of the CNA Apprenticeship Program established in fall 2019. Prior to starting the apprenticeship, Shinabargar worked as a Resident Caregiver. Earlier in her career, Shinabargar was licensed as a CNA, but after her license lapsed, she was eager to begin training.
Shinabargar’s classes at Southwestern Michigan College were held during her off-shift, allowing her to keep to her regular work schedule and pursue credentialing simultaneously. Despite 12- to 14-hour days between work, classes, and homework, she achieved her goal of becoming state certified in January 2020. During the pandemic, Shinabargar persevered and completed her Dementia Care Specialist and Restorative Care Specialist certificates – the final requirements of her apprenticeship in April 2020.
“Mary was a great fit to go through the apprenticeship with Michigan Works!,” said Pride. “We are so pleased to have her as part of the caring staff at White Oaks. Her successes make us a better place and we are happy to see her take that next professional step!”
In addition to the creation and development of the apprenticeship program, White Oaks continues to work with Michigan Works! Berrien, Cass, Van Buren to support additional opportunities such as Going PRO Talent Fund, WIOA, and other state and federal grants. As a result, 15 percent of their workforce have become registered apprentices, gaining industry-recognized credentials and an average 24.5 percent wage increase.
The Impact Awards hosted by Michigan Works! Association, recognize the economic development success being achieved in communities across Michigan. During the event, local lawmakers present tributes to dozens of honorees from across the state.
“This thriving apprenticeship program, and Mary’s success, illustrate that investing in talent development is essential to recruit and attract the best talent in the region,” said state Sen. Aric Nesbitt (R-Lawton). “Congratulations to Mary, White Oaks Assisted Living and Michigan Works! Berrien, Cass, Van Buren on the success of this great apprenticeship program!”
Award winners included employers, workers, Michigan Works! organizations, and partners.
“The success of this program is a testament to how community partners can work together to offer great career opportunities in our region,” said state Rep. Beth Griffin (R-Mattawan). “Thank you to Michigan Works! Berrien, Cass, Van Buren for providing talent solutions to help local companies and congratulations to everyone who worked hard to solve this talent gap.”
The Michigan Works! Association is a non-profit membership organization that provides services and support to Michigan’s talent ecosystem. For over 30 years, the Association has been the go-to resource for federal, state and local workforce initiatives.
The Association’s work ensures top-quality services and support for Michigan’s talent pipeline. For more information, please visit michiganworks.org.
Find the nearest Michigan Works! American Job Center by visiting https://www.michiganworks.org/michigan-works-network or by calling (1-800) 285-WORKS (9675).
###