Southwest Michigan Talent Development Successes Honored by State Leaders, Workforce Experts
Southwest Michigan Talent Development Successes Honored by State Leaders,
Workforce Experts
Local Lawmakers in Celebrating Local Talent, Career Development Efforts in Southwest Michigan
LANSING, MI (March 24, 2022)— 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, and in-person, on Thursday, March 24 to recognize Spectrum Health Lakeland, Dr. Lowell Hamel, Dr. Lynn Todman, Lake Michigan College, and Michigan Works! Berrien, Cass, Van Buren, for establishing three Registered Apprenticeships in clinical healthcare roles focused on recruitment from underrepresented populations.
Spectrum Health Lakeland is a nonprofit community-owned health system in Southwest Michigan, serving roughly 237,000 in their service area. Lakeland is a division of Spectrum Health comprising over 31,000 team members, 14 hospitals (including Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital), a robust network of care facilities, teams of nationally recognized doctors and providers, and the nation’s third-largest provider-sponsored health plan, Priority Health, currently serving over one million members across the state of Michigan.
The hospitals of Lakeland have always offered essential health care services to everyone, regardless of their ability to pay. Lakeland continually works to create an integrated system of care that is accessible, affordable, compassionate, and responsible.
Spectrum Health Lakeland has demonstrated an outstanding example of demand-driven, community-based initiatives. Throughout 2021, they have established three Registered Apprenticeships in clinical healthcare roles focusing on recruitment from underrepresented populations in the surrounding areas. The three programs are for Medical Assistants, Pharmacy Technicians, and Phlebotomists. Their vision is to create career pathways for residents, along with having excellent patient care with staff that represent the community they are serving.
"We have appreciated the knowledge, support, and expertise that Michigan Works! Has provided in launching three apprenticeship programs,” said Dr. Lowell Hamel, COO, Spectrum Health Lakeland. “They have been a true partner in this new adventure as we grow these opportunities for our organization and community.”
Their need for these programs stems from an ongoing talent shortage, along with the desire to narrow the health inequities experienced in employee demographics and access to healthcare.
Spectrum Health Lakeland identified more than 850 team members operating in less skilled labor roles. Through this data analysis of the employee base and assistance from Michigan Works! Berrien, Cass, Van Buren, there is certainty in ensuring career pathways for incumbent workers and new recruitment incentives for the talent pool. The quality programming and small pilot cohorts have created significant opportunities for lessons learned and best practices. Additionally, Spectrum Health Lakeland increased their base pay for all employees to $15 per hour, following suit with all occupations receiving applicable increases. This extensive analysis, and actions taken, are sure to highlight Spectrum Health Lakeland for innovation and creativity in accomplishing their goals.
"The Health Sciences team members at Lake Michigan College were super excited to partner with Michigan Works! for an apprenticeship offering with Spectrum Health Lakeland,” said Marla Clark, Dean, Health Sciences, Lake Michigan College. “Rick, Erin, and the rest of the team at Michigan Works! jumped right in and shared their knowledge of an apprenticeship and all the particulars to getting one started. They continue to provide great support and are a strong partner to work with, which is certainly a benefit for us and this community.”
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.
“These thriving apprenticeship program illustrate that investing in talent development is essential to recruit and attract the best talent in the region,” said Sen. Kim LaSata (R-Coloma). “Congratulations to Spectrum Health Lakeland, Lake Michigan College and Michigan Works! Berrien, Cass, Van Buren on the success of these great apprenticeship programs!”
Award winners included employers, workers, Michigan Works! organizations, and partners.
“The success of these programs is a testament to how community partners can work together to offer great career opportunities in our region,” said Rep. Pauline Wendzel (R-Watervliet). “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).
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