NEWS
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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Macomb/St. Clair Talent Development Successes Honored by State Leaders, Workforce Experts
Macomb/St. Clair Talent Development Successes Honored by State Leaders, Workforce Experts
Local Lawmakers Celebrate Local Talent, Career Development Efforts in Macomb and St. Clair Counties
LANSING, MI (March 24, 2022)— Macomb and St. Clair Counties 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 Macomb County resident Melissa Etu and Macomb/St. Clair Michigan Works!.
Melissa Etue had been working in the makeup industry for 20 years when she decided to pursue opportunities in a different industry. Due to the pandemic, the beauty industry, and retail in which Etue worked, was heavily impacted. In the fall of 2020, Etue officially parted ways with her employer when she was laid off. Etue wanted to find a career that reignited her passion for service, building a brilliant team, and a strong foundational base for a business to thrive.
Etue strived to work for a company that aligned with her values and desired a mission statement she could support. One day, she saw a posting for a District Manager at Achatz Handmade Pie Company. She fit many of the skills at this position but did not have experience in the food industry. Although Etue did not have experience in the industry, skills could be taught, and she knew she had the passion to bring to Achatz Pies.
“I am grateful that Achatz Pies took a chance on me because together we are innovating and building a stronger business, and I am becoming a great baker in the process,” said Etue. “I am not developing a new training program for the next group hiring into the company. I am taking my experience, and making it teachable for an overall stronger, and an even more passionate team driven by skills and knowledge.”
She interviewed for the District Manager position and clicked with leadership and the founder of the company. She felt like she had found her place until they asked about her knowledge of the food industry. Etue admitted she did not know food safety, quality assessment, and how to bake.
In partnership with Michigan Works!, Achatz Pies decided to hire Etue into the leadership role for their retail operations. They saw her passion for service and willingness to learn something new. She received 480 hours of on-the-job training as a District Manager for Achatz Pies with training funds provided by COVID-19 Recovery Project Funds.
“The USDOL awarded funds to the State of Michigan in May 2020 to provide disaster relief employment and included additional dislocated worker funding to accommodate the expected rise in unemployment during the pandemic,” said executive director of Macomb/St. Clair Michigan Works! Justin Al-Igoe. “Our nominee is an example of the thousands of local workers who lost their job due to the impact of the pandemic. With the support of this employment and training assistance, our nominee became reemployed in a new industry in a high-demand occupation.”
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.
“Congratulations to Melissa and Macomb/St. Clair Michigan Works! on winning this prestigious award,” said Sen. Paul Wojno (D-Warren). “I am grateful for the services Michigan Works! provides job seekers and employers all over the state. The work you do changes people’s lives for the better every single day!”
Award winners included employers, workers, Michigan Works! organizations, and partners.
“Success stories like this one provide hope for other people who may be facing similar barriers in their own job search,” said Rep. Richard Steenland (D-Roseville). “I commend Melissa for her perseverance and willingness to learn a new skill in order to find her dream job!”
The Michigan Works! Association is a non-profit membership organization that provides services and support to Michigan’s talent eco-system. 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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Local Flint Area Workforce Development Successes Honored by State Leaders, Workforce Experts
Local Workforce Development Successes Honored by State Leaders, Workforce Experts
Local Lawmakers Celebrate Local Talent, Career Development Efforts
in Greater Flint Area
LANSING, MI (March 24, 2022)— Local 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 local resident Carmen Rivera, Port Austin Level and Tool, Tuscola County MDHHS, and GST Michigan Works! for their dedication to providing good-paying job opportunities in the community and to helping workers succeed in their career endeavors.
Carmen Rivera and her family arrived in Michigan in spring of 2019 from Puerto Rico, on an employment opportunity, after Puerto Rico was heavily hit by Hurricane Maria. GST Michigan Works! was able to partner with a local employer and partners to provide transportation, employment, and housing to the Rivera’s.
Rivera participated in English as a Second Language (ESL) classes and embraced her new community. Sadly, the following year, Rivera and her husband lost their jobs. She continued to look for employment and housing but with no steady income, they wondered how they would make it. Going back to Puerto Rico was not an option as there were fewer jobs than ever.
Ronaldo Gomez, from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), connected the family to much needed benefits and resources. Once again, they had healthcare coverage, assistance to pay for their basic needs, and support while they found new employment. It was the light at the end of the tunnel that gave them the strength and encouragement to not give up.
Rivera connected with the PATH program and GST Michigan Works! in December of 2020. Public transportation was limited, and Rivera would start walking early in the cold winter days in search of work. It wasn’t long before her dedication paid off.
Jennifer Upthegrove, from Port Austin Level and Tool, saw in Rivera the dedication she wanted in a worker and offered her a job where she started immediately. Knowing it was winter and that Rivera was walking to work, Upthegrove offered to pick her up and drive her home. Things started to really turn around for this family and their success became contagious as opportunities started pouring in. GST Michigan Works! was able to help with a car, registration, and the first few months of insurance coverage. An opening at Port Austin Level and Tool allowed Rivera’s husband to join the team and finally, there were two incomes to stabilize the family.
“I am very grateful to GST Michigan Works! And the services they provide for workers,” said Upthegrove. “Without the help Carmen received, she would have gone back to Puerto Rico and we may have had to close our doors. Carmen learned her job quickly and does excellent work. Having good workers on your team makes all the difference.”
With the help of the community, she was able to rent a house near her place of employment where she continues to live. Rivera considers Michigan her new home and will never forget how the community came together to help her family when they needed it most.
“I am very thankful, and emotional, for the support I received through GST Michigan Works! and their assistance in helping me purchase a vehicle to get to and from work,” said Rivera.
The Impact Awards hosted by Michigan Works! Association recognizes 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.
“The past two years has brought to light new challenges and barriers for employers across the state,” said state Sen. Dan Lauwers (R-Brockway Township). “Kudos to Port Austin Level and Tool, MDHHS, and GST Michigan Works! for assisting Carmen with the variety of barriers she has faced.”
Award winners included employers, workers, Michigan Works! organizations, and partners.
“Congratulations to Carmen, Port Austin Level and Tool, MDHHS, and GST Michigan Works! on winning this prestigious award,” said Rep. Phil Green (R-Millington). “Success stories like this provide hope for others who may be experiencing similar circumstances.”
The Michigan Works! Association is a non-profit membership organization that provides services and support to Michigan’s talent eco-system. 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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Great Lakes Bay Michigan Works! and Regional Employers Recognized with 2022 Impact Awards
Great Lakes Bay Michigan Works! and Regional Employers Recognized with 2022 Impact Awards
LANSING, MI – Local lawmaker and statewide talent development officials gathered in-person and virtually on Thursday, March 24 to recognize Isabella Bank and Great Lakes Bay Michigan Works! for their dedication to the community.
Isabella Bank’s over 118 years of service to the community began in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan. The bank has expanded its operations to seven counties, which include Clare, Gratiot, Isabella, Mecosta, Midland, Montcalm and Saginaw. With a demand-driven philosophy, Isabella Bank has been able to diagnose and deliver financial products and services to meet the needs in the communities they serve.
Great Lakes Bay Michigan Works! worked with Isabella Bank with their Going PRO Talent Fund grant application process and submitted their application on their behalf. The banking and financial industry is extremely competitive and requires continuous attention to stay relevant. The Going PRO Talent Fund has helped support Isabella Bank’s mission of maintaining high quality, personalized service to their customers, enhancing shareholder value through strategic growth and being an employer of choice.
“Great Lakes Bay Michigan Works! Business Services Team members know Isabella Bank and its recruitment and training needs” said Great Lakes Bay Michigan Works! CEO, Chris Rishko.
“The Business Services Team does a great job of helping us with valuable resources,” said Patrick Mease, Sr. Vice President with Isabella Bank. “Their assistance with the Going PRO Talent Fund grant award has helped us strengthen relationships with our customers. The Going Pro Talent Fund has been vital for our bank to continue our growth through employee development. We look forward to continuing this relations with Great Lakes Bay Michigan Works.”
The Impact Awards, Hosted by the Michigan Works! Association, recognize the economic success being achieved in communities across Michigan. During the event, local lawmakers present tributes to dozens of honorees from across the state.
“Congratulations to the team at Isabella Bank!” said Rick Outman (R. Six Lakes). “I am happy to see them working closely with Michigan Works! to continue growing Michigan’s talent pipeline. Michigan Works! is dedicated to educating Michiganders and providing opportunities for personal growth and advancement. These initiatives are key to supporting Michigan businesses, strengthening our workforce, and ensuring the success of Michigan residents.”
Award winners included employers, workers, Michigan Works! organizations and partners.
“Congratulations to Isabella Bank and Great Lakes Bay Michigan Works! on winning this prestigious award,” said Rep. Roger Hauck (R. Union Township). “The wide variety of services Michigan Works! provides to businesses throughout the state makes them one of the state’s most valuable assets in ensuring the state’s economic prosperity.”
Great Lakes Bay Michigan Works! is a consortium of Saginaw, Midland, Bay, Gratiot, and Isabella counties, established to operate workforce development programs for this region. It is one of 16 separate and independent Michigan Works! agencies and one of about 550 similar agencies nationwide.
Great Lakes Bay Michigan Works! operates a total of five sites throughout the region. Michigan Works! strengthens the local economy 1) by assisting regional employers in finding and retaining qualified employees; and; 2) by assuring that the labor force meets the needs of regional employers.
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Detroit Area Talent Development Successes Honored by State Leaders, Workforce Experts
Detroit Area Talent Development Successes Honored by State Leaders, Workforce Experts
Local Lawmakers Celebrate Local Talent, Talent Pipeline Efforts in Detroit
LANSING, MI (March 24, 2022)— Detroit area 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 Kappen Tree Service, Detroit resident DeMarcus Cleveland, DTE Energy, IBEW Local 17, Focus: HOPE, U.S. Truck Driver Training School, Detroit at Work, and Detroit Employment Solutions Corporation (DESC) for their commitment to recruit Detroit residents to a new apprenticeship program that creates robust, skilled trades career opportunities.
Cleveland is a lifelong Detroiter, husband of five years and a father of two kids, with another on the way. He left his career of six years as a United States Postal Service (USPS) letter carrier to pursue a stable, skilled-trades career to provide for his family. Cleveland came to DESC for assistance in finding a job in the skilled trades.
Through Detroit at Work, DESC assisted Cleveland with the sign-up process and provided funding for him to take part in the DTE/IBEW Tree Trim Academy, of which Cleveland is now a graduate who is working in a full-time position with Kappen Tree Service and has started his union apprenticeship.
“The Tree Trim Academy equips Detroiters with the skills they will need for high-paying and in-demand skilled trades careers,” said President of DESC Terri Weems. “It also provides them a direct pathway to financial and socio-economic growth and stability. For many participants these have been life-changing opportunities and, with more cohorts planned, there will be further opportunities for Detroiters to take part.”
Detroit at Work partnered with DTE Energy, IBEW Local 17, Focus: HOPE and U.S. Truck Driver Training School (USDTS) to engage and recruit City of Detroit residents, including Cleveland, to join DTE’s newly opened Tree Trim Academy that upskills and trains those seeking a union, skilled trades career in Line Clearance Tree Trimming.
"Tree Trim jobs bring prosperity to people who pursue them and also offer a strong pipeline to opportunities such as overhead line work,” said CEO of DTE Energy Jerry Norcia. “And I can tell you, these are really high-paying jobs that allow people to provide nicely for their families.”
Upon completion of the DTE/IBEW Tree Trim Academy, graduates begin their IBEW apprenticeship with a starting wage of $15.92 per hour, which quickly jumps to almost $18 per hour within their first 500 hours on the job. A tree trim apprenticeship takes between two and two-and-a-half years to complete, at which time, journeyman tree trimmers make $29 per hour with full union benefits for themselves and their families.
“Congratulations to Kappen Tree Service, DeMarcus Cleveland, DTE Energy, IBEW Local 17, Focus: HOPE, U.S. Truck Driver Training School, Detroit at Work, and DESC on winning the Impact Award,” said Sen. Stephanie Chang (D-Detroit). “So many of our families are struggling right now and putting more Detroiters to work or in better paying jobs is a positive step for our communities. I am hopeful to see continued efforts to hire more Detroiters. Tree-trimming is a critical job right now for our communities as we continue to face extreme weather events, caused by climate change, that lead to massive power outages. These training programs are so important in making sure we have the workforce to handle this growing concern to help our neighborhoods and, at the same time, put people to work in good-paying jobs.”
The Impact Awards hosted by Michigan Works! Association recognizes economic development success being achieved in communities across Michigan. During the event, local lawmakers present tributes to dozens of honorees from across the state.
Award winners included employers, workers, Michigan Works! organizations, and partners.
“Congratulations to DeMarcus and this group of partners on winning this prestigious award,” said Sen. Kevin Daley (R-Lapeer County). “Kappen Tree Service started in 1990 as a family business out of the back of a pickup truck and has evolved in present day to a multiple fleet business. It’s partnerships like these that help great family-owned businesses in our state grow and continue to succeed.”
Rep. Phil Green (R-Millington) echoed Sen. Daley’s sentiments.
“DeMarcus is an example of what collaboration looks like,” said Rep. Green. “Kappen Tree Service, specifically Warren Kappen, represents all of the qualities that make the Thumb a great place to work, live and recreate.”
The Michigan Works! Association is a non-profit membership organization that provides services and support to Michigan’s talent eco-system. 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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Capital Area Talent Development Successes Honored by State Leaders, Workforce Experts
Capital Area Talent Development Successes Honored by State Leaders, Workforce Experts
Local Lawmakers Celebrate Leadership in Talent Development
Through Community Partnerships
LANSING, MI (March 24, 2022)— Capital Area leadership in talent development through community partnerships were among the successes celebrated by state leaders at the annual 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 KTM Industries and Capital Area Michigan Works! for customizing recruiting strategies and expanding their reach into the job seeker market.
Established in 2002, KTM Industries is a producer of Green Cell Foam, a unique, natural, environmentally friendly packaging. Thermal insulating and shock absorbing, Green Cell Foam has replaced polystyrene packaging in industries ranging from pharmaceutical to automotive. It is compostable, water soluble and made of annually renewable, non-GMO, U.S.-grown cornstarch, proving it is possible to be “green” and make money. In addition to being an environmental steward and an industry leader, KTM Industries is an Employer of Excellence in greater Lansing.
KTM Industries has worked with the Capital Area Michigan Works! (CAMW!) Business Services Team for many years to customize recruiting strategies and expand their reach into the job seeker market. Through postings on Pure Michigan Talent Connect, social media, and job fairs held onsite virtually, KTM Industries grew from 20 employees to 75 between 2017 and 2018. KTM then more than doubled the size of their Lansing-based workforce to 160 in 2019-20.
Many of these new employees have been New Americans and young workers. The increasingly diverse and growing workforce brought with it a change in the mechanics of training, supporting their growing workforce and business.
In 2019, KTM Industries became one of the founding members of the CAMW! Business Resource Network. Through this partnership, KTM provides concrete support to assist with barriers such as reliable transportation, locating affordable housing, strategies to get caught up on bill payment, teaching debt management, and even offering help navigating health and retirement benefits. This has led to increased retention for KTM and job stability for the employees.
"KTM has been working with CAMW! for over 20 years, from when we only had a dozen employees,” said president and CEO of KTM Industries Tim Colonnese. “Originally, we looked to CAMW! to help us fill open positions and for information on the local employment market. Since then, we have expanded our reliance on CAMW! for advice on best employment practices, assistance with training grants, and, most recently, entering into their Business Resource Network (BRN) program as a valuable additional tool in helping and retaining employees. Throughout the years, our interactions with CAMW! -- from the account manager to the CEO – have been consistently professional, cordial, and facilitative. Now, with over 200 local employees, we consider CAMW! an important, strategic partner to KTM’s current and future success.”
Through three Going PRO Talent Fund independent applications, 47 KTM employees are now better prepared to assist with both solving the problems of an exponentially growing business and providing the effective leadership required to support a growing workforce. As KTM Industries has expanded and grown in market share, they have shared that success with employees, reinvesting in the workforce by raising wages twice in the past year.
“Capital Area Michigan Works! is a key partner for local businesses, and their collaboration helps ensure that talent needs are met in the best way possible,” said state Sen. Curtis Hertel, Jr. (D-East Lansing). “The work they have done, and continue to do, with KTM is key to providing great career opportunities in this region.”
The Impact Awards hosted by Michigan Works! Association recognizes the economic development success being achieved in communities across Michigan. During the event, local lawmakers presented tributes to dozens of honorees from across the state.
“Congratulations to KTM Industries on winning this prestigious award,” said state Rep. Kara Hope (D-Lansing). “Your work has made you a valuable partner in Michigan’s continued economic success.”
Award winners included Michigan businesses, partners, employees, and Michigan Works! organizations.
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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Statement from the Michigan Works! Association on Governor Whitmer’s 2022 State of the State Address
LANSING, MI (Jan 27, 2022) – Ryan Hundt, CEO of the Michigan Works! Association released the following statement in response to Governor Whitmer’s State of the State address:
“All of the key priorities laid out in Governor Whitmer’s State of the State have one common thread: an engaged, well-trained workforce. The Michigan Works! Association looks forward to partnering with stakeholders across the state to advance our collective workforce development objectives and help Michigan win the future.”
# # #
Deadline approaching to apply for training grants through Going PRO Talent Fund Michigan employers need to apply by Thursday, October 28
Thursday, Oct. 14, 2021
Media Contact: Steph Willis, 517-420-5137 or communications@michiganworks.org
LANSING, Mich. – The deadline for Michigan employers to apply for a share of at least $40 million in competitive training funds from the Going PRO Talent Fund program is fast approaching. The application period is in effect now and the deadline to submit applications is Oct. 28 at 5:00 p.m. Selected applicants will be announced in Dec. 2021.
Going PRO Talent Fund provides grants to assist in training, developing, and retaining current and newly hired employees. Training must be short-term in nature and fill a demonstrated talent need as well as lead to a credential for a skill that is transferable and recognized by industry. Training programs are customized to the needs of each employer, allowing them to either promote from within or to train and develop skilled workers.
"Employers increasingly seek out Michigan Works! services and see the workforce system as a partner to better support their business goals and the goals of their employees," said Michigan Works! Association CEO Ryan Hundt. “The Going PRO Talent Fund is essential to helping Michigan businesses meet the growing demand for skilled workers and provides individuals with industry-recognized credentials that lead to higher wages.”
Employers interested in applying for Going PRO Talent Fund grants are encouraged to contact their local Michigan Works! Service Center where they can work with a member of the Business Solutions team to conduct fact-finding sessions to assess talent skill gaps, suitable training providers, and availability of federal funding sources. Contact information for local Michigan Works! Service Centers can be found at michiganworks.org.
“Our Business Solutions teams across the state are working hard to meet with employers and get these applications finalized,” said Jody Kerbyson, CEO of GST Michigan Works!. “Businesses interested in learning more should not delay! Reach out to your local Michigan Works! Agency and start building the training plan to meet your goals today.”
During the application period, Michigan Works! Agencies submit Talent Fund applications to the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) on behalf of their partnering employer. New this year is a priority on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion focused on providing grants for minority-owned, women-owned, Veteran-owned, Individual With A Disability (IWD) owned or a Geographically-Disadvantaged Business.
"Since the program's launch, Going PRO Talent Fund has provided training for more than 121,000 Michigan workers, supporting the needs of over 40,000 business, upskilling the workforce and contributing to the increase in post-secondary credentials supporting the Governor's Sixty by 30 educational attainment goal," said Stephanie Beckhorn, Director of LEO's Office of Employment and Training. “The increased focus on diversity, equity and inclusion ensures underrepresented populations stay competitive and are provided opportunities to succeed. Diversification of our workforce brings new and innovative ideas to businesses which helps promote a stronger Michigan economy.”
To learn more about the Going PRO Talent Fund, visit Michigan.gov/TalentFund.
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Edith Suttles Recognized as Volunteer of the Year by Michigan Works! Association
LANSING, MI (Sep 14, 2021) – The Michigan Works! Association recently honored Edith Suttles, owner of Diversified Environmental Services, for her dedication to the growth and promotion of Michigan Works!. Named the Michigan Works! Association 2021 Volunteer of the Year, Suttles received the award during the association’s annual conference.
“Edith’s passion and dedication to serving her local Michigan Works! workforce development board coupled with her tireless assistance and encouragement of young people in her community make her the perfect choice for this year’s Volunteer of the Year Award,” said Ryan Hundt, chief executive officer of the Michigan Works! Association.
Raised in Akron, Ohio where she earned a degree in education at the University of Akron, Suttles moved to the Lansing area in 1973. She had a passion for teaching and was a substitute teacher prior to becoming a stay-at-home parent. Recognizing the importance of being involved as a parent, Suttles’ commitment to education shifted from being in the classroom to serving on the Waverly School Board.
Suttles was nominated for Volunteer of the Year by Capital Area Michigan Works! (CAMW!).
“Edith served on the Waverly School Board for 20 years, as well as on the board of the Junior League of Lansing, the CAMW! Workforce Development Board and in various iterations of the CAMW! Career Advisory Council (CEAC),” said Carrie Rosingana, chief executive officer of CAMW!. “Edith is one of our longest-standing board and CEAC members. Her passion to serve as a voice for youth and education has been at the forefront of her efforts. Edith has been a tireless supporter of CAMW!, the T3 Council, and the Michigan Works! agencies as a whole throughout her service. She is one of the first members to volunteer to help with a new project, she consistently gives of her time to provide input and feedback, and she continually supports the agency and her board peers through her direction and guidance. Edith’s voice, input, and leadership have made CAMW! a stronger agency, and we are fortunate to be able to nominate her for this recognition.”
Suttles said she is honored to receive this award.
“As a high school student, on January 21, 1961, I heard President John F. Kennedy challenge the youth of America in his inauguration speech,” said Suttles. “He said, ‘ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country.’ Those words have echoed in my heart throughout my life as I have tried to be of service to my family, church, community, and organizations like the Michigan Works! Association. I am honored and grateful to be recognized as the Association’s 2021 Michigan Works! Association Volunteer of the Year. Thank you!”
Representative Beth Griffin Recognized as Legislator of the Year by Michigan Works! Association
LANSING, MI (Sep 13, 2021) – The Michigan Works! Association recently honored Representative Beth Griffin (R-Mattawan) for her work promoting skilled trades, training, career-technical education, and the Michigan Works! network. Named the Michigan Works! Association 2021 Legislator of the Year, Griffin received the award during the association’s annual conference.
“I am honored to receive this award from the Michigan Works! Association,” said Rep. Griffin. “During this past year I have held several hearings on how to build a successful ecosystem for talent development. I believe the state needs to provide more opportunities for mentoring, internships, and apprenticeship programs.”
Rep. Griffin is serving her third term in the Michigan House of Representatives and is the Chairwoman of the House Workforce, Trades, and Talent Committee and serves on the Transportation, Community, Communications, and Technology Committee, and as a member of the Financial Services Committee.
A former middle school teacher, Rep. Griffin has made training and education the centerpiece of her service in the House of Representatives. During the budget battle of 2020, Rep. Griffin led the successful fight to restore $3.75 million for the Jobs for Michigan Graduates program and was a leader in the restoration of funding for Going PRO Talent Fund.
“Rep. Griffin has been a strong voice in additional funding for career-technical training,” said director of Berrien, Cass, Van Buren Michigan Works! Lily Brewer. “She is spearheading a three-bill package called the 21st Century Skills Plan which would give students greater flexibility toward career readiness. Rep. Griffin also sponsored legislation which prorates licensing fees for businesses in the skilled trades that were shut down due to government order. She is a great partner with Michigan Works! and we were proud to nominate her as the 2021 Legislator of the Year.”
Prior to being elected to the House of Representatives in 2016, Rep. Griffin served two terms as a Van Buren County Commissioner. She also chaired the Area Agency on Aging and served on boards for the Van Buren County Mental Health Court and the Van Buren County Drug Treatment Court.
“Congratulations to Rep. Griffin on being chosen as this year’s Legislator of the Year,” said Ryan Hundt, CEO of the Michigan Works! Association. “We wholeheartedly thank Rep. Griffin for her continued support of workforce development efforts and initiatives.”