Are You....

Interviewees waiting to meet the interviewer

Employer

Michigan Works! Southwest Certified Business Solutions Professionals are here to meet current and future job recruitment demands for a skilled workforce. Michigan Works! Southwest has access to talent in Southwest Michigan and can help you find qualified job applicants that match your unique employment needs. Our goal is to build mutually beneficial relationships to assist in job postings, accepting applications, organizing job fairs, and facilitating on-the-job training. These partnerships allow us to give second chances to in-need applicants, and to help fill positions for qualified job applicants.

A smiling job seeker shakes hands with his new employer

Job Seeker

Michigan Works! Southwest is here to provide the resources you need for your career exploration and job search and supply the motivation to find a job that’s right for you. Michigan Works! Southwest staff meet you where you’re at in your job search; whether you’re unemployed and looking for immediate employment, or underemployed and interested in programs to grow your job skills, Michigan Works! Southwest wants to help you succeed.

We Are:

Customer Centered, Integrity Driven, Dedicated to Excellence, Collaborators, and Innovative Problem Solvers

What We Do:

Prepare a qualified workforce to meet the current and emerging needs of business and industry, through data driven decision making.

How We Will Succeed:

Fostering collaborative partnerships and empowering a compassionate, respectful, and knowledgeable team dedicated to continuous improvement.

Why We Exist:

To create meaningful transformation in the people, businesses, and communities we serve.

Upcoming Events

News and Success Stories

A Special Future in the Trades: Callen’s Journey with MWSW

When Callen enrolled in the Michigan Works! Southwest Young Professionals Plus Program in December 2024, he was eager to begin building his future. Like many young adults preparing to enter the workforce for the first time, he knew he wanted a career and a sense of independence, but he was still figuring out how to get there. At the time, Callen had no previous work experience and lacked many of the employability skills needed to…

Taking the First Steps Towards a Successful Future: Jewvar’s Journey with MWSW

When Jewvar enrolled in the Michigan Works! Southwest Young Professionals (YP) Program in March 2025, he knew he wanted a successful future, but he wasn’t sure how to get there. Like many young people entering the workforce for the first time, he faced several challenges that made it difficult to take those first steps. He had no formal work experience, limited employability skills, and no resume. Interviewing for jobs felt intimidating, and while he had…

Shining Star Spotlight: Riley Augst, May 2026

Michigan Works! Southwest is proud to recognize Riley as the May 2026 Shining Star Award recipient for her exceptional dedication, flexibility, and commitment to serving both customers and colleagues. Since joining the Kalamazoo/St. Joseph County Welfare Reform team, Riley has quickly established herself as a valuable asset to the organization. Her willingness to step in wherever needed and her commitment to helping others succeed have made a positive impact on both her team and the…

Seeking and Finding the Right Fit: Jesse’s Journey with MWSW

After earning his high school diploma in 2024, Jesse knew he wanted to build a successful future for himself. He had a strong interest in pursuing a career in skilled trades, but like many young adults entering the workforce for the first time, he wasn’t sure where to begin. When Jesse enrolled in the Michigan Works! Southwest Young Professionals Plus Program in October 2025, he faced several challenges that were preventing him from moving forward…

A Special Future in the Trades: Callen’s Journey with MWSW

When Callen enrolled in the Michigan Works! Southwest Young Professionals Plus Program in December 2024, he was eager to begin building his future. Like many young adults preparing to enter the workforce for the first time, he knew he wanted a career and a sense of independence, but he was still figuring out how to get there. At the time, Callen had no previous work experience and lacked many of the employability skills needed to…

Taking the First Steps Towards a Successful Future: Jewvar’s Journey with MWSW

When Jewvar enrolled in the Michigan Works! Southwest Young Professionals (YP) Program in March 2025, he knew he wanted a successful future, but he wasn’t sure how to get there. Like many young people entering the workforce for the first time, he faced several challenges that made it difficult to take those first steps. He had no formal work experience, limited employability skills, and no resume. Interviewing for jobs felt intimidating, and while he had…

Shining Star Spotlight: Riley Augst, May 2026

Michigan Works! Southwest is proud to recognize Riley as the May 2026 Shining Star Award recipient for her exceptional dedication, flexibility, and commitment to serving both customers and colleagues. Since joining the Kalamazoo/St. Joseph County Welfare Reform team, Riley has quickly established herself as a valuable asset to the organization. Her willingness to step in wherever needed and her commitment to helping others succeed have made a positive impact on both her team and the…

Seeking and Finding the Right Fit: Jesse’s Journey with MWSW

After earning his high school diploma in 2024, Jesse knew he wanted to build a successful future for himself. He had a strong interest in pursuing a career in skilled trades, but like many young adults entering the workforce for the first time, he wasn’t sure where to begin. When Jesse enrolled in the Michigan Works! Southwest Young Professionals Plus Program in October 2025, he faced several challenges that were preventing him from moving forward…

A proud partner of the American Job Center network.

An equal opportunity employer / program supported by the State of Michigan. 1-800-285-WORK (9675).
Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request. Dial 711 Relay Center and TTY. Supported in part with state and/or federal funds.