Are You....

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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

Shining Star Spotlight: Megan Tappenden

Michigan Works! Southwest is proud to recognize Megan Tappenden as a Shining Star Award recipient for her outstanding leadership and dedication as a Training Coordinator. Megan continues to shine in her role, bringing passion, clarity, and an unwavering commitment to excellence in every training she leads. She has a unique ability to transform complex processes into engaging, accessible learning experiences that empower participants to grow with confidence. Her thoughtful approach ensures that individuals not only…

December 2025 Shining Star: Julie Gregory

Michigan Works! Southwest is proud to recognize Julie Gregory as a Shining Star Award recipient for her exceptional performance, professionalism, and positive impact on both her colleagues and the customers we serve. Julie consistently demonstrates a strong commitment to excellence in everything she does. She goes above and beyond in her role, delivering high-quality work with accuracy and efficiency while maintaining a positive attitude that inspires those around her. Her reliability and attention to detail…

New National Ranking Affirms Michigan’s Workforce Advantage

Michigan Ranks Top 5 Nationally for Workforce—Driven by Talent, Training, and Local Partnerships [LANSING, Mich.—Jan. 13, 2026] A new national ranking reinforces what employers across the state already know: Michigan has all the right components for workforce success. Site Selection Magazine’s newly released Workforce Development rankings place Michigan fourth in the nation—ahead of California, Texas, and Florida—and second in the East North Central region. The Michigan Works! Association said the ranking reflects years of strategic…

November 2025 Shining Star: April Hamilton

Michigan Works! Southwest is proud to announce April Hamilton as our Shining Star for November 2025! Each month, the Shining Star Award honors a team member who wholeheartedly embodies the values and mission of Michigan Works! Southwest. Selected through peer nominations, this recognition shines a spotlight on individuals who consistently go above and beyond, creating a meaningful impact for both those they serve and our internal team. April’s peers recognized her for the many ways…

Shining Star Spotlight: Megan Tappenden

Michigan Works! Southwest is proud to recognize Megan Tappenden as a Shining Star Award recipient for her outstanding leadership and dedication as a Training Coordinator. Megan continues to shine in her role, bringing passion, clarity, and an unwavering commitment to excellence in every training she leads. She has a unique ability to transform complex processes into engaging, accessible learning experiences that empower participants to grow with confidence. Her thoughtful approach ensures that individuals not only…

December 2025 Shining Star: Julie Gregory

Michigan Works! Southwest is proud to recognize Julie Gregory as a Shining Star Award recipient for her exceptional performance, professionalism, and positive impact on both her colleagues and the customers we serve. Julie consistently demonstrates a strong commitment to excellence in everything she does. She goes above and beyond in her role, delivering high-quality work with accuracy and efficiency while maintaining a positive attitude that inspires those around her. Her reliability and attention to detail…

New National Ranking Affirms Michigan’s Workforce Advantage

Michigan Ranks Top 5 Nationally for Workforce—Driven by Talent, Training, and Local Partnerships [LANSING, Mich.—Jan. 13, 2026] A new national ranking reinforces what employers across the state already know: Michigan has all the right components for workforce success. Site Selection Magazine’s newly released Workforce Development rankings place Michigan fourth in the nation—ahead of California, Texas, and Florida—and second in the East North Central region. The Michigan Works! Association said the ranking reflects years of strategic…

November 2025 Shining Star: April Hamilton

Michigan Works! Southwest is proud to announce April Hamilton as our Shining Star for November 2025! Each month, the Shining Star Award honors a team member who wholeheartedly embodies the values and mission of Michigan Works! Southwest. Selected through peer nominations, this recognition shines a spotlight on individuals who consistently go above and beyond, creating a meaningful impact for both those they serve and our internal team. April’s peers recognized her for the many ways…

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.