News and Success Stories

Many people had to make adjustments during the pandemic. Jobs changed, personal lives changed, and even basic daily routines changed.

Now imagine adding to the chaos by not only moving, but moving to a different continent and a whole new culture.

Job seekers and students now have access to a new career exploration resource, Pure Michigan Talent Connect’s Career Explorer. Individuals can access the tool on their own, or Michigan Works! Southwest Career Coaches are taking appointments to guide people through the career exploration feature.

Lanyea’s story is a pretty great example of what someone can do when they really put their mind and effort into it.

Michigan Works! Southwest announced earlier this week it is opening enrollment in three free job skill training programs. The programs are part of The Future of Work Grand Challenge, a $6 million national initiative designed to put more than 25,000 individuals impacted by COVID-19.

BRANCH COUNTY, MICH. – Michigan Works! Southwest is hosting a virtual Employers of the Day direct hiring event on April 1 from 1-5 p.m. featuring five major Brach County employers related to the Manufacturing and Production industry.

“It’s almost indescribable,” Lynn said. “It’s honestly quite surreal. Being somewhere where you are appreciated and respected both at work and at home is something I never thought I’d have.”

Sometimes, being in the right place at the right time is just as important as the effort you put into something. In the case of Matthew’s recent

The Workforce Development Board for Michigan Works! Southwest announces the award of Going PRO Talent Fund grants totaling $2,736,131.  The Going PRO Talent Fund creates and expands collaboration between Michigan Works! Agencies, economic development organizations, and educational agencies, by funding demand-driven technical training across a variety of industries.

2020 was fraught with challenges, but it also provided opportunities to collaborate creatively with business partners. The COVID-19 pandemic presented additional layers of difficulties not only for the Southwest Michigan workforce but for those of us who work to support employers and employees.

Jacqueline Wells quickly found out she could no longer perform the required tasks of her housekeeping job after experiencing a workplace injury. Then the COVID-19 pandemic hit, and hiring stopped.

The FAE&T program helps individuals connect with employment and training activities — job search, job search training, workfare, work readiness, basic literacy and vocational training — that will improve their ability to obtain and retain regular employment and increase self-sufficiency.

Alexis Flanders has the kind of future-focused motivation the world needs right now. Having worked as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) since 2017, Flanders never had difficulty finding work – until the COVID-19 pandemic.