News and Success Stories

Students from the Michigan Works! Southwest Jobs for Michigan’s Graduates (JMG) program were recognized for their outstanding leadership and commitment during Youth Solutions’ statewide Career Development Conference (CDC) held April 30 at Saginaw Valley State University. The annual conference brings together young people from across Michigan to showcase the career readiness and workforce development skills…

Michigan Works! Southwest is proud to recognize Angie O’Bryant as the April 2026 Shining Star Award recipient for her exceptional dedication, compassion, and commitment to serving customers and the community. Throughout April, Angie demonstrated truly outstanding performance in Talent Solutions by consistently providing excellent customer service while maintaining high expectations and meeting customers where they…

When Natalia Diaz-Andrade enrolled in the Michigan Works! Southwest Young Professionals (YP) program in March 2025, she was a student at Lakeview High School with big questions about her future. Living in a low-income household with limited exposure to career opportunities, Natalia was eager to gain work experience but unsure where to begin. With guidance…

Michigan Works! Southwest is proud to recognize Hannah Klein as the March 2026 Shining Star Award recipient for her outstanding dedication, adaptability, and commitment to serving customers. Hannah consistently goes above and beyond, always stepping up when needed to support both her team and the individuals we serve. One of her most impactful contributions has…

Each year, Michigan Works! Agencies recognize individuals and employers whose partnership demonstrates the power of workforce development to transform lives and strengthen communities. This year, Essence and Bronson Healthcare have been selected as the 2026 Michigan Works! Impact Award recipients for the Michigan Works! Southwest service area. The Impact Awards are a statewide celebration recognizing…

Cosma Casting Michigan, a division of Dieomatic Incorporated and part of Magna International, plays an important role in the Battle Creek manufacturing community. As a global mobility technology company and one of the world’s largest automotive suppliers, Magna develops innovative solutions across the entire vehicle. For more than 11 years, Cosma Casting Michigan has been…

Post Consumer Brands in Battle Creek, Michigan, continues to invest in the future of its workforce through its Skilled Trades Apprenticeship program. With support from the Michigan Statewide Targeted Apprenticeship Inclusive and Readiness Program (MiSTAIRS), Post received a $9,600 reimbursement that helped provide on-the-job training for Pipefitter Apprentices. This partnership with Michigan Works! Southwest and…

At DENSO Manufacturing, investing in people is a key part of preparing for the future of the automotive industry. As a global leader in advanced automotive technology, DENSO continues to develop innovative products and manufacturing processes that support the evolving mobility landscape, including autonomous and electrified vehicles. To ensure the company remains at the forefront…

Rosler Metal Finishing USA continues to invest in the future of its workforce by expanding opportunities for employees through a Registered Apprenticeship program. With support from the State Apprenticeship Expansion 2020 (SAE) Youth Apprenticeship Readiness Grant (YARG), Rosler has been able to strengthen its talent pipeline while preparing employees for long-term careers in manufacturing. At…

Ripple Effects Autism Learning Center is dedicated to providing high-quality, evidence-based applied behavior analysis (ABA) services for preschool-aged children with autism. As demand for these services grew, the organization recognized the need to better prepare behavior technicians for the complex and rewarding work they do every day. To strengthen its workforce and ensure staff were…

Michigan Works! Southwest is proud to recognize Mya Schulz, WIOA Youth Career Coach, as the February 2026 Shining Star Award recipient for her outstanding dedication to supporting and empowering young people. Mya is truly a ray of sunshine within the organization, bringing positivity, encouragement, and compassion to everyone she works with. Her commitment to helping…

Armstrong International makes steam, hot water, and humidification products that are distributed globally. In the past year the company has begun a new endeavor of diving into heat pumps. Not only does Armstrong International build these products from start to finish, but they also provide service to customers who have their products. Armstrong strives to…