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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

Brian Poynter Named May’s Shining Star by Michigan Works! Southwest

Michigan Works! Southwest is proud to recognize Brian Poynter as the May 2025 recipient of the Shining Star Award! The Shining Star Award honors team members who go above and beyond in service to our mission, exemplifying excellence in workforce development. Brian, a Quality Assurance Monitor, was nominated by his peers for his unwavering dedication, deep policy knowledge, and steady support for staff in both St. Joseph and Kalamazoo Counties. Known as the “go-to” person…

Kathy Olsen Honored as April’s Shining Star

Michigan Works! Southwest is proud to recognize Kathy Olsen as the recipient of the April Shining Star Award, a monthly honor celebrating team members who exemplify the organization’s mission through dedication, leadership, and outstanding service. Widely regarded as a steady and inspiring presence across the organization, Kathy’s career spans decades of service to the workforce development field. Her work has left a lasting impact not only on her colleagues but also on the community partners…

March 2025 Shining Star Spotlight: Kaela Wunderlich

March 2025 Shining Star Spotlight: Kaela At Michigan Works! Southwest, we take pride in recognizing team members who go above and beyond to live out our mission and make a real difference in the lives of those we serve. We’re thrilled to shine the spotlight on someone who exemplifies compassion, dedication, and true team spirit — congratulations to Kaela, our March 2025 Shining Star! Kaela’s peers nominated her for this well-deserved recognition, highlighting the incredible…

Ariel and Evergreen, Michigan Works! Southwest – A story of resilience and meaningful change

Watch Ariel’s Story   Read Ariel’s Story Ariel Martinez Ochoa moved to the United States from Cuba in pursuit of an improved quality of life and better career opportunities. Although he had a passion for the healthcare field, while in Cuba, he was not allowed to pursue the further education necessary because he was over the age of 25. After arriving in the United States, Ariel obtained employment as a production associate in the manufacturing…

Brian Poynter Named May’s Shining Star by Michigan Works! Southwest

Michigan Works! Southwest is proud to recognize Brian Poynter as the May 2025 recipient of the Shining Star Award! The Shining Star Award honors team members who go above and beyond in service to our mission, exemplifying excellence in workforce development. Brian, a Quality Assurance Monitor, was nominated by his peers for his unwavering dedication, deep policy knowledge, and steady support for staff in both St. Joseph and Kalamazoo Counties. Known as the “go-to” person…

Kathy Olsen Honored as April’s Shining Star

Michigan Works! Southwest is proud to recognize Kathy Olsen as the recipient of the April Shining Star Award, a monthly honor celebrating team members who exemplify the organization’s mission through dedication, leadership, and outstanding service. Widely regarded as a steady and inspiring presence across the organization, Kathy’s career spans decades of service to the workforce development field. Her work has left a lasting impact not only on her colleagues but also on the community partners…

March 2025 Shining Star Spotlight: Kaela Wunderlich

March 2025 Shining Star Spotlight: Kaela At Michigan Works! Southwest, we take pride in recognizing team members who go above and beyond to live out our mission and make a real difference in the lives of those we serve. We’re thrilled to shine the spotlight on someone who exemplifies compassion, dedication, and true team spirit — congratulations to Kaela, our March 2025 Shining Star! Kaela’s peers nominated her for this well-deserved recognition, highlighting the incredible…

Ariel and Evergreen, Michigan Works! Southwest – A story of resilience and meaningful change

Watch Ariel’s Story   Read Ariel’s Story Ariel Martinez Ochoa moved to the United States from Cuba in pursuit of an improved quality of life and better career opportunities. Although he had a passion for the healthcare field, while in Cuba, he was not allowed to pursue the further education necessary because he was over the age of 25. After arriving in the United States, Ariel obtained employment as a production associate in the manufacturing…

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.