West Michigan Post

Health care is one of the fastest growing industries in Michigan. Health care support occupations, such as medical assistants, top the list of fastest-growing occupational groups through 2022 – over twice the rate for total jobs overall. More than 450 open medical assistant positions will need to be filled in […]

Are you ready to attend some hiring events? All the the jobs below are open at next week's hiring events. We've linked to resources that will help you research potential jobs. Entry Level Marketing at Renewal by Andersen Hiring event: Thursday, April 25 from 10am-12:30pm at 121 Franklin St SE, [...]

Need to file for unemployment? Looking for a new career? Interested in job-training opportunities? West Michigan Works! can support you throughout the process of searching for, applying for and getting a job. Ready to visit? Here are some recommendations to make the most of your trip! Bring personal identification. Bring […]

Are you ready to attend some hiring events? All the the jobs below are open at next week's hiring events. We've linked to resources that will help you research potential jobs. Home Health Aide at Alliance Home Health Care Services Hiring event: Tuesday, April 2 from 10am-2pm at 3255 122nd [...]

Hannah Wyman joined our Job’s for Michigan’s Graduates (JMG) chapter in December 2017 and already has seen success. She’s her way to accomplishing her goal of earning a GED within six months. Hannah has overcome a lot since entering the program. As a result, her confidence has soared and her enthusiasm […]

Rachel Murphy was bullied in high school and dropped out. With no work history, she lacked the motivation and self-esteem to pursue her education/career goals. But with the support of the Jobs for Michigan’s Graduates (JMG) program, Rachel is on the path to reach the goals she set for herself. A […]

Gina Mancha was displaced from a long career in automotive manufacturing and needed to find a new career. As a dislocated worker, Gina was eligible for services through Michigan Works!. With guidance from a career coach, she completed a career portfolio—a collection of documents that highlights experience, skills and accomplishments—and […]

Are you ready to attend some hiring events? All the the jobs below are open at next week's hiring events. We've linked to resources that will help you research potential jobs. On-Call Security Officer at DK Security Hiring event: Wednesday, March 27 from 9:30am-1pm at 3255 122nd Ave, Allegan. Hiring [...]

Hay más de 43,000 Hispanohablantes que viven en el condado de Kent, de acuerdo con la 2013-2017 Encuesta de la Comunidad Americana. Para cuidar mejor los residentes de la zona, West Michigan Works! recientemente lanzó un sitio web en español:  es.westmiworks.org. Hispanohablantes pueden encontrar en su idioma primario cómo comenzar [...]

Are you ready to attend some hiring events? All the the jobs below are open at next week's hiring events. We've linked to resources that will help you research potential jobs. Uniformed Security Officers at Allied Universal Hiring event: Monday, March 18 from 10am-2pm at 121 Franklin St Se, Grand [...]

Each year during Women in Construction Week, local chapters of the NAWIC (National Association of Women in Construction) hold events honoring the role of women in the industry. Chapter #194 in Grand Rapids serves the West Michigan region and hosted the Women in Construction Luncheon on Wednesday, March 6, 2019. […]

Are you ready to attend some hiring events? All the the jobs below are open at next week's hiring events. We've linked to resources that will help you research potential jobs. Direct Support Professional at Turning Leaf Behavioral Health Services Hiring event: Wednesday, March 13 from 10am-2pm at 3255 122nd [...]

FACT: In 2016 women made up only 9.1% of the construction workforce in the U.S. FACT: Construction jobs are expected to grow between 11% and 32% over the next five years in West Michigan. FACT: The gender pay gap is much narrower in construction. In the U.S. women in all […]

February is Career and Technical Education Month, a national campaign to increase awareness and celebrate the value of programs that prepare students for the world of work. This is the sixth in a series of stories focusing on CTE in West Michigan. Why Career & Technical Education (CTE)? A CTE [...]

We recently asked Beth, one of our talent development instructors, for some insider information on our free workshops. Beth has been teaching workshops for seven years and one of her favorite workshops to teach is Cover Letter Writing. This is what she told us about the workshop: What is Cover […]

February is Career and Technical Education Month, a national campaign to increase awareness and celebrate the value of programs that prepare students for the world of work. This is the fifth in a series of stories focusing on CTE in West Michigan. Nearly 2,000 Kent County high school juniors and […]

February is Career and Technical Education Month, a national campaign to increase awareness and celebrate the value of programs that prepare students for the world of work. This is the third in a series of stories focusing on CTE in West Michigan. Allegan County According to the U.S. Department of […]

February is Career and Technical Education Month, a national campaign to increase awareness and celebrate the value of programs that prepare students for the world of work. This is the second of a series of stories focusing on CTE in West Michigan. Last year, almost 13,500 high school students in West […]

Did you know West Michigan Works! regularly hosts employer of the day events where job seekers can meet local employers face-to-face and learn about job opportunities at their company? We recently chatted with Tory, a business solutions representative at West Michigan Works!, to find out what job seekers can expect […]

This is the first in a series on career and technical education. Future posts will highlight CTE programs across West Michigan and how they’re helping students prepare for college and career. February is Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month, a national campaign to increase awareness and celebrate the value of […]

The average job search process takes over six weeks and can be longer depending on the industry and level of the position. If you’re unemployed, you need to make job search your full-time job to get the fastest results. West Michigan Works! provides free services to help you at every […]

Recently, LinkedIn analyzed hundreds of thousands of job postings to decide which skills companies need most in 2019. How does that list compare to what West Michigan employers need? We asked a couple of them their thoughts. The 5 most in-demand soft skills in 2019 soft skill: personal attributes, personality […]

The New Year is a great time to reset goals and create healthy habits. Have you made any resolutions yet? Here’s a list of popular goals and how they can help your job search: Exercise more Exercise releases endorphins which make you feel happier. Exercise will improve your sleep, reduce […]

Meet Karla and Bob. They both came to a West Michigan Works! service center after losing their jobs. They both started their job search with fear they wouldn’t get rehired because they’re older workers. After help from their career coaches, they both found jobs similar to their previous ones and […]

Are you unemployed? Do you want to break into a new field? Where do you start your job search? A successful job search starts with a strategy; a plan with defined tasks that will help you achieve your goal. Your first step: Take time to look at what motivates and […]

In 2018 West Michigan Works! (WMW) helped 44,890 job seekers, served 3,193 employers and filled 10,463 jobs. This work isn’t done in isolation; it’s accomplished through partnerships with employers, training providers, educators and community organizations. Each December, we look back over the year and recognizes a few of its key […]

There are many moving parts to a job search: research, networking, writing, applying, following up. The list goes on and on. It’s easy to get overwhelmed. Here are five easy, yet important tasks that are easily forgotten: Consider job search your job. Set a daily schedule. Wake up at the […]

It’s no secret the health care industry is growing quickly; there are more open positions than people to fill them. This is great news if you’re looking to jump into a career in health care. Some jobs in the industry require a lot of training: physician, nurse and surgeon. But, […]

On Monday, November 12, West Michigan Works! recognized seven area service workers with 2018 Beverly A. Drake Essential Service Awards for their integrity, commitment, and passion in their jobs. A program of West Michigan Works!, the Essential Service Awards honor non-managerial employees who provide critical services that often go unnoticed […]

Davidson Plyforms is the largest curved plywood manufacturer in North America. They make wood furniture pieces for customers like Haworth, Steelcase and Herman Miller. Their products are used daily around the world in offices, hospitals, schools and homes. There is no typical day at Davidson Plyforms because their jobs are […]

Muskegon Recovery Center is part of the Cherry Health system, which offers health services to individuals who have little or no access to health care. The Recovery Center provides medication assisted treatment, as well as group therapy and support services, for individuals addicted to opiates. MRC currently has a long […]

Do you want to earn some extra cash for the holidays?   Are you a college student looking for job over break?                                               . Would you like to get your foot in the door with a new employer?   Consider a seasonal job! Employers are hiring record numbers of seasonal […]

Meet Nate: Nate had no work experience and a disability that made getting a job difficult. Through the Youth Employment Services program, Nate got an apprenticeship with a local electrical company after graduating from high school, attended community college and is on his way to a career in electrical engineering. […]

Were you a member of the US Armed Forces? If so, you and your spouse may qualify for priority of service and other individualized employment services through West Michigan Works! Veterans possess many of the soft skills that employers are seeking. Effective communication, teamwork, dependability, responsibility, multitasking and the ability […]

You don’t always remember what they say, but you remember how they make you feel. The people we encounter throughout our day have the ability to improve our lives one interaction at a time. In their various roles in service industry jobs Jen, Dave and Chris interact with many people […]

We recently sat down with Linden, a talent development instructor at West Michigan Works!, to talk about workshops for job seekers. Linden has been teaching workshops for five years and his favorite workshop to teach is Job Search Techniques. Here’s what we learned about what makes this workshop his favorite. […]

Apprenticeships have long played a major role in training America’s skilled workers, combining classroom learning, on-the-job training and wages that increase as skills are learned. Apprentices not only get paid while learning the skills for a high-demand job, they earn a nationally recognized industry certification. With all these benefits, it’s […]

Five women put on red caps and gowns, sharing smiles and stories about the past 18 weeks they experienced together. They are the first students to complete and graduate the Sterile Processing Registered Apprenticeship program: Lelah Christiansen, Samantha Gonzales, Gina Mancha, Shanitra Reed and Melonie Rodriguez. Week-by-week they learned the [...]

Your first visit to a Michigan Works! service center might have been to register for work. Now that you’re registered for work and receiving unemployment benefits, it’s time to jump start your job search.  We can help! What else does West Michigan Works! do? Job search: West Michigan employers are […]

IT Apprenticeship is a win-win for local employer and employee Last year, Community West Credit Union realized they needed to add a Help Desk Specialist to their IT Team. At the same time, current marketing employee, Sandy, began studying computer science to transition into the IT field. Through grant funding [...]

It’s really easy to get discouraged or depressed during your job search. Here are five ways to keep your job search upbeat and successful. Connect with past co-workers. Let them know you are on the hunt. You’ll be surprised how many are willing to help. Volunteer. Use your free time […]

There are two steps to file for unemployment insurance: 1) apply for unemployment and 2) register to work.  Here’s an overview of how to apply for unemployment insurance. If you have specific questions, please contact the Unemployment Insurance Problem Resolution Office at 866-500-0017 or use the UIA phone in our […]

D’Angelo Green will graduate from Muskegon Heights High School Academy with a very bright future. But the outlook hasn’t always been so positive. A bleak future At the start of his senior year, D’Angelo lacked the essentials needed for graduation and success beyond high school: credits, motivation, maturity and basic [...]

There are two steps to filing for unemployment insurance. Your first step is to apply for unemployment insurance.  Your second step is to register for work. What you’ll need to register for work A photo ID Social security card Resume How to register for work Complete your Pure Michigan Talent […]

Have you seen our monthly series on Facebook, Ask a Career Coach? We’re traveling to our service centers to sit down with a career coach LIVE to give you a chance to ask job search-related questions. This month we visited the Holland Service Center. In this video, Mark talks about: […]

by Jane Kreha, Director of Marketing West Michigan Works! and its program partner, Michigan Career and Technical Institute (MCTI), graduated two classes of Certified Nurse Aids (CNAs) this May. In ceremonies in Muskegon and Grand Rapids, 13 individuals were pinned and are now ready to begin their health care careers. […]

Program matches young adults with manufacturing employers Wednesday, May 30 was “signing day” for six Allegan residents eager to begin careers in manufacturing.  The individuals, a mix of recent high school graduates and young adults seeking a career pathway, are participants in a pre-apprenticeship program through West Michigan Works!. The [...]

Are you a young adult in West Michigan? Are you working hard but feel like it's not getting you anywhere? We want to hear from you! Take our short survey and be entered to win one of two Beats Solo3 Wireless headphones (worth $300!). Take the Survey

Are you ready to get the skills to succeed in one of the fastest growing industries in our state? West Michigan construction companies need qualified talent, and that need is only expected to grow. It is estimated that the construction industry will need 9,000 new employees each year in Michigan. [...]

The West Michigan Medical Assistant Registered Apprenticeship Program (MARAP) combines classroom learning, simulation learning and work experience with a participating healthcare provider. As a student in this one-year program, you will: graduate with a Medical Assistant Certificate of Completion, a certificate of completion of apprenticeship from the US Department of [...]

Recco Filters makes wire mesh fuel, hydraulic and pneumatic filters for the aerospace, fluid power and other industries. They’ve received multiple customer awards for quality. Recco is currently hiring for several positions, so we chatted with their HR manager, Kimberly Stein, about these opportunities. What makes a great Recco employee? […]

On April 25, more than 9,500 students from 85 middle and high schools throughout Allegan, Barry, Ionia, Kent, Montcalm, Muskegon and Ottawa counties learned about future career opportunities at MiCareerQuest 2018. Student attendees participated in interactive exhibits and conversations with 117 area employers. “Most often career fairs don’t include civil […]

Anna Trujillo was referred to West Michigan Works! after returning to Michigan from California in August 2017. Anna was worried about finding employment; she didn’t have a credential, interview clothing, transportation funds or a Michigan driver’s license and registration. She needed a way to support herself and her three children. […]

Employers offer short phone interviews now more than ever before. These interviews help hiring managers decide which candidates to invite to a longer, in-person interview. More than half of what a person says is communicated through body language and non-verbal cues.  During a phone interview, the hiring manager can only […]

Passion meets culture is a message heard throughout Sunset Retirement Communities & Services. Staff make a difference in the lives of their residents through exceptional customer service and a heart for their mission. To hear what it's like to work at Sunset, meet Carol. Name: Carol Holwerda Position: Talent Acquisition [...]

Students and employers gathered at the Muskegon Career Tech Center for the Student Showcase, the last step of the Linked Muskegon program. Linked is an 18-week training course in machining, welding or health sciences open to people of all ages who are looking for a new career. In the crowd […]

       Fogg Filler is a family owned business in Holland, Michigan that designs and manufactures rotary filling systems. Their machines are used to fill containers for a growing number of industries throughout the world including dairy, water, food and beverage, and pharmaceutical. The company strives to combine skilled […]

Know before you go! Meet one of the employers attending the Holland Job Fair on Tuesday, March 13. Chick-fil-A in Holland is looking for team members. We sat down over coffee and egg white grill sandwiches to talk with their talent coordinator, Melissa Wayne, about opportunities for job seekers. Why [...]

Whether you’re employed and looking for a new job, thinking about a new career or applying for unemployment insurance, use these tips to make the most of your visit to a Michigan Works! service center. (See a list of all ten locations here.) 1. Bring your resume After checking in, […]

Editor’s Note: This is the final in a four-part series about how to answer common interview questions. See part 1, part 2 and part 3. The interview is a time for you to make yourself stand out from other candidates. Asking thoughtful questions during the interview can set you apart […]

Hiring, training and employment successes celebrated at annual Impact Awards State leadership and lawmakers came together this week to honor west Michigan leaders for their efforts to create jobs and develop talent in their communities. Legislators and talent development officials recognized Muskegon resident Michael Minton, Muskegon Area Intermediate School District, [...]

Editor’s Note: This is the third in a four-part series about how to answer common interview questions. Read part 1 and part 2. An interviewer may ask the following questions to get some insight into your motivations, attitudes and professional goals. Why are you looking to leave your current job? […]

Over the next three years, Christman Construction and its subcontractors will hire hundreds of individuals for the Mercy Health medical center construction project in Muskegon. A regional initiative is working with these employers and other community partners to recruit, hire, train, and retain talent from the urban core of Muskegon […]

After the interviewer asks you a couple questions to get to know you a little better (see our first article for tips), they might move to questions about why you are a good fit for the job. Here are a few common questions and strong answers to help you prepare […]

With steeled toe boots and a hair net, Chet Wiersma is ready for a 12-hour shift as a packaging operator at fairlife, a health food company with a milk production facility in Coopersville that produces and markets great tasting, nutrient-dense milk products. Here’s a typical day for Chet: 6 a.m. […]

Every day thousands of service workers perform tasks that make our days a little brighter, our businesses running smoother, our experiences more memorable. Nine such individuals were recognized with Essential Service Awards during a meeting of the Economic Club of Grand Rapids on Monday, February 5. The Beverly A. Drake […]

More than 1100 students participate in Hour of Code event West Michigan’s IT industry is one of the fastest growing in the nation with a growth rate +6.5% over the national average.  And the increasing use of technology in the workforce is creating a growing need for IT workers across […]

Editor’s Note: This is the first in a four-part series about how to answer common interview questions. The Interview: Answers to Common Questions You did it. You nailed your resume and cover letter. You networked with the right people and found great references. Now you have to prepare for the […]

Health care is a hot industry in West Michigan (See the hottest health care jobs in the 2018 Hot Jobs list!). There are more jobs than candidates, so employers are creating new ways to help people jump into a health care career quickly. You can start a health care career […]

Employees at Alliance Home Health Care Services don’t just get a paycheck – they change peoples’ lives. Individuals who work here become part of clients’ lives, often assisting them through physically or emotionally tough times. Home Health Aides visit clients to help with personal care, meals and light housework. The […]

Publication Provides Snapshot of Region’s Workforce Needs West Michigan Works! released this week its 2018 Hot Jobs list. The list contains the 100 top jobs in the region’s high-growth industries. For the seven-county West Michigan region, the highest demand is concentrated in health sciences and manufacturing. High-demand occupations are defined […]

When you walk by the Grab-n-Go at Muskegon Community College, there will probably be a group of students hanging around. Not because they have the best pizza in the town, but because of the woman who runs the café. Over the last three years, Yolanda “Pretty” Marble has cultivated community […]

Collaboration key to solving the region's workforce challenges The 2017 fiscal year found West Michigan Works! continuing to grow, change and improve as a regional entity.  A focus on cost-cutting and innovative approaches to programmatic services led to direct service delivery for Allegan, Barry, Ionia, and Montcalm counties. This, plus [...]

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO! Meet one of the recruiters attending Paragon D&E's hiring event on Thursday, December 14.   Name: Britteny Willis Position: HR Representative Company: Paragon D&E When you meet a job seeker at a hiring event, what questions do you want them to ask you? Here are some of [...]

Know before you go. Get to know one of the employers attending the Second Chance Job Fair. Meet Ramona Saftuic. She’s a Human Resources Generalist at Rapid-Line. Why is Rapid-Line conviction-friendly? We are here for more than making money. We want to engage the community and provide equal opportunity employment to […]

During times of low unemployment, there is a critical need to upskill the current workforce to meet the growing talent needs of employers. Skilled Trade Training Fund grants address the skills gap by funding training opportunities for the current workforce. The grants create a win-win situation – when employers invest […]

Hastings manufacturer, Flexfab, leveraged workforce training funds to help cover the cost of long-time employee Kevin Trahan’s certification in Managing Industrial Networks for Manufacturing. Tapping into available training funds “helps us educate our workforce, giving our employees and Flexfab the best possible chance to succeed,” said Kerry Boulter, HR Training […]

If you or someone you know is in West Michigan for the Thanksgiving holiday, you won’t want to miss ReThink West Michigan. On November 22nd, 2017 companies and non-profit organizations with open positions are coming together to convince you to live and work in West Michigan. Events will be held […]

The Michigan Construction Foundation (MCF) recently released Michigan’s Construction Industry: By the Numbers that reports on Michigan construction industry labor data. “We are focused on finding more workers for construction employers,” says Brindley Byrd, Executive Director of the Michigan Construction Foundation (MCF), “and because of that, we looked at available data on […]

The Medical Assistant Registered Apprenticeship Program in West Michigan is helping health care providers fill a critical shortage of talent and has been saluted as national Promising Practice by the U.S. Department of Labor. The department listed Michigan along with programs in Wisconsin and Idaho as states with apprenticeship programs that […]

Service centers will offer workshops, resource fairs and hiring events with veteran focus During the week of Nov. 6, West Michigan Works! service centers will honor those who served in the military by offering job search services and events with a focus on veterans. “We serve veterans every day, but […]

Secretary of Labor R. Alexander Acosta, Michigan Governor Rick Snyder and Michigan Talent and Economic Development Director Roger Curtis were in Grand Rapids on Monday to learn more about the success of a health care apprenticeship program in West Michigan. The Medical Assistant Registered Apprenticeship Program (MARAP) was created in […]

On Tuesday, July 11, 2017, West Michigan Works!, in partnership with Muskegon Community College (MCC), unveiled their new certified nurse assistant (CNA) learning lab. The lab features medical equipment, human manikins and a smart board for students in the CNA program at MCC. The lab in Muskegon is the third […]

On July 3, the West Michigan Works! Service Center in Barry County opened its doors in a new location. The opening was formally recognized at an open house and ribbon cutting ceremony on July 12. Attendees included Mayor Tossava, Barry County Commissioner Ben Geiger, Barry County Chamber president and board […]

West Michigan Works! has partnered with the Michigan Career and Technical Institute (MCTI) to help fill talent gaps in health care and provide new opportunities for job seekers who experience barriers to employment. A 13-week long CNA course provides no-cost training to those wanting to enter the field or needing […]

Dee-Tails was the perfect spot for jobseeker, Alahna. She loves dogs and Dee-Tails is a full time, cage-free dog daycare, grooming and boarding business. They have a large outside fenced in play yard and an inside playroom as well. Both were designed specifically for the safety and comfort of the […]

Milacron LLC, a manufacturer of plastic injection molding equipment, will be consolidating locations this summer. The decision will result in a $5 million investment in its Greenville facility and the addition of up to 70 new jobs. A collaboration between regional partners, including Montcalm Community College, Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center […]

West Michigan Works! is proud to announce the location of a new affiliate site in Rockford. North Kent Community Services (NKCS), located at 10075 Northland Dr NE, is the largest food pantry and resource center in Northern Kent County. Michigan Works! staff will now be available at NKCS on Mondays and […]

West Michigan Works! has announced the promotion of Allise Wilkerson to Manager of its service center in Ottawa County. Wilkerson has been with Michigan Works! since 2010 and brings a wealth of program and managerial experience to her new position.  She began her career working with job seekers in the […]

The Westside Service Center now opens its doors to job seekers, employers and nursing manikins. A cohort of 11 adults are enrolled in a 13-week certified nursing assistant (CNA) course at the service center and will hopefully walk out with a new job. Unlike some of the other students, one […]

West Michigan Works! recently announced the release of its “2017 Hot Jobs List,” which contains 100 high-demand careers in the region’s top growing industries: construction, manufacturing, information technology, health sciences, agriculture and professional and administrative services. The Hot Jobs Lists provides a regional look at in-demand occupations; those with significant […]

  On Monday, February 20th at the meeting of the Economic Club of Grand Rapids, 10 West Michigan residents were recognized for going above and beyond in their jobs. The Essential Service Awards has recognized the outstanding work of front-line service providers for nine years. “We often overlook the significant […]

Career Exploration Event Introduces Youth to In-Demand Careers   “The exhibits were like real life job experiences,” said a middle school student. “I thought we were just going to listen to a whole bunch of speakers, but I like how you guys changed it up!” On Thursday, April 13, 2017, […]