Letter from our CEO
Dear Friends and Partners,
This fall marks a special milestone—the 10th anniversary of West Michigan Works!. Over the past decade, our organization has grown, adapted and persevered through challenges to deliver on our mission.
When we look back on the past 10 years, the numbers tell a powerful story.
- 533,931 job seekers connected to career services
- 10,127 businesses supported with hiring and training solutions
- 956 registered apprentices across high-demand industries
- 62 Registered Apprenticeship Program occupations developed
- $113 million secured for employer workforce training through Going Pro Talent Fund
These outcomes tell a story of resilience, growth and impact. They also highlight what makes this work possible: you. The businesses, educators and organizations we partner with make this success real every day.
As we celebrate our 10th anniversary, I want to extend my deepest gratitude to everyone who has joined us on this journey. You have helped us build a stronger workforce and a stronger community.
Looking ahead, our mission remains clear: to continue innovating, collaborating and delivering opportunities that lift individuals, strengthen businesses and power our economy for the next decade and beyond.
Together, we will keep West Michigan moving forward.
Thank you,
Jacob Maas
Chief Executive Officer, West Michigan Works!
West Michigan Works! has transformed workforce development in our region, expanding programs, apprenticeships and funding while delivering tangible outcomes for job seekers and businesses.
A decade of creating opportunities that empower people, strengthen businesses, and drive our economy forward
Solutions Driven
West Michigan Works! has strategically expanded its program offerings and funding capacity to meet West Michigan’s evolving workforce needs. Grant-funded initiatives increased from 54 in 2015 to 83 in 2025, and the number of workforce programs grew from 29 in 2015 to 55 in 2025. This growth has enabled us to serve more people, launch new initiatives and sustain long-term economic impact.
Empowering Job Seekers
Over the past 10 years, West Michigan Works! has helped 533,931 individuals take the next step in their careers. From one-on-one guidance to 13,501 occupational training completions and credentials earned, to job placement, our services have opened doors to new opportunities. Those who found employment are spending their wages locally, driving economic mobility and strengthening communities across the region.
Supporting Businesses
Businesses across the region trust West Michigan Works! as their partner in talent development. Over the past decade, 10,127 businesses across high-demand industries have relied on us to fill 94,456 jobs, navigate workforce challenges, and grow stronger teams.
- Through just the Going PRO Talent Fund alone, West Michigan Works! has secured $113 million for employer workforce training since 2015.
- Our six Industry Talent Councils bring businesses, community partners, educators, and economic developers together to build a workforce pipeline for the future. A decade of results include 83 hands-on career exploration projects for students.
Since 2015, our Registered Apprenticeship Programs (RAP) created career pathways for 956 job seekers while helping 178 businesses build skilled talent. We led the expansion of access to these earn-and-learn opportunities across high-demand industries and we now hold 62 U.S. Department of Labor RAP occupations.
Timeline
2013
Governor Rick Snyder asked for the regionalization of workforce development efforts
2015
Completed merger; launched MiCareerQuest, West Michigan Health Careers Council, Discover Manufacturing, and West Michigan Tech Talent councils launched; debuted the nation’s first Medical Assistant Registered Apprenticeship Program; opened Fennville Service Center; appointed Workforce Development Board members; hosted first all-staff event with 158 team members
2016
Expanded MiCareerQuest regionally; introduced on-site CNA cohorts; opened Ionia Service Center; initiated Board strategic planning
2017
Opened Hastings Service Center; transitioned Community Action Agency to Kent County
2018
Launched HireReach, and the Food Processing Talent Council
2019
Introduced RISE Up launched in partnership with the Source and Trinity Health, WorkReady, and the Agribusiness Talent Council; received National Association of Workforce Boards Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act Trailblazer Award
2020
Established Retention Solutions Network; shifted to virtual services and UIA support in response to the COVID-19 pandemic
2021
Formed the Construction Careers Council; launched the nation’s first Neurodiagnostic Technologist Registered Apprenticeship Program; expanded Rockford (North Kent) Service Center; launched Strategic Workforce Solutions
2022
Began Development & Innovation department; introduced the first Surgical Technologist Registered Apprenticeship Program in the U.S.; opened new Ionia and Holland Service Centers; received Excellence in Partnership and Collaboration Award from the National Association of Workforce Boards and Registered Apprenticeship Best Practice Award from the National Association of Workforce Development Professionals
2023
Launched Elevate program; Wagner-Peyser Act Staffing Final Rule
2024
Rolled out OASIS, a SharePoint-based intranet; started first Anesthesia Technician RAP in the nation
2025
Launched Explore Hospitality council; hosted 10th all-staff event with 214 team members
Building the Future Together
Thank you to the partners, businesses, educators and team members who have made the last 10 years possible. Your support, collaboration, and commitment have helped shape a stronger workforce and a more vibrant West Michigan.
West Michigan Works! 10-Year Anniversary Celebration Sponsors
Catalyst
Advocate
Connector
Supporter
Literacy Center of West Michigan
Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce
