Achieving Dreams Thanks to the WIOA Youth Program
Shanti always knew she wanted to be a CNA when she grew up. As a child she often went to work with her mother, who was a CNA, to play …
Overcoming a justice-involved history thanks to WIOA
Richard is driven to provide for his family. In early 2022 he was struggling to support them while working as a warehouse associate making $17.50 an hour. A decade prior …
Wagner-Peyser Department of Labor (DOL) Proposed Rule Update
In March 2023, West Michigan Works! CEO Jacob Maas testified in front of the House Ways and Means Commitee on the proposed Wagner-Peyser Act Staffing rule from the U.S. Employment …
2023 Going PRO Talent Fund Awards top $17 Million throughout West Michigan
The Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity announced the award of $47 million in statewide funding for the Going PRO Talent Fund (GPTF) for fiscal year 2023. West Michigan …
Training creates a highly-skilled workforce and gives workers skills for life
Training programs funded by the Going PRO Talent Fund must lead to a credential for a skill that is transferable and recognized by the industry. This creates a highly-skilled workforce …
Workplace Training Can Move You from a Job to a Career
Technology continues to advance in workplaces across all industries. Companies must continuously upskill their staff in order to keep pace. The Going PRO Talent Fund (GPTF) has played a substantial …
How the Going PRO Talent Fund Helps Local Companies Compete and Win
The success stories highlighting how the Going PRO Talent Fund (GPTF) has impacted a company are as diverse as the companies they represent. The stories include a range of challenges: …
From the CEO: Support Workforce Training
As it stands now, Michigan’s 2020 budget does not include funding for the Going PRO Talent Fund. The fund has provided critical support for employers who are in the midst …
Expanding operations in West Michigan? Let us help you with your talent needs!
As the region’s workforce development agency, West Michigan Works! is dedicated to creating a diverse and qualified workforce. We do this by providing services that help companies recruit and retain …
5 things you need to know about Going Pro Talent Fund 2020
The Going PRO Talent Fund awards grants to employers to assist in training, developing and retaining current and newly hired employees. The competitive application process opens September 12, 2019. These …