Summer Work Experience Leads to Employment for Local Youth
When Jacey Darrow signed up for the Ascend Youth Summer Work Experience (WEX) program through West Michigan Works!, she hoped to build confidence and gain real-world experience. Six weeks …
Youth Career Development Team Members Earn National and Statewide Recognition
Seven team members from Ascend, West Michigan Works!’ youth career development program, were recognized for their outstanding contributions to the Jobs for Michigan’s Graduates (JMG) program during the 2025 …
One Employee’s Journey Reflects the Power of the Retention Solutions Network
In a job market where talent is hard to find—and keep—employers are realizing that retaining employees requires more than a paycheck. It takes a deeper investment in the whole person. …
Applications Now Open for Paid Pathway into Healthcare Field
West Michigan Works! announced that its Medical Assistant Registered Apprenticeship Program (MARAP) is open, with submissions accepted through September 8, 2025. Now entering its 10th year, MARAP offers a year-long, …
New Agribusiness Scholarship Launched to Support Students, Build Future Workforce
A new scholarship program from the West Michigan Works! Agribusiness Talent Council has awarded its first three recipients. Logan Anderson of Sparta, Brandon Barker of Holland, and Keira VanderKolk of …
Collaborative Training Approach Helps West Michigan Employers Close Workforce Gaps
A group of West Michigan nonprofits has received $73,860 in state workforce training funds through the Going PRO Talent Fund’s Employer-Led Collaborative (ELC) award. The SOURCE, in partnership with Kent …
49 employers awarded $4.1 million in state training funds to upskill workers
Forty-nine employers across West Michigan have been awarded a combined total of $4.1 million through Cycle 2 of the Michigan Going PRO Talent Fund. Cycle 2 funding for the fiscal …
Providing opportunities pays off for West Michigan employers and youth
West Michigan Works! received 283 applications for its 2025 Summer Work Experience Program, just 15 applicants shy of last year. This continued demand reflects strong interest from youth across West …
Tech Trends expands in 20th year with new featured speaker
More than 150 business leaders, educators and tech professionals will gather on June 4 at the West Michigan Center for Arts + Technology for the 20th annual Tech Trends, hosted …
Scholarships awarded to future manufacturing leaders
As demand for advanced manufacturing talent continues to grow, Discover Manufacturing, an industry talent council of West Michigan Works!, awarded $11,500 in scholarships to 10 individuals preparing for or advancing …
