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 …
Disability resource fair supports businesses with talent attraction and retention needs
The Disability Awareness Resource Team of West Michigan (DART) hosted a disability resource fair on Tuesday, June 27 at the West Michigan Works Grand Rapids NW Service Center. Attendees …
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 …
Jessica Geary Overcomes Employment Barriers
Local partnerships were key to Jessica Geary’s success. Jessica began working with West Michigan Works! career coach Julie Sooy in the Allegan Service Center in August 2022. Jessica had many …
State Leaders Honor Afghani Refugee, Workforce Development Agency and Local Sewing Company in the 2023 Impact Awards
The talent development and employment successes of West Michigan Works! received recognition at the annual Michigan Works! Association Impact Awards. The 2023 Impact Awards ceremony was held at the Radisson …
Employment Hardships and Success for Rachel VanZoest
Securing an education and a career does not always result in long-term success. For Rachel VanZoest, a graduate of Cleary University, facing this hard truth started at the beginning of …
WMW! Career Coach and Talent Development Specialist partnership inspires job seeker
Julie Tarbunas had spent the past few years working outside of the field she earned her degree in and questioning . Burnt out at her unfulfilling job, and afraid of …
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 …
Workforce Training Funds
Build a Skilled Workforce With Training Funds Low unemployment levels mean today’s job-seeker pool is at historically low levels. Yet, employers still have jobs they need to fill. West Michigan …
