Manistee's Stacie Bytwork named Michigan Works! Association board 2nd vice chair

Stacie Bytwork, president and CEO of the Manistee Area Chamber of Commerce, was recently named second vice chair of the Michigan Works! Association Board of Directors.

Michigan Works! Association Announces New Board of Directors Member and Makes New Leadership Appointment

The Michigan Works! Association, the state’s primary workforce development association, today announced a new board member and a new second vice chairperson who will each help support the nonprofit’s work to continue to move the needle on policy, education and collaboration on vital workforce development issues.

Amanda Smith, executive vice president of the Michigan Restaurant and Lodging Association (MRLA), joined the Michigan Works! Association board as a member-at-large.

In addition to serving as the executive vice president of MRLA, Smith also serves as the executive director of the MRLA Educational Foundation and the Hospitality Training Institute of Michigan. Working closely with local public health officials, the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, and the Michigan Liquor Control Commission, Smith directs the education programs for the MRLA. As the executive director of the Educational Foundation, Smith has grown revenues by more than 160 percent. She has expanded product offerings, including the 2020 launch of the Michigan Hospitality Industry Employee Relief Fund. Smith has successfully secured and managed many grant awards and state appropriations. Under her leadership, the Hospitality Training Institute of Michigan (HTIM) was launched in 2021. HTIM provides advancement opportunities for incumbent hospitality workers and is licensed as a proprietary school by the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity.

“As the future of workforce development continues to evolve, the Michigan Works! Association, its members, and its board recognize the need to adapt by ensuring the Association has the most inclusive representation possible,” said John Kaczynski, chair of the Michigan Works! Association Board of Directors. “I am excited to add Amanda to the Association’s board. Her background and expertise in the hospitality industry is extremely valuable to the Board’s dedication to creating opportunity and career pathways for all, supporting the growth of business and industry, and creating innovative, responsive, and successful Michigan Works! network to build the workforce of tomorrow.”

Additionally, current board member Stacie Bytwork, President and CEO of the Manistee Area Chamber of Commerce, was elected to fill the board’s second vice chairperson leadership post that was recently vacated. 

For over seven years, Bytwork has led the Chamber through dynamic and visionary growth and has delivered programming on the needs of Manistee area businesses and the surrounding community. Her most recent accomplishment was the addition of an Economic Development arm to the Chamber to better serve the needs of Manistee County. She also initiated a county-wide leadership program that develops young professionals to be community leaders and assist with workforce retention goals.

“It is an honor to work with Amanda and Stacie to continue creating innovative workforce solutions for Michigan’s businesses and residents,” said Ryan Hundt, CEO of the Michigan Works! Association.  “These talented leaders will have a positive impact on the way we do business in the future by helping the Association continue as a national leader in advocacy, leadership, training, communication, and collaboration.”

More information about the members of the Michigan Works! Association Board of Directors can be found on the Association’s website.

Erasing thousands more criminal records could boost Michigan’s economy

Michigan Works, the state’s workforce development association, has helped provide expungement services to 20,000 people since Clean Slate went into effect. Chief Executive Officer Ryan Hundt views expungement as backing Michigan’s workforce, especially as employers scramble to find labor.

“It’s significant investment in ensuring that Michigan’s workforce has the ability to find sustainable employment and also helping our companies be able to look beyond some of these barriers that have been in existence for quite some time,” he said.

Restaurant workers find greener pastures in coding, hairstyling and auto manufacturing

What started as The Great Resignation soon became The Great Realization. Then, The Great Reshuffle. The Great Renegotiation. The Great Upgrade. The Great Rethink.

The terms coined to explain the mass exodus of workers who quit their jobs amid the COVID-19 pandemic are aplenty, but the sentiments are the same: American workers are retooling their career standards.

April is Internship Awareness Month

An internship is a good place for students to hone their knowledge base and increase their skillset.

It allows students to apply what they have learned in the classroom to real-life situations which solidified their knowledge and improves performance and accuracy in work tasks.

West Michigan Talent Development Successes Honored by State Leaders, Workforce Experts

West Michigan Talent Development Successes Honored by State Leaders, Workforce Experts  

Lawmakers Celebrate Local Talent, Career Development Efforts in West Michigan 

LANSING, MI (March 24, 2022)— West Michigan talent development and employment successes were among those celebrated by state leaders at the Michigan Works! Association Impact Awards this week. 

Local lawmakers and statewide talent development officials gathered virtually and in-person on Thursday, March 24, to recognize the City of Grand Rapids, W.K. Kellogg Foundation, Doug & Maria DeVos Foundation, as well as West Michigan Works! for implementing a new hiring system that provides equal access to opportunity in employment, while reducing barriers often found in the hiring process.  

The City of Grand Rapids was in search of a new hiring system that would provide equal access to opportunity in employment, while reducing barriers that are often typical in a hiring process. With a strong commitment to fairness and diversity in selection, the city joined HireReach.     

Many organizations face challenges transitioning to a competency-based hiring approach and the city was no exception. They needed to work alongside eight unions and a civil service commission, navigate the requirements of various labor agreements, and manage the challenges inherent in organizational change. 

In 2018, the W.K. Kellogg and Doug & Maria DeVos Foundations funded a three-year program through West Michigan Works! to support employers in adopting HireReach. HireReach combines learning, training, peer learning and consulting support to help organizations adopt a fair and objective hiring process using evidence-based selection (EBS). HireReach provided half-day training workshops, individual consulting support, and ongoing implementation assistance to support the City of Grand Rapids in implementing evidence-based selection. 

Through participating in HireReach, the City of Grand Rapids was able to successfully revamp their hiring process, transitioning from a complex, labor-intensive, and ineffective process to a modern, streamlined, science-based approach. This new hiring process has allowed the city to look at candidates holistically and as a result, candidates who might have been passed over with the previous hiring process are now being realized for their ability to do the job. The City of Grand Rapids is making better hiring decisions and providing employment opportunities for a broader, more diverse group of candidates. 

"With HireReach, we have been able to hire based on competencies using high-quality tools to hire candidates and bring out the best in them, ensuring they are in the right role – which is great for our organization and the candidate,” said Desiree Foster, human resources director, City of Grand Rapids.   

The Impact Awards, hosted by Michigan Works! Association, recognizes the economic development success being achieved in communities across Michigan. During the event, local lawmakers present tributes to dozens of honorees from across the state.   

“The partnership West Michigan Works! has with employers is key to assisting them with their talent pipeline goals,” said Sen. Winnie Brinks (D-Grand Rapids). “The dedication West Michigan Works! has for helping employers makes them a huge asset to our community.”  

Award winners included employers, workers, Michigan Works! organizations, and partners from across the state. 

“The pandemic has increased the number of challenges employers are facing,” said Rep. David LaGrand (D-Grand Rapids). “The City was facing hiring and retention issues.  I am grateful to the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, the Doug & Maria DeVos Foundation and West Michigan Works! for the assistance they were able to lend the City of Grand Rapids through HireReach.”  

The Michigan Works! Association is a non-profit membership organization that provides services and support to Michigan’s talent eco-system. For over 30 years, the Association has been the go-to resource for federal, state, and local workforce initiatives.  

“Congratulations to the City of Grand Rapids on winning this prestigious award,” said Rep. Rachel Hood (D-Grand Rapids).  “I am thankful for collaborations like the one between the W.K. Kellogg and Doug & Maria DeVos Foundations and West Michigan Works! that assist employers with their talent needs.” 

The Association’s work ensures top-quality services and support for Michigan’s talent pipeline. For more information, please visit michiganworks.org.  

Find the nearest Michigan Works! American Job Center by visiting https://www.michiganworks.org/michigan-works-network or by calling (1 800) 285-WORKS (9675). 

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Metro Detroit Talent Development Successes Honored by State Leaders, Workforce Experts

Metro Detroit Talent Development Successes Honored by State Leaders, Workforce Experts 

Lawmakers Celebrate Local Talent, Career Development Efforts in Metro Detroit 

LANSING, MI (March 24, 2022)— Metro Detroit talent development and employment successes were among those celebrated by state leaders at the Michigan Works! Association Impact Awards this week. 

Local lawmakers and statewide talent development officials gathered virtually, and in-person, on Thursday, March 24 to recognize local resident Taylor Box, The Armored Group, as well as Southeast Michigan Community Alliance (SEMCA) Michigan Works! for offering on-the-job training opportunities to offer in-demand jobs and develop a talent pipeline. 

In the winter of 2017, Justin Skibin, SEMCA Michigan Works! Business Services Professional, sent an email to The Armored Group’s Megan Davis regarding some potential hiring assistance after noting its job openings online. 

The company responded to Skibin’s email right away, contacting him regarding the job openings the company had available and the Michigan Works! Business Services available to them. After recording the company’s job leads, Skibin also notified the company about the On-the-Job Training (OJT) option for its new hires. As a result, the company has participated in six OJT contracts with SEMCA Michigan Works! Livonia office including the most recent contract for Taylor Box, WIOA Dislocated Worker participant.  

During her initial weeks in the OJT, the WIOA Program provided Box with supportive services in the form of gas cards to get to and from the worksite. Though her OJT is complete, and she has successfully been exited from the WIOA program, the company has kept up weekly contact. 

They have also contacted Skibin regularly regarding conveying new job openings and events the company offers. The company has also specified interest in participating in Registered Apprenticeship Programs, Going PRO Talent Fund, and joining virtual job fairs in the future. 

Additionally, networking has proven to be an asset in this relationship, as The Armored Group has referred two other companies to Skibin for potential hiring-related assistance. The relationship with The Armored Group has been great for many reasons and is only aiming to get stronger.  

“The assistance Taylor received from SEMCA Michigan Works! helped him overcome barriers to find a great career opportunity,” said Sen. Betty Jean Alexander (D-Detroit).  “On-the-Job Training is a great tool to provide individuals with the opportunity to prove themselves and earn a full-time career position.” 

The Impact Awards hosted by Michigan Works! Association recognizes the economic development success being achieved in communities across Michigan. During the event, local lawmakers present tributes to dozens of honorees from across the state. 

“The dedication that SEMCA has to ensuring our region’s residents get the services and assistance they need is integral to making our community successful,” said Rep. Tullio Liberati (D-Allen Park). “Taylor’s success story is just one of many that happen everyday thanks to Michigan Works!. Congratulations to everyone receiving this prestigious award!” 

Award winners included employers, workers, Michigan Works! organizations, and partners from across the state. 

“Congratulations to Taylor on winning this great award,” said Sen. Dayna Polehanki (D-Livonia). “Her wonderful experience with the On-the-Job training she participated in at The Armored Group serves as a great example to other job seekers of the opportunities available in our great state.” 

The Michigan Works! Association is a non-profit membership organization that provides services and support to Michigan’s talent eco-system. For over 30 years, the Association has been the go-to resource for federal, state, and local workforce initiatives.  

“Kudos to SEMCA Michigan Works! for reaching out to The Armored Group to proactively assist them with their hiring needs,” said Rep. Rajeev Puri (D-Canton). “The services Michigan Works! offers to both employers and job seekers is key to continuing to develop the talent pipeline in our state.” 

The Association’s work ensures top-quality services and support for Michigan’s talent pipeline. For more information, please visit michiganworks.org.  

Find the nearest Michigan Works! American Job Center by visiting https://www.michiganworks.org/michigan-works-network or by calling (1-800) 285-WORKS (9675). 

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Oakland County Talent Development Successes Honored by State Leaders, Workforce Experts

Oakland County Talent Development Successes Honored by State Leaders, Workforce Experts 

Lawmakers Celebrate Local Talent, Career Development Efforts in Oakland County  

LANSING, MI (March 24, 2022)— Oakland County talent development and employment successes were among those celebrated by state leaders at the Michigan Works! Association Impact Awards this week. 

Local lawmakers and statewide talent development officials gathered virtually, and in-person, on Thursday, March 24 to recognize local resident Arin Minasian, Robert Bosch, LLC, U.S. Department of Labor, as well as Oakland County Michigan Works! for developing an apprenticeship in a high-demand field creating opportunities for growth. 

Oakland County Michigan Works! is proud to partner with Robert Bosch, LLC to create an Application Developer Registered Apprenticeship program. As a leading and innovative employer in Oakland County, Robert Bosch is leading the way in talent development by investing in apprenticeship to create a skilled, qualified workforce for the future. The Bosch Group is a leading global supplier of technology and services that employs roughly 394,500 associates worldwide. 

The apprenticeship program lasts approximately 12 months and is a competency-based learning program. In the program, apprentices are required to complete specific learning hours and on-the-job training that has been outlined to ensure they are developing the skills and competencies essential to the role as an Application Developer.  

They can learn and grow in a professional environment with real-world project work, job shadowing, intensive training, and exclusive mentoring. At the end of the program, apprentices who satisfy the program criteria are invited to join one of the mobility solutions divisions where they can continue to grow, develop, and contribute as a valuable team member. 

Bosch launched this apprenticeship to address their talent gap and build a pipeline for their organization. They pursued talent not based upon education but on the skills, interests, and abilities of the individual to succeed in the industry. The mentoring program they have developed is outstanding! 

Since 2020, Oakland County Michigan Works! Southfield supported nine apprenticeships with On-the-Job Training and four more are under development. 

"We supported this employer because of their apprenticeship model and the need for Application/Software Developers,” said Oakland County Michigan Works! director Jennifer Llewellyn. “With this new apprenticeship, Bosch intended to hire individuals with little to no experience and give them the opportunity to gain skills in such a high-demand field with opportunity for growth.” 

Arin Minasian, who had been working in home health care, was looking to begin a new career in software development. His interest in the software development field was so strong that he took a bootcamp course to gain skills in the field. 

Minasian learned about the apprenticeship program and applied for it while living in California. When Bosch offered him the apprenticeship, he moved to Michigan while his wife stayed in California. Minasian was excited to begin the apprenticeship and a new life in Michigan! 

Unfortunately, he did not have transportation when he first moved to Michigan, so Oakland County Michigan Works! Southfield purchased a bicycle for him to make his five-mile trek to work. The bike allowed him freedom to explore his new neighborhood and get to work. Minasian had completed his apprenticeship and recently graduated. Additionally, he and his wife bought a home in Oakland County. 

Award winners included employers, workers, Michigan Works! organizations, and partners from across the state. 

“I am pleased to see community partners collaborating to bring talent and economic prosperity to our region and commend Arin on his accomplishments that led to this award,” said Sen. Jeremy Moss (D-Southfield). “The daily effort Oakland County Michigan Works! puts into coordinating with local employers and other partners makes all the difference in talent development in this area.” 

The Michigan Works! Association is a non-profit membership organization that provides services and support to Michigan’s talent eco-system. For over 30 years, the Association has been the go-to resource for federal, state, and local workforce initiatives. 

“Congratulations to Arin on winning this prestigious award,” said Rep. Samantha Steckloff (D-Farmington Hills). “I would like to thank Robert Bosch, LLC for developing the Application Developer Registered Apprenticeship program, providing opportunities to Michigan residents to gain on-the-job training that leads to a good-paying, meaningful career.”  

The Association’s work ensures top-quality services and support for Michigan’s talent pipeline. For more information, please visit michiganworks.org.  

Find the nearest Michigan Works! American Job Center by visiting https://www.michiganworks.org/michigan-works-network or by calling (1-800) 285-WORKS (9675). 

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Northwest Talent Development Successes Honored by State Leaders, Workforce Experts at State Capitol

Northwest Talent Development Successes Honored by State Leaders, Workforce Experts at State Capitol  

Lawmakers Celebrate Local Talent, Career Development Efforts in Northwest Michigan 

LANSING, MI (March 24, 2022)— Northwest Michigan talent development and employment successes were among those celebrated by state leaders at the Michigan Works! Association Impact Awards this week. 

Local lawmakers and statewide talent development officials gathered virtually, and in-person, on Thursday, March 24 to recognize local resident Jill Ponstein, Kalkaska Memorial Health Center, Penn Foster/Industrial Training Solutions, U.S. Department of Labor – Office of Apprenticeship, as well as Northwest Michigan Works! for offering an apprenticeship in an in-demand field that leads to a fulfilling career.  

During the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, Jill Ponstein noticed that weekly dinners with her mom and sister became only 30 minutes long because they both had to get back to their jobs at Kalkaska Memorial Health Center (KMCH) where they were working nearly around the clock. Ponstein said she felt helpless, so when she saw a posting for a Medical Assistant Apprenticeship opportunity offered by Northwest Michigan Works!, in partnership with Kalkaska Memorial, she applied. 

Ponstein’s educational and employment background was in business, but she says she had always been interested in healthcare. She has even started to attend a local community college focused on obtaining her Medical Assistant certification. But balancing school, work, and family made that difficult, so she put her education on hold until her youngest child was enrolled in school. Ponstein said the apprenticeship allowed her to get her education and training while balancing her other responsibilities. 

“I was so excited to start in a career that always piqued my interest,” said Ponstein. “Michigan Works! helped tremendously by making sure I had the tools to complete my job. They provided me with scrubs, shoes, and a stethoscope with no cost to me.” 

The U.S. Department of Labor Registered Medical Assistant Apprenticeship included paid on-the-job learning and online related technical instruction along with guidance from professional mentors. The program’s work-based learning strategy allowed Jill to get her training without having to pay for classes. 

“Kalkaska Memorial Health Center was finding it difficult to recruit Medical Assistants to meet the needs of our growing family medicine practice,” said director of Employee Relations at Kalkaska Memorial Health Center Heather Soenksen. “Identified barriers for community members to train in healthcare careers included the difficulty in juggling school, work, and educational expenses. The apprenticeship partnership with Northwest Michigan Works! offers the career opportunity in our community for paid on-the-job learning and paid online related technical instruction along with guidance from professional mentors.” 

Ponstein successfully completed her apprenticeship program and is now mentoring others as a Certified Medical Assistant. Her aspirations to continue her education and cultivate her career pathway growth include learning additional skills within the healthcare system. 

"Penn Foster is proud to have worked closely with Northwest Michigan Works! and Kalkaska Memorial Health Center to create and launch their first ever Medical Assistant Apprenticeship program,” said Rick Bruno, Penn Foster, educational partner. “The collaboration was made simple due to the passion shared by all three parties, jointly pursuing a common goal of expanding apprenticeship into the Allied Health arena. Further, apprentice Jill Ponstein took full advantage of the program, completing the challenging self-paced training at an amazing pace with a very impressive overall average of 93. The Kalkaska program should serve as a model for other healthcare facilities, as a way to recruit and retain workers in these difficult times. I look forward to continuing to work with Kalkaska, with the assistance of Northwest Michigan Works!, as well as looking forward to the career journey that Jill’s training takes her on!” 

The Impact Awards, hosted by the Michigan Works! Association, recognize the economic development success being achieved in communities across Michigan. During the event, local lawmakers present tributes to dozens of honorees from across the state.   

“Northwest Michigan Works! continues to show time and again that they are committed to understanding the unique needs of our region and then using that knowledge in ways that help employers and job seekers alike succeed,” said state Sen. Curt VanderWall (R-Ludington). “Their dedication to working closely with community partners is key to ensuring the economic success of our region.” 

Award winners included employers, workers, Michigan Works! organizations, and partners from across the state. 

“I commend Kalkaska Memorial Health Center, Penn Foster, the U.S. Department of Labor and Northwest Michigan Works! for their partnership on this great program that helps fill the need for high-demand jobs in our region,” said Rep. Daire Rendon (R-Lake City). “Congratulations to Jill on accomplishing her goals and to the team at Northwest Michigan Works! for all they do to assist the residents in our community with their needs and career goals.”  

The Michigan Works! Association is a non-profit membership organization that provides services and support to Michigan’s talent eco-system. For over 30 years, the Association has been the go-to resource for federal, state, and local workforce initiatives.  

The Association’s work ensures top-quality services and support for Michigan’s talent pipeline. For more information, please visit michiganworks.org.  

Find the nearest Michigan Works! American Job Center by visiting https://www.michiganworks.org/michigan-works-network or by calling (1-800) 285-WORKS (9675). 

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Central Michigan Talent Development Successes Honored by State Leaders, Workforce Experts

Central Michigan Talent Development Successes Honored by State Leaders, Workforce Experts 

Lawmakers Celebrate Local Talent, Career Development Efforts in Central Michigan 

LANSING, MI (March 24, 2022) — Central Michigan talent development and employment successes were among those celebrated by state leaders at the Michigan Works! Association Impact Awards this week. 

Local lawmakers and statewide talent development officials gathered virtually and in-person on March 24, in Lansing to recognize local resident Jessica Liggett, Pere Marquette River Lodge, Mason-Lake Adult Education as well as Michigan Works! West Central for overcoming barriers to build the confidence needed to find a new career and providing rewarding job opportunities in the community.  

Liggett has struggled with reading and speech her entire life. These barriers prevented her from finding success for years, and subsequently had a negative impact on her self-confidence. So, when she entered the Mason-Lake Adult Education program to earn her high school diploma, she was very unsure of herself and the journey she was about to begin. 

"Jessica was a hardworking and dedicated student in the Mason-Lake Adult Education program,” said Liz Stark, Mason-Lake Adult Education director. “She came to us unsure of herself and her own abilities. In the last few years, Jessica has earned her high school diploma and completed the Transitions program for post-secondary study. Jessica is now confident and happy with what she has accomplished!”  

Through a lot of hard work and dedication, Liggett was able to complete her diploma in spring 2016, and was ready to enter the workforce. However, she still lacked the self-confidence she would need to find success. Michigan Works! West Central’s Talent Specialists were able to help Liggett complete several mock interviews to help prepare her for the real thing. Michigan Works! West Central also was able to provide her with new clothing for job interviews.   

Although Liggett was not hired following her first interview with a local employer, it did make her feel more confident going into her next job interview. Because she felt more prepared and confident, the interview with Pere Marquette River Lodge was a success, and she was hired in April 2021. For the first time in her life, she was able to obtain a full-time job to provide for herself and her household. 

"It’s overwhelming,” said Liggett. “I’ve had a lot of support from a lot of people. I love this job. This is my second home. Anna has been the best friend I’ve ever had, and I think it’s a really good match that I’m here.” 

Liggett’s strong work ethic allowed her to take on more responsibility at the Lodge and even earned her a pay increase. At the lodge, she helps with housekeeping in the cabins and around the main lodge, keeps the kitchen and dining areas clean, and more. 

“When I interviewed Jessica, she said to me, ‘No one else will hire me,’” said Anna Riling, Pere Marquette River Lodge owner. “I could not imagine that and thought everyone should have a shot. I’ve watched her change a lot. At first, she was a little timid, because we’re a big group to take on. Now she’s one of us. Her confidence has built, and it’s just been beautiful to watch that. She just keeps on going, taking on more and more responsibility and she’s good at it!” 

The Impact Awards hosted by Michigan Works! Association recognizes the economic development success being achieved in communities across Michigan. During the event, local lawmakers present tributes to dozens of honorees from across the state.   

 “Jessica is a great example of what can be achieved if you work hard and refuse to give up,” said state Sen. Curt VanderWall, R-Ludington. “Her hard work, dedication and positive attitude helped her achieve her career goals. Congratulations on winning this prestigious award, Jessica!” 

Award winners included employers, workers, Michigan Works! organizations and partners from across the state. 

“Michigan Works! West Central has the tools to help Michiganders achieve their career goals and I want to congratulate the entire team at Michigan Works! West Central for helping change outcomes for our residents every day,” said state Rep. Scott VanSingel, R-Grant. “Congratulations to Jessica for working hard to achieve your dreams and build a rewarding career.”  

The Michigan Works! Association is a nonprofit membership organization that provides services and support to Michigan’s talent ecosystem. For more than 30 years, the association has been the go-to resource for federal, state and local workforce initiatives.  

The association’s work ensures top-quality services and support for Michigan’s talent pipeline. For more information, please visit michiganworks.org.  

Find the nearest Michigan Works! American Job Center by visiting michiganworks.org/michigan-works-network or by calling (1-800) 285-WORKS (9675). 

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