Employer Resources
How we help employers
Your workforce is key to your competitiveness. Our Business Services Team can help you recruit and retain your best employees by providing coordinated services and resources, including funds for training.
Consider the time and expense involved in finding talent:
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Writing an accurate job description
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Posting the job opening on Pure Michigan Talent Connect
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Attracting candidates with the right qualifications and “fit” for your organization
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Reviewing and pre-screening resumes
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Greeting, organizing, and directing job applicants at your place
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Finding facility space for interviews
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USDOL Apprenticeship Development
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Conducting pre-employment assessment tools, such as WorkKeys
Michigan Works! West Central will take on this - ALL AT NO COST TO YOU!
For more information about the services we provide to employers in Lake, Mason and Oceana counties please contact Merri Bennett, Business Services Director, at mbennett@michworkswc.org or at 231.583.2029. For services for employers in Mecosta, Newaygo and Osceola counties please contact Jonathan Eppley, Business Services Specialist at jeppley@michworkswc.org or at 231.660.0253.
Going PrO talent fund (formerly sttf)
The popular Skilled Trades Training Fund (STTF) is getting a name change. The competitive grant program will now be known as the Going PRO Talent Fund. Up to now, funding for skilled trades training has been provided by annual appropriation bills. To ensure ongoing operations of the effective, and popular, program, legislation was introduced and has been passed, to codify the program in state statute, ensuring Michigan companies will continue to receive training that enhances talent, productivity, and employment retention without the need for annually renewing the program.
Since the program began, 50% of the awards have gone to companies with less than 100 employees and approximately 38% to companies with 500 or less. And since its inception in 2014, Michigan Works! West Central has helped secure nearly $2,000,000 for 40 different companies in our six-county service area! That equates to the training of more than 2,000 workers including funding for 47 USDOL registered apprenticeships! For a list of companies and trainings that have been approved click here.
To take adantage of this grant and to apply contact Business Services Director Merri Bennett at mbennett@michworkswc.org.
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U.S. Department of labor registered apprenticeships
Companies in all sectors of the American economy are facing complex workforce challenges in increasingly competitive domestic and global markets. A U.S. Department of Labor (USDOL) registered apprenticeship program is a proven solution for recruiting, training, and retaining world-class talent. USDOL apprenticeships are completely industry driven and developed by the employer. Michigan Works! West Central serves as your main contact for working with the U.S. Department of Labor and in most cases can help with funding.
Benefits for employers include:
- Increased employee retention & productivity
- A targeted/structured training plan
- “Grow you own” talent pipeline
- Highly skilled workforce
- 100% employer driven
To learn more about how to start an apprenticeship program contact Business Services Director Merri Bennett at 231-583-2029 or at mbennett@michworkswc.org.