In partnership with Muskegon Community College, Michigan Works! graduated nine individuals from the Energy Conservation Apprenticeship Readiness (ECAR) training program.

ECAR is a 9-week apprenticeship readiness training for women and minorities in the energy conservation-related construction trades. ECAR offers reading and math skills upgrading, apprenticeship readiness training, and other supportive services to meet the energy conservation-related construction workforce training needs of Michigan. ECAR participants are selected through a competitive process, which includes assessments, interviewing, drug screening, and a physical to ensure candidates are ready to go to work in the construction field. The training covers such skills as applied math, blueprint reading, building science principles, computers and construction trades, essential employment skills, overview of construction trades, and safety in the workplace. Successful completion of ECAR provides the graduates with several certifications, including the OSHA CareerSafe Certificate, a First Aid/CPR/AED Certificate and a Weatherization Certificate.

Michigan Works! will continue to work with the ECAR grads to assist them in finding employment.

Michigan Works! in partnership with Muskegon Area First and several other regional organizations has put together a local “Hot Jobs” list. Using information from the Michigan Talent Bank, the Employers’ Association, Grand Valley State University, Muskegon Community College, and Baker College, 48 careers have been identified as “hot”. Jobs were identified based on the predicted number of openings over the next six months and their earning potential.

The list identifies the position, the average starting wage, the number of openings predicted for our two counties over the next six months, and the education level required for the position. This information is valuable as our region works to close the “skill gap” we are currently faced with. It will inform job seekers who are making critical decisions for the future of their families and for the region.

The Hot Jobs List will be updated every six months to reflect the area’s current job situation.

EmploymentGroup (EG) is hiring and will be at the Michigan Works! Laketon and Shelby Sites conducting open interviews for several manufacturing companies located in Hart, Whitehall, and Grand Haven. EmploymentGroup is a Michigan-based company that has been helping people succeed since 1958. EG specializes in recruiting and staffing for short and long-term temporary, trial-hire, direct placements, and contract positions. In 2011, the company’s customers hired in close to 1,400 of the temporary employees placed through EG.

EG will be at our Laketon Site on March 16th, from 9:00 a.m. - 3:30p.m.. and at our Shelby Site March 20th and May 1st, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m... Before coming for the onsite interviews, job seekers should apply at www.employmentgroup.com.

Job requirements include:

• HS diploma / GED
• Industrial work experience
• Pass a drug screen and background check
• Complete the on-line application at employmentgroup.com before the interview

The positions EG is hiring for include Cell Assembly, Production, Light Industrial, Injection Mold Machine Operators, and Electronic Soldering. Job seekers should come to the sites prepared for an interview.

The Energy Conservation Apprenticeship Readiness (ECAR) class began January 23rd. ECAR is a 9-week apprenticeship readiness training for women, minorities, and economically disadvantaged persons in the energy conservation-related construction trades. ECAR offers reading and math skills upgrading, apprenticeship readiness training, training stipends, and other supportive services to meet the energy conservation-related construction workforce training needs of Michigan. ECAR participants are selected through a competitive process, which includes assessments, interviewing, drug screening, and a physical to ensure candidates are ready to go to work in the construction field.

The training covers such skills as applied math, blueprint reading, building science principles, computers and construction trades, essential employment skills, overview of construction trades, and safety in the workplace. Successful completion of ECAR will provide the graduates with several certifications, including the Green Awareness Certification (HVAC Excellence), OSHA CareerSafe Certificate, First Aid/Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation/Automated External Defibrillator Certificate, and Weatherization - Shell Technician/ Installer Certificate. These candidates will have the skills necessary to begin a career in the construction field.

Michigan Works! Muskegon-Oceana welcomes Cindy Larsen, President of the Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce, as its new Workforce Development Board (WDB) Chairperson.

Ms. Larsen blends her passion for business success with her background in communications to lead and promote the community. A Muskegon County native, Cindy oversees six full-time employees who serve 1,150 member businesses along the lakeshore. Cindy’s accomplishments include leading her staff to the 2006 and 2010 Michigan Chamber of the Year Awards; as well as a personal award – Michigan Chamber Professional of the Year in 2008. Cindy serves on a number of community boards and advisory councils and has been a member of the WDB for several years. Cindy graduated from Central Michigan University with a degree in communications and minors in business and political science.

The WDB is made up of a blend of private industry, the public sector, and organized labor and provides leadership, advocacy and strategic planning for the Workforce Development System.

Every year the statewide Michigan Works! Association recognizes individuals who have distinguished themselves in their job search and career path. This year, Hart resident Robert Amstutz was selected for recognition.

Robert worked for a construction company, but because the work wasn’t always steady and required much travel, he knew he wanted to go to school to be a mechanic. He was ready to do this when he was involved in an accident that took part of three of his fingers. Robert continued working construction, because he wasn’t sure now he’d be able to work as a mechanic. However, when work with his company moved out of state, Robert went to Michigan Works! realized he could get help with his training. He decided to take advantage of the opportunity.

Robert entered Muskegon Community College’s Automotive Technology program and, not wanting to rely on Unemployment longer than necessary, went full time, completing his program in less than a year with a 4.0 GPA. Utilizing On-the-Job Training services, within two weeks, Robert secured a full time job at Mears Service Center. Tim Beggs, Shop Foreman, says, “Michigan Works! has done a great job helping Robert receive the needed training to enter a skilled position to start his new career. They provided him with support and accountability to finish the process. As an employer they have provided me with the chance to find a willing and eager employee with good training to fill our need as a business, as well as an opportunity to continue Robert’s training in a way that helped Robert and the business. Robert is a success on his own merit, but Michigan Works! helped him through the process.”

Michigan Works! is hosting a job fair for Kelly Services at our Laketon Site (2389 E Laketon, Muskegon) on Thursday, January 19, 2012 from 9:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Kelly is contracting with two employers to fill 60 positions, including Assembly Positions, Machine Operators, Hi-Lo Drivers, Break Press operators, and Quality Control/Paint Line Positions. The wages range from $8.50 to $12.00 per hour.

Come prepared to complete an application and interview for positions.

Michigan Works! has teamed up with Muskegon High School to offer students the opportunity to take part in the Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG) program and learn lessons that will last them for a life time.

JAG students get the opportunity to learn in an interactive environment while participating in community service and service-learning projects. JAG teaches students not only the importance of a good education for their future career path but also the importance of civic and social responsibility.

At Muskegon High School, the JAG class is an elective, allowing the students to earn credits toward High School graduation while enhancing the standard school curriculum. It’s also a student-led career association, with elected leadership. In this school year, JAG students have given back to their community by volunteering at school sporting events and mentoring young students from Muskegon Public School’s Two-Way Immersion Program. Recruitment for next year’s JAG class will begin late this winter at Muskegon High School.

Investing in our students through a program like JAG is integral to our local economy’s future prosperity. Our future workers, business leaders, and entrepreneurs must have adequate academic and vocational skills to move our region forward. JAG is a step in that direction