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February 29, 2012

Forum: Michigan Works and networking

BY JAN WARREN ----

Sometimes people get confused or frustrated that they can't get their unemployment insurance problems solved at Michigan Works, so let's clarify why that's the case.

Unemployment insurance is run by a state agency, and most customer service is provided over the Internet or phone. Michigan Works, on the other hand, is a locally run operation with a statewide brand. There are 25 different Michigan Works agencies in the state, serving different regions. Each one is governed by a local Workforce Development Board made up of business people. Services to both employers and job seekers are provided through over 100 Michigan Works! Centers across the state.

Northwest Michigan Works is a nonprofit organization that helps people find jobs and helps companies find employees. We are part of the statewide Michigan Works system, but we are not a department of state government. People who receive unemployment insurance are required to use Michigan Works to find new employment, but the folks at Michigan Works are not state employees and are not allowed or equipped to answer technical questions about individual unemployment insurance situations.

We serve about 25,000 job seekers and about 4,000 companies a year in the 10-county region covered by Northwest Michigan Works. This includes employed workers desiring to change careers or upgrade employment, as well as unemployed individuals needing to obtain employment.

We help them identify their job target with career planning, assessment and research, and we assist them with résumés, interviewing, networking, the most up-to-date job search techniques, and a lot more. People can also get help upgrading their skills and credentials for employment. Most importantly, we have access to many job openings because employers find us helpful in getting the right talent for their businesses.

Meeting employers' needs is a high priority for us, whether it's recruiting employees, posting job openings, finding the right workers, or training new employees. We also connect employers with services from other organizations, such as business counseling, customized training and financing options. Companies access all these services through our Business Liaisons.

Business is rebounding in our region; the belief that there are no jobs available is a myth. Our Business Liaisons work with many employers on a daily basis to find qualified candidates for their job openings. These are not just entry-level or low-skilled jobs. We also have jobs available for professional and skilled trade workers. For example, a job fair was held at Traverse City Michigan Works early this month with more than 80 people attending (both employed and unemployed). The event gained attention because employer representatives were on hand to conduct interviews for professional positions in manufacturing, food production and natural resources. Most of these positions required a college degree with salaries ranging from $30,000 to $90,000.

There is strong competition for these jobs, and job seekers have to be prepared to sell themselves to employers. We have the jobs and the staff at Northwest Michigan Works, along with the resources and expertise to help job seekers gain the competitive advantage.

About the author: Jan Warren is Program Director for Northwest Michigan Works!. She has a master's degree in business administration and has worked in the field of work force development for 26 years.

About the forum: The forum is a periodic column of opinion written by Record-Eagle readers in their areas of interest or expertise. Submissions of 500 words or less may be made by e-mailing letters@record-eagle.com. Please include biographical information and a photo.

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