Job Connect Newsletter - September 25, 2015

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WDA Workforce Development Agency
Job Connect Newsletter

September 25, 2015

Michigan Job News: Unemployment Rate Drops to 5.1 Percent, Reflecting Continued Progress

Gov. Rick Snyder Recently issued the following statement after the announcement that Michigan’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for August fell to 5.1 percent – which also is the national average. This is the lowest monthly rate since July 2001.

420K Jobs


"More people are working in Michigan because, together, we are doing the right things to help Michiganders and the companies that invest in the people who live and work here. I’ve recently had the opportunity to tell the Michigan story to businesses and government leaders around the world. They know of Michigan’s comeback, our outstanding work ethic and the quality products we design, build or grow. While I proudly tell them what we’ve done, I stress that we aren’t resting.

“It’s remarkable that Michigan’s unemployment rate has reached this 14-year-low. It’s an exciting time in Michigan. But we strive to do even better. We remain focused on solving problems. We are creating opportunities for children and adults, helping them overcome challenges they face and build the skills they need to become successful today and into the future.” 

To see a copy of the official press release click here.


Michigan's Hot 50 Job Outlook Report Through 2018

Have you seen Michigan's hot 50 job outlook report through 2018? For information on recent employment trends, wages, and tomorrow's high-demand and high-wage careers click here.

Hot 50

Changing the Perception of Skilled Trades Careers in Michigan

There is a stereotype when it comes to a career in skilled trades.

The perception is that people who pursue a skilled trades career have no interest in earning a degree beyond high school and spend their workday getting disgustingly dirty in a hot factory.

These stereotypes are simply not true!

Today, skilled trade occupations are positions that require a strong-level of technical know how and experience. These individuals must also complete work-based learning programs and many of the careers also require a certificate of completion, apprenticeship or an associate’s degree.

There is a stereotype when it comes to a career in skilled trades.

The perception is that people who pursue a skilled trades career have no interest in earning a degree beyond high school and spend their workday getting disgustingly dirty in a hot factory.

These stereotypes are simply not true!

Today, skilled trade occupations are positions that require a strong-level of technical know how and experience. These individuals must also complete work-based learning programs and many of the careers also require a certificate of completion, apprenticeship or an associate’s degree.

Stock 1


Skilled trades careers are also a vital component of Michigan’s economy. Industries like tool and die, health care, construction and welding are looking for talented and educated people to fill the gap left by today’s aging skilled trades workforce that is looking to retirement. Many of these positions offer competitive pay and benefits, with an average wage of $13 – $34 an hour and the median wage at $21 an hour.

With the state recognizing the need to overcome the preconceived notions people may have about skilled trades careers, Governor Rick Snyder, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and Michigan Talent Investment Agency formed a partnership with television’s Mike Rowe and his foundation, mikeroweWorks. Rowe, the wise-cracking everyman from “Dirty Jobs,” worked to produce videos targeting middle and high school students to showcase skilled trades careers as sustainable, good career paths.

In addition, a partnership was formed with Tom Daldin, host of Under the Radar Michigan, to produce five videos geared toward K-5 students.  These videos will inspire children as they think about what they want to do when they grow up by highlighting employees and jobs in the following industries:

  • Food, agriculture and natural resources
  • Manufacturing
  • Healthcare
  • Design and art
  • Science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) and information technology

 

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“The skilled trades are a great pathway to meaningful, rewarding careers with room for advancement,” said Stephanie Comai, director of the Michigan Talent Investment Agency. “As the demand for people with technical skills continues to surge, we want students of all ages to be aware of their career options. We’re excited about this campaign and will continue to enhance it with additional resources so that students, parents and educators have the information they need regarding opportunities available in today’s skilled trades.”

Meanwhile, under the umbrella of the Michigan Department of Education, the Office of Career and Technical Education (OCTE) is working at the county level to promote the return on investment students get from skilled trades careers.

The local OCTE programs are tailored to match that region’s needs, employer participation and available resources. The local directors assigned to the programs are in charge of promoting these opportunities to students, as well as parents.

Aside from the local directors, the Michigan School Counselor Association (MSCA), local school counselors and teachers play an important part in extending students opportunities to talk with employers and begin instructional programs at the high school or local career technical area center. The OCTE is also supporting the MSCA’s fall conference by providing breakout sessions to discuss career and college readiness opportunities.

The OCTE also honors young women who get involved in skilled trades programs as many of these career paths tend to be male dominated fields. Local programs are also recognized for instituting innovative programming that promotes skilled trades as profitable and fulfilling career choices.

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Kami Moore, a student at Reeths-Puffer High School interested in Machining and Engineering. Photo courtesy of the Michigan Department of Education.

Michigan cannot truly be competitive in today’s global economy without the support of people in skilled trades careers. If you’re a parent of a child thinking about entering the skilled trades, or a student who is interested in learning more, we encourage you to look at your school’s course catalog for OCTE programming and talk to your counselor or teachers.

Interested in learning more? Click here for more information about skilled trades!


Featured Career Fairs in Michigan

A variety of job and career fairs take place across the state to bring job seekers and employers together. Attending an event will help to expand your network, creating opportunities to engage with and get feedback from employers. To see a comprehensive list of upcoming events check out our Career Events Calendar.

Ottawa County MWWorks

West Michigan Hiring Event:

The Ottawa County Michigan Works! Holland Service Center will host a Hiring Event for 8 Employers on September 29, 2015 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 121 Clover Street in Holland, MI.

  • Huntington National Bank 
  • Speedway LLC
  • Dialog Direct
  • Pilot Flying J
  • Blu Perspective
  • Holland Special Delivery
  • Medilodge of Holland
  • Enviro-Clean Building Services. 

Positions being recruited include: Call Center Customer Service Associate, Spanish Bilingual Call Center Customer Service, Retail - Customer Service Representatives, Shift Leader Trainees, Co-Manager Trainees, Licensed Health Insurance Advisor, Non-Licensed Healthcare Advisor, Roadside Assistant Specialist, Cashiers - Restaurant/Retail, Maintenance(Custodian), Retail Sales Specialist, Coffee Host, Prep Cook, Managers - Deli/Arby’s/Travel Center, Light Assembly, Machine Operators, Quality Inspectors, Local CDL-A Driver, CNAs, LPNs, RNs, Education and Training Director, Cleaners – Deep/General and Stocking Attendants. Interested applicants should bring several copies of their resume to the Hiring Event. For more information click here.

Career Fair Job Fair

Hired In Michigan Job Expo set for September 30th in Sterling Heights:

The upcoming Hired In Michigan Job Expo scheduled on September 30th from 9 a.m. -3 p.m., will feature recruiters from 60 companies with positions available in the following career fields: Engineering, Information Technology, Skilled Trades, Manufacturing, Blue-collar Labor, Production, Industrial, General Labor, Customer Services, Retail, Management, Restaurant, Accounting, Banking, Office Support, Clerical, Seasonal, Holiday Jobs, Data Entry, Call Center, Installation, Technical, Machining, Electrical, Mortgage, Financial Planning, Insurance, Education, Truck Driving, Real Estate, Nursing, Rehabilitation, Human Services, and other career fields. Job opportunities are available for experienced candidates, veterans, interns, blue-collar workers, college graduates and entry-level job seekers. Click here to learn more. 


Mark Your Calendar for our Upcoming Virtual Career Fair

MiVirtualCareerFairs are another great tool by Pure Michigan Talent Connect to bring together Michigan employers, job seekers and educators! Business in Michigan is thriving, and MiVirtualCareerFairs are the state of Michigan’s hottest new way to find your next career. Our next virtual hiring event will be held on November 4, 2015 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. EST. For more information and a list of participating employers click here.

MiVCF

Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency Fall 2015 Expo

Veterans Expos: Everything You Need in One Place

MVAA

You served in the U.S. Armed Forces - whether you're still in the reserves, recently discharged, or served many years ago - and you've earned our assistance in breaking down barriers to employment, education, health care and quality of life. At the Veteran Expos, the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency (MVAA) brings together service providers, veteran community organizations, employers, colleges and universities and many others to provide veterans with one-stop, face-to-face access to all necessary resources

And it's not just a resource fair - many exhibitors will provide on-site services as well, including health screenings and DD-214 printing.

Upcoming Veteran Expos this fall include:

Flint

Friday, November 6: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. & Saturday, November 7: 9 a.m. to Noon

Click here to register for the Flint Expo in November.

Questions about the Expo? Call 800-MICH-VET (800-642-4838).


eLearning: Lifelong Soft Skills Training for the 21st Century Workplace

SoftSkillsElearning

Have you checked out our 14 eLearning modules on Lifelong Soft Skills? Our eLearning Soft Skills modules were designed to provide a universally accessible soft skills training resource for the Michigan workforce for basic and foundational skills for the workplace, ensuring that all are ready to succeed in the 21st century! The goal of the Lifelong Soft Skills eLearning series is to raise awareness among students and employees about key skills needed for workplace success. Learn more here.


Free Live Webinars Help Jobseekers Learn and Make the Most of Pure Michigan Talent Connect

pmtc--logo

The Pure Michigan Talent Connect team is hosting multiple webinars in 2015 to show users how to get the most out of MiTalent.org.  Join the team on October 28th at 11 a.m. to learn about:

  • Creating an effective user profile
  • Performing effective job searches
  • Setting up email notifications
  • Editing your profile
  • Other available resources

To register email us at TalentConnect@michigan.gov. Please  indicate you would like to participate in the October 28th Job Seeker webinar.


Hot Jobs In Michigan


For additional Hot Jobs in Michigan be sure to follow us on Twitter here, and search hash tag #MiJobs.