Career Connect Newsletter: September 2020

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Career Connect Newsletter

September 2020

Learn More Earn More graphic image

Learn More, Earn More

Did you know you can earn $6,000 more a year with a high school credential? Most training programs that lead to a certificate or license require a high school diploma or its equivalent.

There are great resources available if you need a high school diploma, want to pass a high school equivalency test, or need to improve your math, reading, writing or English language skills. There’s even a High School Equivalency-to-School Voucher Program that can help cover the cost of one testing attempt!

Learn more about your adult education options on Michigan’s Learn More Earn More website.

 


Pure Michigan Talent Connect logo

Find Your Next Job Today

There are currently more than 60,000 jobs available in Michigan – find them on Pure Michigan Talent Connect!

Michigan employers are looking to fill more than 9,000 positions in healthcare and an additional 10,000 COVID-19 job openings in manufacturing, construction, food service, retail and many other industries.

Agricultural employers throughout the state have seasonal and year-round opportunities available. Looking for a job in transportation, financial services or information technology? Michigan employers are hiring now.

Begin your search by visiting MiTalent.org and creating your job-seeker profile (it’s free!)

Pure Michigan Talent Connect allows you to search for full-time, part-time or temporary jobs. Wanting to work remotely? Refine your search to see those positions.

Your next, new or second job awaits – find it on Pure Michigan Talent Connect.

Futures for Frontliners logo

Futures for Frontliners: Tuition-free pathways for essential workers

If you’ve been a frontline worker during the COVID-19 pandemic and have been thinking about going back to school, now is the right time!

Futures for Frontliners video screen image

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, along with leaders in education, business, labor and workforce development, launched the nation’s first program offering tuition-free college to an estimated 625,000 Michiganders who provided essential, frontline services during COVID-19 Stay Home, Stay Safe orders between April to June 2020.

The funding is not only available to those in the medical field, but also essential workers in manufacturing, nursing homes, grocery stores, sanitation, delivery, retail and more.

To be eligible, you must:

  • Be a Michigan resident
  • Have worked in an essential industry at least part-time for 11 of the 13 weeks between April 1 – June 30, 2020
  • Have been required by their job to work outside the home at least some of the time between April 1 – June 30, 2020
  • Not have previously earned an associate or bachelor's degree
  • Not be in default on a Federal student loan
  • Complete a Futures for Frontliners scholarship application by 11:59 pm on December 31, 2020

Frontline workers are encouraged to visit Michigan.gov/Frontliners to explore options, a list of local community colleges and get started on their application – even if they don’t already have a high school diploma. Sign up to receive the latest Futures for Frontliners information by subscribing to our email updates.


Photo of college student in library

Food assistance now available to qualifying college students

Michigan college students in Career and Technical Education programs returning to classes this fall are now eligible to receive food assistance if they meet other eligibility requirements.

The Michigan departments of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) and Health and Human Services (MDHHS) are encouraging students to apply for food assistance benefits online at Michigan.gov/MIBridges.

LEO and MDHHS sought and received federal approval for the new initiative to address rising food insecurity among students that has been made worse by COVID-19.

Low-income college students in Michigan who are enrolled in Career and Technical Education programs may be eligible to receive food assistance benefits through the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

To apply for SNAP benefits, visit Michigan.gov/MIBridges. To learn more, read the latest update on the MDHHS website.

photo of college intructor in classroom

Free college credit opportunities for Michiganders!

Have you heard about the free college credit opportunities now available to Michigan residents?

Modern States Education Alliance and the College Board have partnered with the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity to offer Michigan residents free online preparation courses for any of College Board’s College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) exams – giving Michiganders a chance to earn college credits at Michigan universities and community colleges without taking coursework.

Read the program announcement to learn more.

Registering for Modern States’ courses is free and easy – get started at the Skills to Work digital hub.

Photo of adult learners in a meeting

Skills to Work: Great online resources for Michigan job-seekers

Whether you’re a seasoned professional who’s looking for a better job or you’re just starting out in the workforce, now is the right time to explore new possibilities. That’s why the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity has created a new digital hub, Michigan.gov/SkillsToWork, which features a range of online learning and career exploration options for residents to consider while navigating the COVID-19 economy in the coming weeks and months, when in-person learning opportunities may be limited.

The digital hub includes the Return-to-Work Playbook, a free online tool with information and links to videos, brochures and other sites to help those preparing to return to the workforce. The Playbook features job readiness resources such as step-by-step instructions for developing a resume, job search advice, and tips to help prepare for interviews, and much more!

Explore your options at Michigan.gov/SkillsToWork.

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Career Events Calendar: Virtual Job Fairs and More!

Job and career fairs are still taking place across the state – most of them virtually – to bring Michigan job seekers and employers together.

Participating in an event will help to expand your network, creating opportunities to engage with and get feedback from employers.

Here’s a link to the Career Events Calendar on Pure Michigan Talent Connect – be sure to check there often!

Pathfinder logo

Use Pathfinder to Explore Careers

Whether you're a student, parent, counselor or job seeker, Pathfinder can help identify potential educational paths, careers and outcomes.

Pathfinder allows you to match your occupation interests with the training that meets your needs. The site reflects the most current available data to assist you in making informed choices. Visit Pathfinder to explore careers, schools and programs in Michigan to find the path that’s right for you – it’s free and easy to use!

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Check out Michigan’s hottest jobs!

DTMB’s Bureau of Labor Market Information and Strategic Initiatives recently released the Michigan’s Hot 50 and Michigan’s Career Outlook publications which provide information about high-demand, high-wage careers through 2028.

The Michigan Hot 50 publication shows a favorable mix of projected long-term job growth, projected annual openings and median wages. The Michigan’s Career Outlook publication features the highest demand jobs based on education level and features the top jobs in STEM (science, technology, engineering and math).