Career Connect Newsletter: December 2020

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Career Connect Newsletter

December 2020

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Last chance to apply for Futures for Frontliners

Have you applied yet? The December 31 deadline is rapidly approaching to apply for the Futures for Frontliners tuition program for eligible frontline workers.

If you worked in a hospital, grocery store, sanitation or police department, or other essential industry this spring, you may be eligible to return to school tuition-free, either full- or part time, while you work.

Futures for Frontliners offers free tuition and services for those who worked essential jobs April-June, including those without a high school diploma. Use the new Adult Education Services Locator tool to find programs near you.

To take advantage of the program, essential workers must apply by Dec. 31. Learn more and apply by visiting the Futures for Frontliners website.


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Virtual Job Fairs

Job and career fairs are taking place across the state – most of them virtually – to connect Michigan job seekers with employers who have immediate hiring needs. Don’t miss out! Participating in an event will help to expand your network, creating opportunities to engage with and get feedback from employers.

Visit the Career Events Calendar on Pure Michigan Talent Connect – and be sure to check there often for great opportunities near you!

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December is Career Exploration & Awareness Month

No matter what stage of your life you’re in, career exploration is an important activity to help you on a rewarding path to a career you enjoy.

Understanding where Michigan has the biggest career demands and need for employees can easily be discovered by using some available resources. What better time to do so than this December – which is official Career Exploration and Awareness Month in Michigan?

Students of any age and at any stage of their education, parents of school-age students, and school counselors can get started with the Michigan Career and Education Pathfinder site to explore careers and identify educational opportunities throughout the state. Pathfinder helps you make informed choices about educational and career options and plans to reach your goals.

Meanwhile, the Going PRO in Michigan website offers Michiganders a platform to explore careers with more than 545,000 openings through 2026 in the fields of manufacturing, automotive, IT, health care and construction.


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Apprenticeships offer paid training path to rewarding career

You can combine classroom studies with on-the-job training – and get paid while doing it through a Registered Apprenticeship!

Apprentices get paid work experience, related classroom instruction and a national industry-recognized credential upon program completion. They also avoid costly tuition debt and get a paycheck from day one while they build the right skills in a new career.

There are Registered Apprenticeship opportunities in fields such as advanced manufacturing, construction, energy, healthcare, information technology and mobility, ensuring Michigan’s economy continues to grow and thrive. To get started, visit Michigan.gov/ Apprenticeship.

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Your next job awaits!

Are you looking for a new job? There are currently more than 65,000 jobs available on Pure Michigan Talent Connect!

Begin your search by visiting MiTalent.org and creating your job-seeker profile (it’s free!) Search for full-time, part-time or temporary jobs. Wanting to work remotely/virtually? Looking for veteran-friendly employers? Refine your search to see those positions.

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

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

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What are Michigan's hottest jobs?

There are two great publications available to help you better understand the state’s current and projected 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).


VIDEO: Prep for your job interview

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Whether it’s in-person or virtual, you’ll need to be prepared to make a great first impression during a job interview. In this 15-minute video, West Michigan Works! shares great information to know before, during and after the interview.

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Free resources for job seekers

Ready to get back to work but need some help preparing? The Skills to Work digital hub and its Return-to-Work Playbook offer free resources to assist you.

The website includes 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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High school credential support is available

There are great resources available if you need an adult 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!

Check out your High School Equivalency testing options on the Learn More, Earn More website today.


Food assistance for qualifying college students

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).

Apply for SNAP benefits at Michigan.gov/ MIBridges. To learn more, read this update on the Michigan Department of Health & Human Services website.

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Vocational Rehabilitation Services available throughout Michigan

Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) – which has been celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2020 – helps persons with disabilities prepare for, obtain and maintain/advance in their careers. Michigan provides VR services through two agencies: the Bureau of Services for Blind Persons (BSBP) and Michigan Rehabilitation Services (MRS). During fiscal year 2019, Michigan VR served more than 49,000 residents with disabilities and nearly 6,000 businesses.

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BUREAU OF SERVICES FOR BLIND PERSONS

BSBP is the vocational rehabilitation agency serving blind and low vision persons. If you live in Michigan and you are blind or visually impaired, BSBP may be able to work with you to define and achieve your goals.  BSBP is dedicated to training, employment, independence and community inclusion partnering with local education agencies, colleges & universities, community partners, local and national businesses and Michigan Works! agencies to get you where you need to be!

To learn more, contact BSBP at 800-292-4200 (TTY 888-864-1212) or find a local BSBP office.

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MICHIGAN REHABILITATION SERVICES

MRS is a statewide network of vocational rehabilitation professionals who deliver individualized services that assist potential employees with disabilities pursue, retain and advance careers. They also partner with businesses in employee development, business consulting and corporate relations.

Contact MRS by calling 800-605-6722 (TTY users may contact MRS by dialing 711 and providing the relay operator with the toll free number, 800-605-6722). More information is available at Michigan.gov/MRS.