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January 2021
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Governor Whitmer recently announced employee assistance grants for those who work in hospitality, entertainment, recreation, accommodation and food services sectors – as well as the gym and fitness sectors. This grant program helps offset some of the financial losses incurred due to a furlough, layoff or job loss, or a reduction of hours.
Eligible individuals can apply for one-time grants of up to $1,650. The application deadline is January 25. For details, visit mrlaef.org/money.
Are you taking advantage of the free, virtual opportunities to connect directly with Michigan employers?
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!
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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 High demand continues for healthcare workers
Did you know the healthcare industry is the single-largest employment sector in Michigan? More than 16% of all Michigan workers are employed in healthcare – and the state expects to see double-digit growth in that industry through 2026.
Healthcare employers throughout the state are looking to hire right now. On Pure Michigan Talent Connect’s COVID-19 Healthcare Job Portal, there are more than 8,000 healthcare jobs available. Visit MiTalent.org to see all current job postings.
At the same time, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services continues to promote the Connect to Care website which matches job seekers with licensed long-term care facilities with immediate hiring needs for long- and short-term positions, including certified nursing assistants, registered nurses and licensed practical nurses.
Direct care workers – also known as personal care assistants, paid caregivers, home health aides, personal care aides and nursing assistants – are also needed to assist people who are sick, injured, living with physical or mental disabilities, or who cannot care for themselves. Learn more about those opportunities at ConnectToCareJobs.com.
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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. To assist you, the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity created the Skills To Work digital hub which features a range of online learning and career exploration options.
The digital hub includes the Return to Work Playbook, a free online tool with job readiness resources such as step-by-step instructions for developing a resume, job search advice, and tips to help prepare for interviews.
Explore your options at Michigan.gov/SkillsToWork.
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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? Looking for veteran-friendly employers? Refine your search to see those positions.
Your next, new or second job awaits – find it on Pure Michigan Talent Connect.
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Sometimes it just all comes together – and that’s exactly what happened when a veteran and his family members found themselves without jobs or the resources to find them. Fortunately, they reached out to Veterans’ Employment Services (VES) and that started a team effort that concluded with all three family members securing employment.
Veteran James Hudson – who had recently moved with his family from Wyoming to Michigan – contacted Veterans Career Advisor Ken Rapleje who did an initial assessment and coordinated activities with the rest of the team. Ken provided much-needed information, direction and encouragement, assisting with interview preparation and identifying potential employment options. In the end, James landed a job that was an excellent fit for his skills and interest.
At the same time, the VES team assisted with all the paperwork needed to enroll James in the veteran's financial assistance program. They also worked with James’ wife, Holly, providing resume assistance and helping schedule an interview with Great Wolf Lodge, where Holly was ultimately hired. The VES team also assisted James’ son, Austin, helping him get an interview and a job in his field of preference – the auto industry.
Click here to read the entire story, including a thank-you letter James wrote to express his appreciation for the services he and his family received from Veterans’ Employment Services.
Are you a Veteran in need of employment assistance? Contact your nearest Michigan Works! One-Stop Service Center by calling 800-285-WORKS (9675), or visiting MichiganWorks.org. Please identify yourself as a veteran when you call.
More information about Veterans’ Employment Services, and the ability to sign up to receive the monthly VES email newsletter, is available at Michigan.gov/VES.
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The more you learn, the more you earn. And now, it’s easier than ever to search for adult education programs near you! Simply visit the new online Adult Education Services Locator to conduct a custom search of services near you.
Available services include:
- Adult Basic Education
- Adult Secondary Education
- High School Completion
- High School Equivalency
- English as a Second Language
- Integrated Education and Training
- Integrated English Language and Civics Education
- Workplace Literacy
- Family Literacy
- GED Testing
- HiSET® Testing
Visit the state’s Adult Education website to learn more.
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A recent change granting food, employment and training opportunities for individuals with drug felony convictions now allows more Michiganders to qualify for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
If you were previously denied SNAP benefits due to felony drug convictions, you’re now eligible to receive these benefits – but you will need to re-apply to receive benefits.
Click here to see a flyer that explains more about this new opportunity to apply for SNAP benefits.
To learn more and to apply, go online to Michigan.gov/MIBridges. If you need additional assistance, call a consumer service representative toll-free at 888-678-8914.
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Michiganders celebrate National Braille Literacy Month
Braille, the system of reading for people who are blind or visually impaired, enables individuals to read with their fingertips using a system of six raised dots. January has been proclaimed as Braille Literacy Month by Governor Gretchen Whitmer to recognize the impact this reading system has on blind or visually impaired individuals and call attention to the services and resources in Michigan to learn and enhance their braille skills.
The Bureau of Services for Blind Persons (BSBP) facilitates various braille services and resources in the state. The BSBP Training Center, located in Kalamazoo, offers courses on braille that are designed to prepare students with the fundamentals of this reading system. Although the center is presently closed to in-person learning due to COVID-19, they are still offering courses and training via a virtual platform.
Michigan’s Braille and Talking Book Library is available to serve individuals who are unable to use standard print materials.
For more information on the BSBP Training Center, visit Michigan.gov/BSBP. To contact the Braille and Talking Book Library, visit Michigan.gov/BTBL.
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MRS Resources
Persons with disabilities can register to receive the very latest information from Michigan Rehabilitation Services (MRS) by entering your email address in the “Information Subscribe” field on the MRS website, Michigan.gov/MRS.
You can also opt-in to receive important information from MRS when you create an account on Pure Michigan Talent Connect.
Persons with disabilities can also use Pure Michigan Talent Connect’s “Advanced Job Search” feature to identify opportunities that may be of particular interest. Visit MiTalent.org, begin an “Advanced Search”, and be sure to select the “People with disabilities” option under “Job Characteristics”.
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There are great online resources available to help you identify and target high wage, high demand careers.
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, healthcare and construction.
Also, the Michigan Career and Education Pathfinder site allows you 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.
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