Career Connect Newsletter: January 2023

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Career Connect Newsletter

January 2023

Reconnect Female Student

Tuition Free College With Michigan Reconnect

Michigan Reconnect offers Michiganders 25 years or older with a high school diploma a low-cost path to a college education.

The program pays the remaining balance of in-district tuition and mandatory fees after other state and federal financial aid have been applied. Students who attend out of-district community colleges will receive a large tuition discount. 

If you’ve been thinking about starting or returning to college to prepare for a secure and rewarding career, now’s the time. Go to Michigan.gov/Reconnect for more information. 


Explore Vocational Rehabilitation Services

Did you know you can receive personalized vocational rehabilitation services to help you meeting your employment goals through the Bureau of Services for Blind Persons (BSBP) and Michigan Rehabilitation Services (MRS)?

You can also opt-in to receive important information from BSBP and MRS when you create an account on Pure Michigan Talent Connect (MiTalent.org).

Persons with disabilities can also use the Pure Michigan Talent Connect Advanced Job Search feature to identify opportunities that interest you.

Visit MiTalent.org, begin an Advanced Search, and be sure to select the People with Disabilities option under Job Characteristics.

Braille literacy Month graphic

January is Braille Literacy Month

Braille Literacy Month is celebrated each January to recognize the braille reading system’s impact on individuals who are blind or visually impaired and to call attention to the invaluable services and resources that enable Michiganders to learn and enhance their reading skills. 

The Braille system helps individuals who are blind or visually impaired in the workplace and classroom and assists with helping them learn about grammar, spelling and punctuation.

The Bureau of Services for Blind Persons, housed within the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity’s Office of Employment and Training, facilitates various braille services and resources in the state. They also offer courses on braille through their Training Center in Kalamazoo. 

Michigan’s Braille and Talking Book Library (BTBL) offers audio and braille books to individuals who are unable to use standard print materials. A part of the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled, the BTBL and its network of Advisory and Outreach Centers serves people with visual and physical disabilities by offering access to more than 23,000 braille and 115,000 audio book titles - right to your door. 

For more information on the BSBP Training Center, visit Michigan.gov/BSBP. To contact the Braille and Talking Book Library, visit Michigan.gov/BTBL.


Seasonal park workers

Work in the Great Michigan Outdoors This Summer

Know someone who might be looking for work this summer? The Michigan Department of Natural Resources has seasonal park worker positions at Michigan state parks for the spring and summer seasons.

These are great positions for college students, retirees or those that love to work in the outdoors. Positions start at $15 per hour. The department is also hiring seasonal park rangers! Learn more at Michigan.gov/DNRJobs.

Employees wanted

Looking for a Job? Join LEO's Team!

The Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) is actively hiring for several positions – these are jobs that support Michiganders!

Current opportunities include Departmental and Financial Analysts, Employment Services Interviewer, Industrial Hygienist, Rehabilitation Counselors and more!

If you're passionate about supporting our state's residents and businesses, explore State of Michigan job openings today!

MiREACH graphic

Thanks to MiREACH, a Great Healthcare Career Is Now Within Your Reach

Michigan Rural Enhanced Access to Careers in Healthcare (MiREACH) provides free on-ramps to healthcare careers.

Through support provided by MiREACH, you can receive the education and training needed to get started in a rewarding, in-demand healthcare career.

You’ll also receive on-the-job experience, and you may also be eligible for various wraparound supports such as transportation and childcare assistance.

Perhaps just as importantly, MiREACH offers the opportunity to make a positive, meaningful impact in our community.

Interested in earning a paycheck in a career with great advancement opportunities? Go to Michigan.gov/MiREACH.

Michigan Works! logo

Ready for a New Job This Year? Michigan Works! Can Help!

Did you know you can receive support with your job hunt at your local Michigan Works! Service Center?

Local service centers offer a variety of resources including resume assistance, interview coaching, job search guidance, training opportunities, and much more.

Representatives at your local service center can also enroll you in any support programs you may qualify for.

Find your local Michigan Works! Service Center, a proud partner of the American Job Center, at MichiganWorks.org or by calling 1-800-285-WORKS.

piggy bank

Savings Tips For the New Year

Spend a little more than planned over the holidays? The Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services put together a resource on developing a savings and spending plan to get your budget in place this year. 

A couple of best practices to keep in mind are:

  • Spend less than your income
  • Take control of how you spend your money
  • Build an emergency fund to cover at least three months of living expenses 

Go to their website for the full list and for information about how to manage your bills if you find yourself in debt. 

Pure Michigan Talent Connect Career Events Calendar

Virtual & In-Person Job Fairs: Approved work search activities

Did you know participating in a virtual job fair can serve as an approved work search activity for unemployment benefits claimants?

A schedule of upcoming virtual and in-person job fairs is available on the Pure Michigan Talent Connect Career Events Calendar. Among the upcoming events:

West Michigan Virtual Job Fair
Jan. 18, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Customer Appreciation/Quality Dairy Hiring Event (in-person event) 
Jan. 18, 8 a.m. – 3 p.m.
7120 Lansing Rd, Dimondale, MI 48821

First Class Healthcare Staffing Job Fair (in-person event)
Jan. 19, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
GLB Michigan Works! - Saginaw Service Center 
312 E Genesee Ave, Saginaw, MI 48607

Kelly Services Employer of the Day (in-person event)
Jan. 23, 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Capital Area Michigan Works! 
2110 S Cedar St, Lansing, MI 48910

Be sure to check MiTalent.org often for the latest job and career events.