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LEO | Career Connect Newsletter: November 2020

Michigan Business Network
November 26, 2020 6:00 PM

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November 2020

 
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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.

 


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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.

 
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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!

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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.


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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.

 
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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.

 
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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!

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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).

 
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Deadline approaching for Futures for Frontliners scholarship program

Through the Futures for Frontliners scholarship program, more than 80,000 Michiganders have taken a step forward toward learning new skills by applying for free tuition to attend community college on their path to high-demand, higher-wage careers.

Futures for Frontliners provides increased opportunity for essential workers to earn a postsecondary credential, even if they need to first pursue high school completion, on their way to opportunities for better jobs and bigger paychecks.

Futures for Frontliners is one of the state’s Sixty by 30 efforts aimed at closing the skills gap to address talent shortages, increase opportunity and make Michigan more competitive for inclusive economic growth.

To take advantage of the Futures for Frontliners program, essential workers are encouraged to apply by Dec. 31. Visit the Futures for Frontliners website to apply and learn more about the program.


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Find your next job today!

If you’re looking for your next, new or second job, there’s no better place to start than Pure Michigan Talent Connect.

There are currently more than 65,000 jobs available on Pure Michigan Talent Connect, the state’s free jobs portal. Begin your search by visiting MiTalent.org and creating your job-seeker profile. Search for full-time, part-time or temporary jobs. 

The website also provides job seekers with free access to career exploration tools and many other helpful resources.

Michigan employers are looking to hire. Find those opportunities on Pure Michigan Talent Connect.

 
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Expanded career services available to Michigan's veterans

As the state celebrates National Veterans and Military Families Month in November, the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) continues to expand and enhance the services it provides to support veteran career seekers and Michigan businesses.

LEO has an advanced job search option on MiTalent.org that allows veteran job seekers the ability to conduct a custom search for veteran-focused job listings. Pure Michigan Talent Connect is the state’s labor exchange platform that connects job seekers and employers and is free to use.

LEO has launched a new online tool – the Michigan GI Bill® search engine – which allows veterans and eligible dependents to search for training and educational opportunities approved for G.I. Bill® benefits. The web portal can be found at https://app.wda.state.mi.us/SAASearch.

Veterans' Employment Services (VES) provides a host of intensive career services to eligible veterans and spouses who are unable to obtain employment through the core services provided by Michigan Works! Service Centers.

The VES team includes Veterans’ Career Advisors who work directly with veterans and eligible persons with significant barriers to employment. Comprehensive assessment interviews, career guidance services and staff-assisted job search activities are among the individualized services offered.

Michigan Works! Service Centers support veterans seeking employment, including resume assistance, mock interviewing, writing effective cover letters and resumes, and exclusive workshops to assist with employment searches. Eligible veterans and spouses can also receive Priority of Service in obtaining employment and training services at Michigan Works! agencies. Contact the nearest Michigan Works! Service Center by calling 800-285-WORKS (9675), or visit MichiganWorks.org.

Veterans looking for information concerning education, healthcare, benefits or quality of life programs should visit the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency’s website, MichiganVeterans.com.

More information about Veterans’ Employment Services can be found at Michigan.gov/VES.


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Check out the “Back To Michigan” virtual job fair series

Back To Michigan, a series of eight virtual job fairs, will be hosted by community partners throughout the state in November.

During each of the events – which are free to attend – job seekers can talk one-on-one with recruiters from organizations with immediate talent needs, and community ambassadors will be on hand to assist job seekers who may be considering a move back to Michigan.

These virtual events are targeted to people living outside of Michigan, those who recently relocated, or those who are local and seeking employment. The events are free to participate, but advance registration is required. To see the list of events and to register, visit BackToMichigan.com.

 
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Employers are looking for you at the upcoming virtual job fairs!

Many Michigan employers with immediate hiring needs are using virtual jobs fairs to find new candidates. And those online events are easy and free to participate using a laptop, tablet or smart phone!

A current and growing list of virtual job fairs can be found on the Career Events Calendar on Pure Michigan Talent Connect. The site allows you to search for events by date and location.

If you’d like some help preparing for a virtual job fair or updating your resume, great resources are available on the state’s Skills to Work digital hub.

 
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Discover Apprenticeship in Michigan

Would you be interested in a career path that allows you to EARN while you LEARN? If so, a Registered Apprenticeship might be a great option for you!

Registered Apprenticeships are industry-driven, high-quality career training programs in which employers develop and prepare Michigan’s future workforce. Apprentices get paid work experience, related classroom instruction and a national industry-recognized credential upon program completion. Apprentices avoid costly tuition debt and get a paycheck from day one while they build the right skills in a new career.

Michigan is a national leader when it comes to Registered Apprenticeship. The state ranks third nationally in active apprentices (21,075), fourth in active programs (1,096) and ninth in new apprentices (6,335). To highlight the vital role Registered Apprenticeships plays in supporting our state’s economy, Governor Gretchen Whitmer proclaimed Nov. 8-14 as Michigan Apprenticeship Week.

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 www.Michigan.gov/Apprenticeship.

 
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Tomorrow's Talent Series: Virtual job shadowing videos

Want a behind-the-scenes look at some of the most in-demand jobs in fields like manufacturing, business, health sciences, and more? Check out Tomorrow's Talent!

Provided by Michigan Tech University’s Center for Educational Outreach, Tomorrow's Talent is a web series of virtual job shadowing videos that show you what these high-skill, high-wage careers are really like. Then join them for live virtual Q&A sessions with experts in the field to learn more. Visit Tomorrow's Talent website today!

Also be sure to check out Going-PRO.com for statewide opportunities and career features. 

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If You Need Health Insurance Coverage in Michigan, Help is Here

Looking for a new job can be stressful, but when you need new health insurance at the same time, it can be overwhelming.

Sometimes people hesitate to apply when they consider all the questions that have to be answered:  How do you know if you qualify for Medicaid, or should you search on the open market? Which plan is the most cost effective? How do you choose the right plan for you or your family? The process can be so intimidating that many people put off the decision, leaving their families at risk.

To help you navigate this process and get covered, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) offers a helping hand. Begin by visiting Michigan’s Health Insurance information website to determine whether Medicaid or low-cost insurance through the Health Insurance Marketplace is available to you and your family.

If you prefer, direct help is available from one of many expert navigators around the state. And, Michigan Enrolls can walk you through your options and make sure you get the best plan for you and your family.

Today’s COVID-19 pandemic makes it more important than ever to get covered, and MDHHS is prepared to guide you along the way.

 
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Celebrating 100 years of vocational rehabilitation

The year 2020 has brought with it many challenges, but several bright spots have given us a chance to celebrate milestones and successes. This year marks the 100-year anniversary of the first federally funded vocational rehabilitation program to help individuals with disabilities.

This anniversary, touted as VR100, is focused on celebrating a century of success. Michigan has played a pivotal role in the past 100 years of vocational rehabilitation, focused today on the efforts of the Bureau of Services for Blind Persons (BSBP) and Michigan Rehabilitation Services (MRS) within the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity’s Office of Employment and Training.

BSBP started the first half of the 20th century with limited services for individuals who were blind or vision impaired. Since that time significant progress has been made to provide services and resources to these individuals as they strive to meet their personal and professional goals.

The BSBP Training Center in Kalamazoo focuses on workplace readiness and independent living skills, BSBP field offices work with customers and businesses to tackle career goals and pathways, the Business Enterprise Program offers innovative solutions for blind operators of vending and food service facilities, the Braille and Talking Book Library in Lansing provides services to individuals unable to use standard print materials across the state, and their Pre-Employment Transition Services ensure students ages 14-26 are prepared for work and postsecondary opportunities.

The work of MRS has also changed dramatically over time, always improving on their efforts to help create customized solutions that meet the needs of individuals and businesses.

MRS field offices work with residents with disabilities to achieve employment and self-sufficiency, the Michigan Career and Technical Institute in Plainwell serves as an educational center for adults with disabilities offering them career assessment services that help them explore job options, their Pre-Employment Transition Services assist students ages 14-26 in working towards competitive, integrated employment outcomes, and their Business Network Division aims to serve both client and business customers to support the hiring of qualified workers with disabilities.

These are just some of the ways BSBP and MRS have been helping Michigan residents for the past 100 years and will continue to over the next century. When President Woodrow Wilson signed the Smith-Fess Act of 1920 – also known as the Industrial Rehabilitation Act – we can only imagine how proud he, and the other leaders of that time, would be to see the impact that foundational work has had over the past 100 years.

Please enjoy this video message from Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity’s Acting Director Susan Corbin which commemorates this momentous occasion and highlights how the work of BSBP and MRS is helping the department reach its larger goals.

For more information on BSBP, please visit Michigan.gov/BSBP. For more information on MRS, please visit Michigan.gov/MRS.

 


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Michigan Business Network is an online broadcasting company that provides knowledge, news, and insights into Michigan’s businesses, industries, and economy.