Find and Train Employees

Finding, hiring and training employees can be a costly and time consuming process. Here are some great local resources to help you make the most of your employee recruitment and development efforts:

Pure Michigan Talent Connect

Pure Michigan Talent Connect – a collaborative effort of the State of Michigan’s Workforce Development Agency (WDA) and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) – is your launch pad for new jobs, careers and talent. It is an online marketplace connecting Michigan’s job seekers and employers, and serves as a central hub linking all public and private stakeholders who support Michigan’s workforce. Pure Michigan Talent Connect serves as the state’s labor exchange system. Click here.

Regional Newspapers

Antrim Review – 231-533-5651 Cheboygan Daily Tribune – 231-627-7144 Petoskey News Review – 231-347-2544

Michigan Works!

Michigan Works! is the first unified workforce development system in the country and an instrumental partner for developing Michigan’s economic future. Michigan Works! Agencies and Service Centers comprise the Michigan Works! System. Each is a multifaceted organization that focuses on innovative, proactive solutions to meet the demands of a rapidly changing economy, and is responsible for the development and oversight of workforce development programs in their area including assistance for job seekers, youth and human resource interests, as well as learning labs and general business help. MiWorks! Centers servicing the NLEA region include: Alpena – Alpena Michigan Works! Service Center – 989-356-3339 Petoskey- Northwest Michigan Works! Service Center – 231-347-5150 Traverse City – Traverse City Michigan Works! Service Center – 800-442-1074

On-the-Job Training Program

Matching employer needs with worker training needs As a long-standing program of Northwest Michigan Works!, On-the-Job Training (OJT) has proven to be effective for job training, placement and employee retention by matching business needs with worker capabilities. Benefits Placing OJT workers is entirely based on business needs, resulting in reduced hiring costs and fast placement. In addition, the program provides a high probability of job retention, further reducing training costs.

• Thorough review of past work experience – Ensures participants are valuable assets to companies
• Employment history assessment – Identifies individual skill level proficiencies and aptitudes
• Match transferable skills with employer needs – Reduces training costs and time

For more information about this program, contact your local MiWorks! office.

National Career Readiness Certificate

Keeping employers competitive, preparing employees for success The National Career Readiness Certificate (NCRC) is the foremost assessment for measuring employee skills for on-the-job success. Benefits As a reliable method for identifying essential skills for workplace success, the NCRC assessments include the following skill areas, which measure “real world” workplace abilities.

• Reading for Information — Measures the ability to read and use written text in order to perform job duties, from memos and letters to directions and signs
• Applied Mathematics — Tests the ability to apply mathematical reasoning, critical thinking, and problem-solving techniques in the workplace
• Locating Information — Assesses skills to locate, summarize and use information such as charts, forms, diagrams, maps and gauges

For more information about this program, contact your local MiWorks! office.

Incumbent Worker Training

Increasing employee education, enhancing business growth Incumbent Worker Training increases existing employee (incumbent worker) skills, while helping businesses avoid layoffs. Through our local workforce development system, it creates highly productive employees, while increasing job retention and business growth in our communities. Benefits Incumbent worker training provides funding to established businesses in Northwest Michigan so they can offer skills training to current workers. By improving the education of the current workforce, this program increases productivity. In addition, it optimizes the regional and fiscal wellbeing of businesses so they can remain globally competitive. For more information about this program, contact your local MiWorks! office.

Welding Instruction, basic-through-intermediate

The Industrial Arts Institute, IAI, in Onaway, Michigan hosted an open house recently for the community and interested citizens to get an up-close look at the new facility located in Onaway, 20902 Washington Street.  IAI is accepting applications for its first 15-week semester, beginning August 2014.  The program offers basic-through-intermediate welding instruction in the classroom and in the welding lab facility. The program also offers instruction in blueprint reading, career enhancement, personal development and critical thinking techniques. At the end of each session a talent expo will showcase student projects to industry leaders looking for employees. Interested persons can apply online at www.iaiworks.com or by picking up an application at the office. There is a $45 registration fee. Applicants are required to personally interview for acceptance. Check out this exciting video produced for the Industrial Arts Institute! https://www.facebook.com/iaiworks/posts/798750470143243