Veterans get priority of service

Veterans with at least one day of active military service and their spouses may be eligible to receive Priority of Service. That’s just one way Michigan is working to serve veterans.

If you’re a veteran – or the spouse of one – who is looking for a job, you may be eligible for Priority of Service, too! Let the staff at your local Michigan Works! Service Center know or go to Michigan.gov/VES to learn more.

January is Braille Literacy Month!

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, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has proclaimed January as Braille Literacy Month in Michigan.

The Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity’s Bureau of Services for Blind Persons facilitates various braille services and resources for Michiganders throughout the state. Their Training Center offers courses on braille that are designed to prepare students with the fundamentals of this reading/writing system. Courses are offered in-person and virtually.

Learn more about other services they offer at Michigan.gov/BSBP. 

Explore resources to help individuals with disabilities

Michigan Rehabilitation Services (MRS) provides vocational rehabilitation services for eligible individuals with disabilities that are customized to fit their unique strengths, resources, priorities, concerns, abilities, capabilities and interests.

Learn more about the services they offer at Michigan.gov/MRS.

Learn how to apply for UIA benefits during coaching sessions

Workers applying for jobless benefits for the first time can get online guidance from trained instructors with the Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA) who will walk users through the steps they need to follow to qualify for payments.

Virtual sessions are available mornings and afternoons, Tuesday through Friday, and led by trained UIA instructors.

Learn more or sign up for a session here. 

Connect with verified employers on MiTalent.org

Head to MiTalent.org to search for job openings by your title, your desired location or experience level. Plus, you can filter jobs by salary or hourly pay range!

You’ll also find upcoming virtual and in-person career events and resources to help you find your next opportunity.

Or, create a FREE job seeker account to access even more resources! 

Don’t wait – go to MiTalent.org now to get started.

College Credit for Apprenticeship Initiative will allow apprentices to earn college credit through skilled trades programs

The Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) launched a new initiative to award college credit to residents who complete building trades Registered Apprenticeship programs. LEO, the state’s skilled trades unions, the Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential and the Michigan Community College Association will work together to build statewide accreditation agreements between the trades and community colleges to award college credit for registered apprenticeship training.

The College Credit for Apprenticeship initiative will allow apprentices to earn college credit for the rigorous, hands-on training they complete through their skilled trade programs statewide. These credits can then be applied toward an associate degree or technical certificate, helping apprentices continue their education, expand their career opportunities and increase their earning potential.

This effort builds on existing local agreements between community colleges and trade unions that award credit for prior learning to ensure this opportunity is available to trades workers across the state. Learn more about the initiative here.

Explore in-demand careers in your area

Available from the Michigan Department of Technology, Management & Budget, the 10 regional career outlook publications highlight top high-demand occupations by education and training levels and provide valuable insights into the most in-demand careers across the state through 2032.

Each region’s outlook reflects its unique economic landscape and workforce needs, providing tailored guidance for students, jobseekers, educators and workforce development professionals.

View the regional career outlooks and explore the dashboard at Michigan.gov/MCDA.

Join the LEO team!

Come join our 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 a Student Assistant, Trades Instructors, Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors, Workplace Safety Representatives, Youth Specialists and more!

In addition to the numerous benefits and incentives available to State employees, LEO offers challenging and rewarding work, community service, professional development opportunities, job stability, and a competitive salary to its employees.

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

Virtual & In-person job fairs: approved Work Search activity

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 job fairs is available on the Pure Michigan Talent Connect Career Events Calendar. Among the upcoming events:

Bandit Industries Hiring Event (in-person event)
Jan. 28, 2–5 p.m.
Bandit Industries Remus Campus – 6750 W Millbrook Rd, Remus, MI 49340

Dean Transportation Open Interviews (in-person event)
Jan. 29, 9:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Marysville Dean Transportation – 1520 Busha Hwy, Marysville, MI 48040
Cedar Spring Dean Transportation – 204 E Muskegon St, Cedar Springs, MI 49319

Home Well Care Services Open Interviews (in-person event)
Feb. 2, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Saginaw Service Center – 312 E Genesee Ave, Saginaw, MI 48607

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

Get in-person support with your job search at Michigan Works!

Whether you’re a first-time job seeker, switching careers, looking to gain new skills to advance in your career, a veteran or a justice-involved individual, Michigan Works! can help you find what you’re looking for — their job is to find you the best job! Michigan Works! offers a wide range of free support services to help you get a better job with better pay — including career development coaches, help with career exploration, connections to funding for additional education, and computers, printers and high-speed internet! Schedule an in-person or virtual visit at Michigan.gov/MichiganWorks.