QUESTION: How did CAMW! services for employers change in 2021? 

 

TERI’S ANSWER: Our services for employers in 2021 looked very much like they did in 2020. We had to use virtual means, like phones, email, internet meeting platforms, etc., for communication. In-person recruiting events were replaced with virtual job fairs and telephone interviews. The services we provide did not actually change – only the methods through which we provide them. Daily, we assisted employers with their recruiting strategies. We did notice in 2021, however, an increase in hiring managers’ willingness to stretch outside their comfort zones by expanding and updating their recruiting efforts and methods. It was the first time in a long time that many companies actually had to seek out candidates. 

 

ERIN’S ANSWER: To continue with Teri’s thought, that extension appears to be a necessary permanent shift from the old methods of “posting and praying” to entering the world of learning how to market positions, leverage social media, and utilize current employees as brand ambassadors and message amplifiers. For most of our businesses, this has required a new set of skills. We have done our best this year at assisting customers in entering that new world by providing best practices gleaned from those who have done it successfully, encouragement to foster creative thinking and support to try those new ideas – as well as sharing those open positions throughout our American Jobs Centers and partners in the greater Lansing area. 

 

QUESTION: Tell me a bit about the Going PRO Talent Fund in 2021. 

 

ANSWER: The Going PRO Talent Fund is a competitive application process through which private sector companies can potentially be reimbursed for some training costs. The Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity – Workforce Development makes awards to employers to assist in training, developing, and retaining current and newly hired employees through Michigan’s workforce system, including CAMW!. Through Talent Fund, our BST assisted 58 companies that received a total of $2.25 million to train 1,763 workers, including 65 first-year U.S Department of Labor registered apprentices and 619 new hires. Our workforce is only as strong as the people who comprise it. That’s why investing in individuals – whether that’s new hires or current employees – is imperative to creating a strong workforce. These awards supported employers’ ability to provide valuable training to invest in the future success of their organizations. 

 

QUESTION: Is there anything you’d like to say to the business community as the year comes to an end? 

 

TERI’S ANSWER: The Business Services Team at Capital Area Michigan Works! is not a staffing agency, and there are no fees for our services. We can assist local employers from all industries with their recruiting. Our greatest number of services are available for local companies that have current openings for full-time permanent workers with a starting wage at least $15/hour. In addition to recruiting assistance, we also serve as employers’ connection to some sources of funding to train their workers. 

 

ERIN’S ANSWER: I would also like to say, “well done.” I think far too often we move on from one challenge to the next challenge without stopping to recognize just what we have accomplished. This year presented new and complex challenges. It required creative thinking and perseverance which resulted in long, long hours to meet those challenges. I am proud of the way our businesses continued to put efforts into adapting to these new ways of doing business, as well as the support, protection, and encouragement they provided their workforce in the midst of the storm. I hope there will be some well-earned rest over the holidays and we at Capital Area Michigan Works! will continue to be here in this coming year to help you with your recruiting, hiring, and retention needs in 2022.