THEME: Capital Area Michigan Works! Business Services Manager, Teri Sand, recaps some of CAMW!’s key statistics from 2024 and available resources in 2025.

 

Question: What is the Business Services team at CAMW!, and what impact did they have on businesses in 2024? 

 

● CAMW!’s Business Services team partners with businesses when recruiting, hiring and training workers at no cost. ○ Each year, we work with more than 450 employers from all industries to fill job openings and provide other recruiting needs. ○ We aim to help employers increase job retention, increase employee training and develop recruitment strategies tailored to each business’s specific needs. ● Over the course of 2024, CAMW! served 469 businesses from across several industries including: ○ Auto Repair. ○ Business Services. ○ Childcare. ○ Communications. ○ Finance. ○ Food service. ○ Government. ○ Healthcare. ○ Insurance. ○ IT. ○ Manufacturing. ○ Nonprofit. ○ Retail. ○ Trades and Transportation. ● Across these industries, CAMW! aided in filling 1,455 jobs, which were typically full-time, permanent and paying at least $15 per hour. 

 

Question: What key recruitment and workforce development services did CAMW! provide to employers in 2024?

 

 ● In 2024, CAMW! offered a wide range of recruitment and workforce development services to support employers in finding, hiring and retaining employees. ● CAMW! assisted employers with using and navigating the mitalent.org website. ○ Mi Talent is a platform that connects employers with job seekers by displaying active job listings and upcoming networking events for businesses. ○ Throughout 2024, we showed employers how to create MI Talent accounts, post and update job ads, search for candidate profiles to find qualified candidates and how to create hiring events to attract new talent. ○ We also collaborated with employers to develop personalized hiring plans and customize their recruiting strategies. This included exploring apprenticeship programs as a long-term solution. ○ We know that each organization has different goals when it comes to recruiting. That is why we work with each employer to customize a plan that fits their needs. ■ This allows us to better connect with various candidates and fill positions that are most in need. ○ Another key strategy in recruitment plans is the option of training reimbursement opportunities to support employee development. ● IN 2024, CAMW! regularly offered networking support through different programs including Employer of the Day events, job fairs and other hiring events. ○ Employer of the Day events are held at one of our job centers, and they allow employers to meet with job seekers and discuss employment opportunities in a less formal setting. ● Furthermore, CAMW! conducted initial phone interviews on behalf of employers, helping to screen candidates and identify the best fit for their organizations more efficiently. 

 

Question: What were some other highlights CAMW! had in 2024, and how did these initiatives impact the community? 

 

● There were many amazing programs and initiatives that took place in 2024 that allowed us to connect with our current and future workforce. ● MiCareerQuest Capital Area, a career exploration event that connects students and employers through hands-on exhibits, was one event that made a huge impact on the community. ○ Over 2,000 students attended morning sessions of the event last year, and over 70 local businesses highlighted their industries through exhibits. ● We also partnered with employers across the region to host career fairs and events, including the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Job Fair, the Lansing Juneteenth Job and Community Resource Fair and many more! Teri, feel free to share programs and initiatives that stood out to you in 2024. 

 

Question: What services and resources will CAMW! continue to offer to businesses and job seekers in 2025?

 

 ● CAMW! will continue to help businesses find skilled workers, and support job seekers with training and applying to positions. ● For businesses: ○ CAMW! will help employers find the right employees by connecting them through MI Talent, Employer of the Day events and hosting job fairs and other programs like MiCareerQuest. ○ CAMW! will offer training programs to help businesses improve the skills of their workers, whether for new hires or for upskilling current staff in fields like IT, healthcare, and manufacturing. ○ CAMW! will support businesses in keeping employees by connecting them with funding for on-the-job training and other educational opportunities. ● For job seekers: ○ CAMW! will continue offering job-matching services to help people find open positions that fit their skills and experience. ■ We will also host job fairs and networking opportunities to make it easier to connect with employers. ○ CAMW! will offer personalized career coaching, resume writing workshops, interview prep, and other job readiness services to help job seekers succeed. ● To learn more about the services offered at CAMW! visit our website at camw.org or call 517-492-5536 to speak to a staff member.