Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) this week released their 2024 Employment and Training Annual Report, which shows how workforce programs across the state, like Michigan Works! Berrien, Cass, Van Buren, are supporting business growth, strengthening communities, and helping attract and keep talent to fill in-demand jobs.
While the report is comprehensive and includes the full Michigan Works! network and other partners that offer support and services to individuals and businesses across the state, collectively they have served more than 346,000 individuals and 7,928 Michigan businesses in 2024.
“Now, more than ever, our workforce development services are meeting the needs of employers of every size and sector in our region and across the state,” said Paul Kirk, Vice President of Workforce at Michigan Works! Berrien, Cass, Van Buren. “It’s no secret that Michigan’s population continues to shrink, our workforce is aging, and people are leaving Michigan. We know first-hand that focusing on education, training, apprenticeships, credentialing, and automation is helping to reverse these trends.”
On a local level, Michigan Works! Berrien, Cass, Van Buren is focused on serving local employers by supporting their workforce through barrier removal, education, and training. The Michigan Works! business solutions team served over 350 employers across the tri-county area in 2024. With the growing need to create more masters of every trade, the team secured $6.8M to help 891 individuals who have chosen an apprenticeship to advance their careers. In addition, they secured $4.6M in Going PRO funds to help 69 employers train 2,492 new workers, incumbent workers, and 430 apprentices.
A skilled workforce is the number one ingredient for growth, fueling companies with the talent they need to innovate, compete, and thrive. Michigan Works! Berrien, Cass, Van Buren served over 33,000 job seekers in 2024 with various career services, including apprenticeship enrollment, employment, training, education, career planning, and removing barriers to employment.
Michigan Works! is focused on connecting individuals of all ages to education and training to meet the needs of employers. To read the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity’s full 2024 Employment and Training Annual report, visit their website.
