Career Readiness Partners in West Michigan

Working Together

Partners across West Michigan are working together to ensure students and emerging talent are prepared for the careers of today and tomorrow. Employers, educators, workforce organizations, and community leaders collaborate to align classroom learning with real-world opportunities—creating pathways that connect students to in-demand industries through career exploration, work-based learning, internships, and mentorship. These partnerships strengthen the region’s talent pipeline by helping young people build the skills, confidence, and connections needed to succeed, while ensuring employers can shape and grow the future workforce that will power West Michigan’s economy.

Cornerstone University

Goodwill Industries of Greater Grand Rapids – Services available to out-of-school youth ages 16-24.

Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce Career Pathways – Launched in January 2026, Career Pathways expands access to career exploration, employer engagement and workforce readiness resources designed to help students align their education with high-demand careers in West Michigan.

Grand Rapids Promise Zone – Free higher education for all eligible Grand Rapids students who enroll at Grand Rapids Community College.

Lakeshore Advantage Next Gen Talent Council – Lakeshore Advantage launched this initiative to connect early-career professionals (ages 20–35) with real opportunities to influence the region’s future.

Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity – The State of Michigan encourages employers to invest in young talent because it’s good for business and the economy.

Michigan Manufacturing Association – Manufacturers and pro-manufacturing organizations are working to drive up interest in manufacturing careers and improve the future outlook for the industry, local communities and individual businesses like yours. 

Praeco Skills – Provides employers with tools and customized training solutions for different industries to solve the talent shortage.

The Right Place – The Right Place works closely with our strategic partner, Hello West Michigan, to make it easy for area companies to connect with top talent. 

West Michigan Works! – Their youth services can help people complete a high school degree or GED, pursue in-demand training and gain work experience to prepare them for a satisfying career.

Local intermediate school districts – work-based learning contacts –