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DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260310T080000
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UID:10000042-1773129600-1773151200@talentfirst.net
SUMMARY:Career Readiness Conference 2026
DESCRIPTION:Join us for the annual Career Readiness Conference—Building Michigan’s Future Workforce\, brought to you by Discover Manufacturing\, Grand Valley State University\, TalentFirst\, and The Right Place | Manufacturers Council. This free\, one-of-a-kind event bringing K–12 and postsecondary educators\, employers\, and workforce leaders together to connect\, collaborate\, and shape the future of West Michigan’s talent pipeline. \n\nWHEN:                March 10\, 2026 | 8:00 AM–2:00 PM\nWHERE:             GVSU Allendale Campus\nCOST:                   FREE\n\nBring K–12/postsecondary educators\, employers\, and workforce leaders together to connect\, collaborate\, and accelerate West Michigan’s talent pipeline. \nWhy this conference matters \nThis is where education and industry convene to collaborate—to swap insights\, share what works\, and build real pathways so students are ready for what’s next. \n\nEducators will: Get a clear view of the skills employers value most and take home practical strategies to help students explore careers\, apply learning\, and build confidence\nEmployers will: See how to shape your future workforce through school partnerships and design experiences that spark interest\, develop job-ready skills\, and strengthen the next generation of talent\n\nWhat you’ll do \n\nIndustry deep dives on workforce supply and demand: Candid briefings on supply/demand in Healthcare\, IT\, Agribusiness\, Manufacturing\, and Construction—plus concrete steps to close education-to-industry gaps.\nEngaging breakouts: Real playbooks from educators and employers on work-based learning\, classroom-to-career alignment\, and scalable partnership models.\nNetwork with purpose: Build connections with the people actively shaping our region’s talent.\nProfessional Learning Credit: Earn SHRM continuing education credits and SCECH hours.\n\nWho should attend \nEducators\, employers\, industry professionals\, and workforce leaders ready to move from talk to action and strengthen West Michigan’s talent pipeline. \n👉 [REGISTER HERE] \nThis year’s conference is made possible with support from: Allegan Area ISD\, Kent ISD\, MiSTEM Network Greater West Michigan\, Michigan Works! West Central\, Muskegon Area ISD\, Ottawa Area ISD\, The Right Place | Manufacturers Council\, and West Michigan Works!. \nCan’t make it? Please share with a colleague who would benefit. \nQuestions? Contact Lisa Hungerford at l.hungerford@talentfirst.net.
URL:https://talentfirst.net/event/career-readiness-conference-2026/
LOCATION:GVSU Allendale Campus\, 1110 Kirkhof Center\, Allendale\, MI\, 49401\, United States
CATEGORIES:General
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://talentfirst.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Career-Readiness-Conference_2023-05-02-160319_rsgc_4e57d52f89dc62001fa3deff5aab68af.png
ORGANIZER;CN="Lisa Hungerford":MAILTO:l.hungerford@talentfirst.net
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260310T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260310T140000
DTSTAMP:20260421T044052
CREATED:20251105T130526Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260205T172920Z
UID:10000044-1773129600-1773151200@talentfirst.net
SUMMARY:2026 Career Readiness Conference
DESCRIPTION:Join us for the eighth annual Career Readiness Conference—Building Michigan’s Future Workforce\, brought to you by TalentFirst\, The Right Place | Manufacturers Council and Discover Manufacturing. \nThis free\, one-of-a-kind event brings K–12 and postsecondary educators\, employers\, and workforce leaders together to connect\, collaborate\, and shape the future of West Michigan’s talent pipeline. \n\nWHEN:       March 10\, 2026 | 8:00 AM–2:00 PM\nWHERE:      GVSU Allendale Campus\nCOST:        FREE\n\nWho should attend \nEducators\, employers\, industry professionals\, and workforce leaders ready to move from talk to action and strengthen West Michigan’s talent pipeline. – Bring your team to maximize collaboration and impact-sharing opportunities. \nWhy this conference matters \nThis is where education and industry convene to collaborate—to swap insights\, share what works\, and build real pathways so students are ready for what’s next. \n\nEducators will: Get a clear view of the skills employers value most and take home practical strategies to help students explore careers\, apply learning\, and build confidence\nEmployers will: See how to shape your future workforce through school partnerships and design experiences that spark interest\, develop job-ready skills\, and strengthen the next generation of talent\n\nWhat you’ll do \n\nWorkforce data deep dives: Candid briefings on talent supply/demand in Healthcare\, IT\, Agribusiness\, Manufacturing\, and Construction—plus concrete steps to close education-to-industry gaps.\nEngaging breakouts: Real playbooks from educators and employers on work-based learning\, apprenticeships\, classroom-to-career alignment\, and scalable partnership models.\nPurposeful networking: Build connections with the people actively shaping our region’s talent.\nEarn Professional Learning Credits: Earn SHRM credits and SCECH hours.\n\nThis year’s conference is made possible with support from: Allegan Area ISD\, Kent ISD\, MiSTEM Network Greater West Michigan\, Michigan Works! West Central\, Muskegon Area ISD\, Ottawa Area ISD\, Grand Valley State University\, and West Michigan Works!. \nCan’t make it? Please share with a colleague who would benefit. \nQuestions? Contact Lisa Hungerford at l.hungerford@talentfirst.net.
URL:https://talentfirst.net/event/2026-career-readiness-conference/
LOCATION:GVSU Allendale Campus\, 1110 Kirkhof Center\, Allendale\, MI\, 49401\, United States
CATEGORIES:General
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://talentfirst.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Screenshot-2025-11-06-at-9.39.33-AM.png
ORGANIZER;CN="Lisa Hungerford":MAILTO:l.hungerford@talentfirst.net
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260304T093000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260304T113000
DTSTAMP:20260421T044052
CREATED:20260106T192302Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260123T125114Z
UID:10000046-1772616600-1772623800@talentfirst.net
SUMMARY:Second Chance Hiring Network Meeting
DESCRIPTION:The Second Chance Hiring Network Meeting is designed for employers who want to move beyond intention and into practical\, sustainable second chance hiring and retention practices. \nOn Wednesday\, March 4\, 2026\, TalentFirst and Calvin University\, along with host Cascade Engineering\, are convening employers from across West Michigan to focus on what it truly takes to hire and retain formerly incarcerated individuals—honestly\, effectively\, and at scale. \nThis meeting is part of a community of practice where employers learn from one another\, surface real-world challenges\, test ideas\, and hold each other accountable for progress. \nWhy Employers Attend \nEmployers engaged in second chance hiring often face similar questions—regardless of industry or size. This meeting is built to help you: \n\nLearn directly from employers who are doing this work\nHear candid stories about real barriers\nShare your own practices\, wins\, and challenges with peers\nLeave with at least one solution to test and new connections to support your next step\n\nWhat to Expect \n\nSmall-group peer discussions to surface what’s working and where employers are getting stuck\nFacilitated debrief and networking focused on action\, accountability\, and follow-through\nAn employer panel featuring leaders who have implemented second chance hiring in West Michigan—and are willing to talk openly about lessons learned and missteps. Panelists include:\n\n \nThis is not a presentation or a one-way training. It’s a practical convening designed to help employers make real progress—together. \nEvent Details \nSecond Chance Hiring Network Meeting\n📍 Cascade Engineering\n📅 Wednesday\, March 4\, 2026\n⏰ 9:30–11:30 AM\n👥 Audience: Employers across West Michigan exploring\, doing\, or expanding second chance hiring \nWhether you are new to second chance hiring\, actively hiring returning citizens\, or looking to strengthen retention and internal alignment\, this convening is designed to meet you where you are—and help you move forward. \nQuestions?\nContact Carly Smyly at c.smyly@talentfirst.net.
URL:https://talentfirst.net/event/second-chance-hiring-network-meeting/
LOCATION:Cascade Engineering | Ron Jimmerson Plant & Training Center\, 5050 33rd Street\, Grand Rapids\, 49512\, United States
CATEGORIES:General
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://talentfirst.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Event-Featured-Image-1.png
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20250916T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20250916T140000
DTSTAMP:20260421T044052
CREATED:20250730T171111Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251105T133343Z
UID:10000041-1758024000-1758031200@talentfirst.net
SUMMARY:From Disruption to Opportunity: AI and the Future of Work
DESCRIPTION:AI is transforming the nature of work — not just on a global scale\, but right here in West Michigan. From advanced manufacturing to healthcare\, financial services to logistics\, artificial intelligence is simultaneously disrupting traditional roles and unlocking new potential across the region. \nThis lunch session explores AI as both a challenge and a catalyst for workforce transformation. Drawing on national research and local labor market insights\, we’ll examine how AI is: \n\nCreating new job categories\, especially in AI-adjacent fields like automation maintenance\, logistics tech\, and digital customer service.\nAccelerating demand for human-centered skills such as adaptability\, empathy\, and critical thinking — now increasingly prioritized in regional job postings.\nReshaping access to jobs and career mobility\, with West Michigan seeing rising demand for “skills-first” hiring over traditional degree requirements.\n\nYou’ll learn how AI is reshaping West Michigan’s workforce\, the need to redesign job descriptions around skills\, the impact of AI-powered tools for career navigation\, and inclusive\, future-ready talent strategies that balance innovation with equity. \nGrounded in real-time data and built for action\, this session offers clear strategies that employers\, educators\, and community leaders can implement now to prepare for — and shape — the future of work. \nAI won’t replace people — but people who use AI will replace those who don’t. Learn how to be on the right side of that shift. \nWho’s It For?\nThis session is designed for anyone shaping the future of work in West Michigan. Whether you’re an employer navigating rapid talent shifts\, an educator preparing learners for AI-driven careers\, a workforce leader focused on upskilling and equity\, or a tech innovator building tools that connect people to opportunity — this session is for you. Ideal for: \n\nEmployers & HR professionals\nWorkforce development & education providers\nTech and innovation leaders\nCareer navigators & community-based organizations\nPolicymakers & economic mobility advocates\n\nWhat to Expect\nA data-rich\, forward-looking session exploring how AI is transforming jobs\, skills\, and career pathways in West Michigan — and what we can do about it. Featuring real labor market trends and a panel of local leaders in tech and workforce innovation who are building or deploying AI solutions in the workplace. The agenda includes: \n\nThe Case for AI as a Double-Edged Sword: a data-driven exploration of AI’s dual impacts on the workforce\nPanel Discussion: Building the Future of Work with AI\nStrategic Solutions: practical guidance on aligning workforce strategies with the demands of the AI era\n\nPlus — enjoy a complimentary networking lunch to connect with peers\, share insights\, and explore collaboration opportunities before the panel discussion begins.
URL:https://talentfirst.net/event/ai-and-the-future-of-work/
LOCATION:Warner Norcross + Judd\, 150 Ottawa Ave NW Suite 1500\, Grand Rapids\, MI\, 49503\, United States
CATEGORIES:General
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://talentfirst.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/W4A6165-resized.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Carly Smyly":MAILTO:c.smyly@talentfirst.net
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20250522T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20250522T100000
DTSTAMP:20260421T044052
CREATED:20250429T163527Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250429T163659Z
UID:10000035-1747904400-1747908000@talentfirst.net
SUMMARY:Introducing MiCareerCompass: Aligning Talent with Opportunity
DESCRIPTION:Join us for a virtual introduction to MiCareerCompass — a new employer-facing platform designed to help HR leaders more effectively connect with jobseekers and streamline talent acquisition efforts in West Michigan. \nDuring this session\, you’ll learn how MiCareerCompass equips employers with real-time labor market data\, targeted outreach tools\, and strategic insights to better align open roles with qualified candidates. Discover how the platform can support your hiring goals by simplifying access to training providers\, community-based organizations\, and a broader pool of job-ready talent. \nThis is an opportunity to see how MiCareerCompass can enhance your recruitment strategy and strengthen your organization’s connection to West Michigan’s evolving workforce ecosystem. \nView our flyer for additional information.
URL:https://talentfirst.net/event/introducing-micareercompass-aligning-talent-opportunity/
LOCATION:https://talentfirst.net/event/introducing-micareercompass-aligning-talent-opportunity/
CATEGORIES:General
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://talentfirst.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Twitter_Amway.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20250515T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20250515T100000
DTSTAMP:20260421T044052
CREATED:20250408T113041Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250428T132555Z
UID:10000033-1747299600-1747303200@talentfirst.net
SUMMARY:TPM West Michigan Manufacturing Talent Alliance
DESCRIPTION:Align Your Talent Strategy to Your Business Needs \nManufacturing employers across West Michigan are facing common challenges—skills gaps\, workforce shortages\, succession planning\, and a need for more collaborative talent solutions. TalentFirst is responding with the launch of TPM West Michigan Manufacturing Talent Alliance\, an employer-led initiative designed to help manufacturers collectively tackle these challenges and build a stronger regional talent pipeline. \nCreate scalable\, sustainable talent supply chains with Talent Pipeline Management (TPM)\, a proven workforce planning method\, through which you will: \n\nDrive measurable impact: Leverage data-driven strategies to close skills gaps\, improve retention\, and reduce onboarding and training costs.\nFutureproof your talent pipeline: Be at the forefront of game-changing\, employer-led workforce solutions.\nCollaborate with peers: Partner with peers to strengthen ties with educators\, trainers\, and workforce organizations.\n\nJoin this virtual info session to learn: \n\nWhat the Manufacturing Talent Alliance is\nHow your company can participate in this first manufacturing-only cohort\nThe benefits of collaborating with regional peers to solve shared talent issues\nWhat to expect from the Alliance experience\, including time commitment and outcomes\n\nView our flyer for additional information. This opportunity is exclusive to manufacturing employers. Additional cohorts for other sectors will be offered in the future.
URL:https://talentfirst.net/event/tpm-west-michigan-may15/
LOCATION:https://talentfirst.net/event/tpm-west-michigan-may15/
CATEGORIES:General
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://talentfirst.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Info-Session-Event-Page-1.png
ORGANIZER;CN="Carly Smyly":MAILTO:c.smyly@talentfirst.net
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20250513T123000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20250513T133000
DTSTAMP:20260421T044052
CREATED:20250408T112653Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250428T132622Z
UID:10000032-1747139400-1747143000@talentfirst.net
SUMMARY:TPM West Michigan Manufacturing Talent Alliance
DESCRIPTION:Align Your Talent Strategy to Your Business Needs \nManufacturing employers across West Michigan are facing common challenges—skills gaps\, workforce shortages\, succession planning\, and a need for more collaborative talent solutions. TalentFirst is responding with the launch of TPM West Michigan Manufacturing Talent Alliance\, an employer-led initiative designed to help manufacturers collectively tackle these challenges and build a stronger regional talent pipeline. \nCreate scalable\, sustainable talent supply chains with Talent Pipeline Management (TPM)\, a proven workforce planning method\, through which you will: \n\nDrive measurable impact: Leverage data-driven strategies to close skills gaps\, improve retention\, and reduce onboarding and training costs.\nFutureproof your talent pipeline: Be at the forefront of game-changing\, employer-led workforce solutions.\nCollaborate with peers: Partner with peers to strengthen ties with educators\, trainers\, and workforce organizations.\n\nJoin this virtual info session to learn: \n\nWhat the Manufacturing Talent Alliance is\nHow your company can participate in this first manufacturing-only cohort\nThe benefits of collaborating with regional peers to solve shared talent issues\nWhat to expect from the Alliance experience\, including time commitment and outcomes\n\nView our flyer for additional information. This opportunity is exclusive to manufacturing employers. Additional cohorts for other sectors will be offered in the future.
URL:https://talentfirst.net/event/tpm-west-mi-may13/
LOCATION:https://talentfirst.net/event/tpm-west-mi-may13/
CATEGORIES:General
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://talentfirst.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Info-Session-Event-Page-1.png
ORGANIZER;CN="Carly Smyly":MAILTO:c.smyly@talentfirst.net
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20241205T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20241205T100000
DTSTAMP:20260421T044052
CREATED:20240719T162713Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241204T165811Z
UID:10000019-1733389200-1733392800@talentfirst.net
SUMMARY:Childcare Solutions for Today's Workforce
DESCRIPTION:Act now to build a more resilient\, productive workforce by addressing one of Michigan’s biggest challenges — affordable\, accessible child care. \nWith childcare shortages meeting only 31% of the need in Michigan\, the resulting strain on families and businesses alike costs the state’s economy $2.88 billion annually. To help address this urgent issue\, TalentFirst invites talent strategy leaders to join us for a solutions-focused webinar where you’ll gain actionable insights and strategies to support working families within your organization. \nOur Childcare Solutions for Today’s Workforce event draws on insights from HR leaders and community partners\, expanding on a popular members-only session to empower all employers with practical\, budget-friendly approaches. We’ll share our publicly available Employer Childcare Toolkit and other resources that make an immediate difference for working parents. \nOnline registration for this webinar has closed. Email Carly Smyly\, c.smyly@talentfirst.net\, if you’re interested in joining the December 5th webinar at 9 AM. \nLet’s take meaningful steps together toward an inclusive and sustainable solution!
URL:https://talentfirst.net/event/childcare-solutions-resources-dec5/
LOCATION:MI
CATEGORIES:General,Talent Solutions Series
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://talentfirst.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/childcare-directory-1.jpg
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