Talent Initiatives: MI Opportunity Scholarship and Michigan Reconnect
In her first State of the State address, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer called for a statewide postsecondary attainment goal of 60% – an objective much in line with a similar target in West Michigan.
West Michigan’s Occupational Outlook Through 2026
Last Thursday, the State of Michigan’s Bureau of Labor Market Information and Strategic Initiatives released their regional employment projections for all occupational categories over the 2016-2026 period. These projections are calculated every two years and give us a great opportunity to peek into the future of the regional labor market, particularly by illuminating the job […]
Workforce Development and the Use of Prior Learning Assessments
Adults in the workforce gain critical skills with varying levels of formality – on the job training, life experience, military service, professional or industry certifications. Many adults,however, still find it difficult to place a value on their experience within an economy that puts increasing emphasis on post-secondary education.
Empowering the Middle-Class Workforce
Business, government and nonprofit leaders across West Michigan have collaborated in non-political strategic community assessment and action initiatives for 20 years. Through objective data gathering and thoughtful dialogue, we have identified our strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats relative to other regions and communities. Our perceptions of how the world is changing and what we need […]
Economic Hardship Across Michigan: Perception vs. Reality
The recent Michigan Public Policy Survey (MPPS) by the Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy at the University of Michigan reveals some gaps in recognizing the scope of economic hardship faced by households across the state.
Population Growth in West Michigan Surpasses State
Each spring, the U.S. Census Bureau releases sub-state population estimates for the previous year, which contain new county-level population levels for the subsequent year, in addition to updated estimates associated with previous years. This information allows us to visualize how population growth in our region compares to the state, and even how growth can vary substantially […]
First HireReach Cohort Leads Way to Better Hiring Practices
Hiring decisions are among the most important any employer makes. Unfortunately, hiring choices can be influenced by bias and other variables unrelated to job skills.However, decision-making can be enhanced by using a disciplined process, accurate tools, and relevant data.
Reversing the ‘Brain Drain’ Is Just the Start
We have read the ominous headlines for years. Fair or not, Michigan became synonymous with Rust Belt “brain drain,” the idea that young, educated talent was leaving the state faster than it was moving in. And so, it was encouraging recently to read about census data indicating the Grand Rapids area has reversed this trend […]
2019 ALICE Report: Who’s Struggling in West Michigan
Who is ALICE? Throughout West Michigan, as with the rest of the nation, there are many households who struggle to afford their basic necessities despite having one or both householders working. Although they might be above the federally-established poverty threshold, these families are still severely limited in their capacities to afford basic things like housing, […]
Hard Facts on Soft Skills: Employers Demand Them, Students Need Them
In today’s rapidly changing workplace, employers no longer look for the candidate who appears good on paper. With the growing role of automation and technology, employers want candidates who can problem-solve and adapt to new situations as they arise within their careers.