Northwest Michigan Works

06/18/2026

📢 Service Center Closure Notice

All Northwest Michigan Works! service centers will be closed on Friday, June 19th in observance of Juneteenth, per the State of Michigan.
We will reopen on Monday, June 22nd at 8:00 AM.

We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.
For more information, please visit: 🌐 nwmiworks.org

06/18/2026

One week away! Take advantage of this amazing opportunity.

💰 Take Charge of Your Financial Future! 💳

Join us for a free financial wellness workshop hosted by Fifth Third Bank at the Northwest Michigan Works! Cadillac Service Center.

📅 Thursday, June 25
⏰ 11:00 AM
📍 Northwest Michigan Works!
423 N. Mitchell Street, Cadillac, MI

Learn practical strategies for:
✔️ Creating and managing a budget
✔️ Reducing and managing debt
✔️ Understanding and improving your credit score

Whether you're looking to strengthen your financial habits or gain confidence in managing your money, this workshop will provide valuable tools and resources to help you succeed.

Space is limited—don't miss this opportunity to invest in your financial well-being!

06/17/2026

🚨 Looking for a new career opportunity? 🚨

Join us for Employer of the Day with Hutchinson on Tuesday, June 23, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Northwest Michigan Works! Cadillac Service Center and meet directly with the hiring team!

📍 Location:
Northwest Michigan Works! Cadillac Service Center
423 N. Mitchell Street, Cadillac

Now Hiring:
🔹 Molding Positions – Starting at $21.50/hour
🔹 Shipping & Receiving Positions – Starting at $19.50/hour
🔹 Assembly Positions – Starting at $17.50/hour
🔹 Cement Positions – Starting at $17.50/hour
🔹 Automation Positions – Starting at $17.50/hour
🔹 Surface Prep Positions – Starting at $17.50/hour

💻 Apply onsite using available computers and receive assistance with the application process if needed.

This is your opportunity to connect directly with a local employer, learn about available positions, and take the next step in your career.

✅ Competitive wages
✅ Multiple openings available
✅ Onsite application support

We look forward to seeing you there!

06/16/2026

👏 The future of early childhood education is here!

With cheers and applause from their biggest little supporters, Sophia Szpliet and Makena Miller officially signed on as the first apprentices in Northwest Lower Michigan's inaugural Early Childhood Educator Youth Apprenticeship Program. 🎉

A special moment celebrating new opportunities, future careers, and the next generation of educators. ❤️🍎

06/16/2026

🎉 A Historic Milestone for Early Childhood Education in Northwest Michigan! 🎉

Northwest Michigan Works! and Manistee Early Childhood Center have officially launched the region’s first-ever U.S. Department of Labor Registered Early Childhood Educator Youth Apprenticeship Program!

This groundbreaking partnership creates a new pathway for local students to gain paid, hands-on experience in early childhood education while building the workforce of tomorrow. Apprentices will complete 12 months of on-the-job learning alongside experienced mentors and 155 hours of related coursework, preparing them for successful careers in this critical field.

“The Early Childhood Youth Apprenticeship Program is a unique opportunity to inspire the next generation of educators,” said Nicole Anciso, Director of Manistee Early Childhood Center. “By providing students with real-world experience, professional mentorship, and a clear pathway into the early childhood profession, we hope to foster a passion for serving young children while encouraging talented young people to build their futures right here in our community.”

“Northwest Michigan Works! is proud to partner with the Manistee Early Childhood Center to provide this innovative, high-quality training opportunity for local youth,” said Evelyn Szpliet, Regional Director of Apprenticeship Services. “This pilot initiative not only creates meaningful career pathways for students before they graduate high school, but also helps build awareness, appreciation, and a stronger talent pipeline for the early childhood education profession.”

Congratulations to the program’s first apprentices:
⭐ Sophia Szpliet, Early Childhood Educator Apprentice
⭐ Makena Miller, Early Childhood Educator Apprentice

A special thank you to the dedicated mentors helping guide the next generation of educators:
👏 Nicole Anciso
👏 Julie Zajac
👏 Amber Hiipakka
👏 Sandy Ludwig

Also pictured are Jane Breederland, Apprenticeship Specialist, and Evelyn Szpliet, Regional Director of Apprenticeship Services.

Together, we're creating opportunities for young people, strengthening our workforce, and investing in the future of early childhood education.

Read the full media release: https://www.networksnorthwest.org/about-us/media/press-releases/manistee-early-childhood-center-partners-with-northwest-michigan-works-for-first-early-childhood-educator-youth-apprenticeship-program.html

Manistee Area Chamber of Commerce Manistee Area Public Schools

06/16/2026

📢 Free Expungement Fair Coming to Traverse City!

Looking to clear your record and move forward with new opportunities? OS Reentry Services is partnering with Safe & Just Michigan , Wayne State University Law School, and Michigan State Police to host our 2nd Expungement Fair on:

📅 Friday, August 21, 2026
📍 Traverse City Michigan Works! Service Center

This free event will provide:
✅ Fingerprinting services
✅ ICHAT background checks
✅ One-on-one time with attorneys to discuss your case
✅ Assistance navigating the expungement application process

We encourage interested individuals to register in advance, though walk-ins are welcome.

📝 Register here:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf2EmoNZZsRy-HIlSwZwnD0_lyUAKTZZXYm-R61Wfbyc2p4QA/viewform

Please review the event flyer for information about offenses that may be ineligible for expungement before registering.

Questions? Contact Jaelle Richardson at [email protected].

06/15/2026

🎓✨ Celebrating Perseverance, Achievement, and New Beginnings! ✨🎓

On June 10, Northwest Michigan Works! and Northwest Education Services proudly celebrated the accomplishments of 49 Adult Education learners during a graduation ceremony at NMC's Milliken Auditorium.

This year's graduates included:
🎓 11 students who earned their high school diplomas
🎓 38 students who successfully completed the GED and earned their High School Equivalency (HSE) certificates

The ceremony featured inspiring reflections from graduates who shared the challenges they overcame and the determination that helped them reach this important milestone.

We were also honored to induct 8 outstanding students into the National Adult Education Honor Society (NAEHS), recognizing their exceptional attendance, positive attitudes, initiative, and commitment to learning. Membership in the NAEHS is a lifelong honor earned by a select group of adult learners.

As Regional Director of Adult Education Christy Nelson shared, these accomplishments reflect tremendous perseverance and dedication. Many graduates balanced work, family responsibilities, and personal challenges while pursuing their education, opening doors to new career opportunities, continued education, and personal growth.

A special thank you to Northwest Education Services for their partnership and commitment to adult learners, Northwestern Michigan College for providing a beautiful venue, our dedicated Adult Education staff for supporting learners every step of the way, and the families and friends who encouraged and celebrated these graduates throughout their journey.

Congratulations to the Class of 2026! Your hard work and determination have created a brighter future, and we can't wait to see what comes next. 🌟

Learn more about Adult Education opportunities throughout Northwest Michigan at nwm.org/learninglabs.

06/12/2026

🌟 Employer of the Day in Manistee! 🌟

Looking for a rewarding career where you can make a real difference in someone's life every day?

📅 Wednesday, June 17
⏰ 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
📍 Northwest Michigan Works! Manistee Service Center
400 River Street, Manistee

Meet Moore Living Connections and learn about opportunities as a Direct Care Worker!

✅ Starting wages of $17.13 per hour
✅ Flexible scheduling
✅ Part-time and full-time positions available
✅ Meaningful work supporting individuals in your community
✅ Must be 18 years or older to apply

Interested? Stop by during the event to learn more and apply. Computers are available at the Manistee Service Center to assist with online applications.

🔗 View current openings: www.moorelivingconnections.org/careers

06/11/2026

🥩🔪 Northwest Michigan Hot Jobs Report 2026–2032: Butchers & Meat Cutters Edition! 🔪🥩

We're excited to continue highlighting careers featured in the Northwest Michigan Hot Jobs Report (HJR) for 2026–2032! This report showcases some of the most in-demand occupations across our region, including wage information and projected annual openings.

Featured industries include:
Manufacturing | Agriculture | Construction | Health Care | Hospitality | Business | Education | Information Technology | Public Service

🎥 In this video, we're spotlighting the Butchers and Meat Cutters occupation and featuring local employer, The Butcher's Block by Maxbauer in Traverse City.

Established in 1913, Maxbauer has spent more than a century providing superior cuts of beef, pork, chicken, fresh seafood, smoked sausages, and exceptional customer service to the Northwest Michigan community. Their commitment to quality, friendly service, and community involvement has made them a trusted local favorite for generations.

📊 Hot Job Snapshot – Butchers & Meat Cutters:
✔️ Entry-level wages: $15–$18/hour
✔️ Experienced wages: $18–$21/hour
✔️ Hands-on career opportunities in food preparation, customer service, and specialty meat processing

A big thank you to Mike and his brother, Greg, for showing us the ropes and giving us an inside look at a day in the life of this rewarding occupation!

❤️ Beyond serving customers, Maxbauer is dedicated to giving back. Through partnerships with the Northwest Michigan Food Coalition and Food Rescue, they have donated more than 100,000 pounds of protein to local pantries, shelters, and kitchens throughout Northwest Michigan, helping support families across the region.

🔎 Want to explore more in-demand careers in Northwest Michigan?
View the full Hot Jobs Report here:
nwm.org/hotjobs

Send a message to learn more

06/10/2026

🔹 Employer of the Day: Hutchinson 🔹

Looking for a new career opportunity? Join us at the Northwest Michigan Works! Cadillac Service Center on Monday, June 15, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and connect with Hutchinson's hiring team!

📍 Location:
Northwest Michigan Works! Cadillac Service Center
423 N. Mitchell Street, Cadillac

Now Hiring:
✅ Molding Positions – Starting at $21.25/hour
✅ Assembly Positions – Starting at $17.50/hour
✅ Cement Positions – Starting at $17.50/hour
✅ Automation Positions – Starting at $17.50/hour
✅ Surface Prep Positions – Starting at $17.50/hour

💻 Apply onsite with computers available for use and get assistance with your application if needed.

Don't miss this opportunity to take the next step in your career with a leading local employer!