Employee Spotlight – Jim Messer
![Jim stands against a block wall for a picture.](https://upmichiganworks.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/365-Profile-Pic-1024x683.jpg)
A 26-year veteran of the U.S. Air Force, Jim holds a B.S. in Business Administration from CSU, three associate degrees from the Community College of the Air Force in Human Resources, Education and Training Management, and Construction Technology.
New Interviewing Etiquette in the Post-COVID Era
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Michigan Works! is ready to help guide you through the new rules of interviewing. Interviews are difficult for both the employer and interviewee, especially now that COVID-19 has modified previous practices that have been in place for a long time. Here are answers to some of the questions Michigan Works! has been asked:
U.P. Talent Development Successes Honored by State Leaders, Workforce Experts
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Upper Peninsula talent development and employment successes were among those celebrated by state leaders at the Michigan Works! Association Impact Awards this week.
A Foot in the Door – A Success Story
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Through a combination of programs and hands-on assistance, UP Michigan Works! helped Jacqueline get ready to win!
Apprenticeship Opportunities Expanding in the Upper Peninsula
![Screen capture of Holly Peoples being interviewed on TV 6.](https://upmichiganworks.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Capture-1024x547.png)
Holly Peoples, Business Services Manager with Upper Peninsula Michigan Works!, sat down with Elizabeth from TV 6 to discuss the upcoming growth in apprenticeship opportunities throughout the U.P.
How to Attract Talent in the UP
![Two people sit at a table across from each other for a face-to-face interview.](https://upmichiganworks.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/pexels-nappy-935977-1024x682.jpg)
The issue is that the people who should be seeing their job posting aren’t seeing their job posting. This can be a simple fix. Check out some of the ways we suggest that employers advertise their open positions below.
Learning, Working, and Starting a Career – A Success Story
![Nick stands in front of a CNC machine at work.](https://upmichiganworks.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Nicholas-Garchow-Picture-768x1024.jpg)
Nick was stuck. He had taken a few classes at Lake Superior State University in Sault Ste. Marie, but nothing really interested him. His first goal was to join the military, but he had a barrier and could not get into his desired branch and occupation.
Leaving his military ambitions behind, Nick began working two food service jobs and one janitorial job, but he had an interest in engineering-type careers. He was struggling to figure out how to get into a different occupation. He was busy working three jobs and was held back by a limited income.
$6 Million in Registered Apprenticeship Grants Will Support Career Opportunities for Underrepresented Populations
![A man and a younger man work in an industrial setting.](https://upmichiganworks.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/pexels-andrea-piacquadio-3846262-1024x682.jpg)
The Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) today announced the recipients of grants totaling more than $6 million to help support the development of over 2,300 Registered Apprenticeship opportunities throughout the state.
Hospital Gears for COVID-19 – A Recap of UPMW’s COVID Response in Baraga County
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Early in the pandemic, Upper Peninsula Michigan Works! (UPMW) was positioned to help frontline staff in the U.P. prepare for the looming threat of COVID-19. When Baraga County Memorial Hospital needed a safe, secure area to isolate well patients who needed routine services, we offered assistance.
UPCI Small Business Cybersecurity Essentials Course – Info Sessions
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Learn to protect your small business against cyber threats – before they happen.