Michigan Works! Program offers free job skill training programs

BENTON HARBOR, Mich. – “Michigan Works! Berrien- Cass-Van Buren” is opening enrollment for three free job skill training programs to help area residents find jobs.

The training is part of The Future of Work Grand Challenge, a national initiative designed to help put those impacted by COVID-19 layoffs and closures back to work in the next 24 months.

Training programs include rapid re-skilling for CNC machinists, customer service training, and support for small business owners and hopeful entrepreneurs.

“We’re excited to participate in the Future of Work Grand Challenge. We know that employers in our communities are in need of a trained workforce and this is a solution to fill that gap,” said Rick VanIttersum, Vocational Training Manager and Apprenticeship Success Coordinator at Michigan Works! Berrien, Cass, Van Buren.

Training programs will start in May and take up to 90 days to complete. To be eligible to participate, interested individuals must be currently unemployed or underemployed, have internet access and a computer or smartphone, and not have earned a college degree.

Participants may still receive unemployment benefits while in training. Those who successfully complete the customer service or CNC machinist training will be connected with employers who show interest in hiring workers from the program.

To learn more about the trainings or to apply, click here.

This $6 million Grand Challenge initiative was launched in June 2020 and funds solutions to support economic recovery and help low-income, middle-skill, and underserved workers at the local level.

The Berrien-Cass-Van Buren sector of Michigan Works! was chosen to participate in the initiative in December 2020.