Lansing, MI - State leaders recently recognized the economic achievements of Southeast Michigan businesses and their employees at the 2024 Michigan Works! Impact Awards at the Michigan Capitol.
The honorees included Ultraform Industries in Romeo, Henry Ford Health headquartered in Detroit, Three M Tool & Machine in Commerce Charter Township, and Taco John’s in Monroe.
“The Impact Awards showcase the impressive workforce development achievements that take place in partnership with the Michigan Works!’ network each year,” said Ryan Hundt, CEO of Michigan Works! Association. “These successes reinforce the role our network plays in transforming our workforce and the lives of Michiganders. Congratulations to all the honorees!”
Macomb-St. Clair Michigan Works! nominated Ultraform Industries for its growth to over 100 employees and expanding its training incentives to include a Registered Apprenticeship program. Ultraform employee Jacob Cross was approached about the Tool and Die Apprenticeship Program after displaying a talent for understanding the setups and troubleshooting steps for Ultraform’s vertical forming machines. He was honored for his hard work and dedication to a career opportunity which led him to success.
Detroit Employment Solutions Corporation (DESC) nominated Henry Ford Health for developing initiatives and programs that are responsive to the workforce needs of Detroit’s residents. DESC assisted Charles Simpson in finding a job most suitable for him, as a patient transporter at the hospital. Charles was nominated due to his motivation and drive, which he attributes to Henry Ford Health.
Oakland County Michigan Works! nominated Three M Tool & Machine for its collaboration in bringing in young talent that has contributed to the growth of the company. Their partnership with Michigan Works! has resulted in thousands of dollars in skilled trades training, which otherwise wouldn’t be possible. Three M Tool & Machine employee Alex Van Den Bremer joined the company as a full-time bench hand upon completing the youth work experience program and was honored for his strong work ethic and willingness to learn right away.
SEMCA Michigan Works! nominated Taco John’s for creating over 30 local jobs and continuously training new team members throughout their partnership with SEMCA. The location in Monroe worked with SEMCA MW Monroe American Job Center to provide job search assistance and internship opportunities for local residents. Production Team Member Angelica Pittman was a Partnership, Accountability, Training, Hope (PATH) participant at the SEMCA Michigan Works! Monroe American Job Center when she entered the program. She was honored for her display of hard work as she worked directly with a PATH coach to find a job.
The Impact Awards, held April 17, celebrated the economic impact of newly created jobs, transformational training, and effective talent pipeline development within our communities. Honorees from across the state received awards highlighted by their local lawmakers and state workforce development officials.
Employers and job seekers can find the nearest Michigan Works! Service Center by visiting https://www.michiganworks.org/michigan-works-network or by calling (1 800) 285-WORKS (9675).
About Michigan Works!:
Established in 1987, the Michigan Works! Association fosters high-quality employment and training programs serving employers and workers by providing support activities and a forum for information exchange for Michigan's workforce development system. For more information, please visit www.michiganworks.org.