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Michigan Works Southeast outlines workforce services, reports local training investments
Summary
Michigan Works Southeast presented its semiannual report to Jackson County commissioners, highlighting employer partnerships, training funding (including Going Pro Talent Fund), youth summer employment and transportation supports for job seekers.
Michigan Works Southeast leaders briefed the Jackson County Human Services Committee on workforce services Thursday, describing local investments in training and employer partnerships and asking county officials to refer job seekers and employers to the program.
Shamar Herron, executive director of Michigan Works Southeast, said the five-county consortium (Hillsdale, Jackson, Lenawee, Livingston and Washtenaw counties) serves a regional labor force of roughly 445,000 and that 37% of workers travel more than 30 minutes to work. Herron and colleagues highlighted programs that remove employment barriers, including vehicle repairs, bus passes, tuition assistance for training (from medical assistant training to commercial driver training) and summer youth work-experience placements.
Service center manager Angela Watkins reported that Michigan Works Southeast served 257 families in Jackson County and spent more than $180,000 locally in the reporting period; the program reported 83% employment retention among those served. Herron and staff also described employer-facing services and named local partners including Henry Ford Health and America—s Preferred Home Warranty, noting the Going Pro Talent Fund and on-the-job training and incumbent worker programs as funding sources local employers used in 2024. Herron said more than 43 Jackson County businesses tapped workforce development funding in 2024.
The presentation also covered youth programming. Commissioners asked about the summer youth employment program; staff said paid work-experience placements are available and county payroll is serving as the payroll administrator for some slots. Applications for the county—s summer youth program remained open through the week, with recruitment ongoing.
The committee voted to receive the semiannual report. Herron asked commissioners to publicize Michigan Works services and to refer career seekers and employers to the service center for recruitment, training, and transportation support.
