GST Michigan Works! and Vocational VIllage Provide Second Chances
Genesee County – GST Michigan Works! takes pride in partnering with local employers, assisting with recruiting, grant funding, job posting, training, and partnership connections. It’s essential that employers have an opportunity to become familiar with the resources within their community. Recently, Business Solutions Professional Mike contacted Sovereign Auto to discover if GST Michigan Works! could provide any help to the organization. Mike found they had an urgent hiring need and needed help recruiting through the various online job boards. After completing a discovery analysis, Mike prepared suggested solutions.
The organization shared that they needed to hire someone as soon as possible for the business to remain at a stable productivity level. Once back at the office, Mike would gather resumes that fit the job description provided by Sovereign Auto and reach out to the career coaching staff for recommendations. However, shortly after returning to the office, a potential candidate referral from the Vocational Village left a message seeking employment.
The Vocational Village is one of many GST Michigan Works! partnerships that provide a skilled workforce. The Vocational Village is a first-of-its-kind skilled trades training program that aims to provide a positive learning community for prisoners serious about completing career and technical education. Prisoners have full days of training and classroom instruction intended to mimic a typical workday outside prison walls and will receive state and nationally-recognized certifications in their trade. Some trades provided include Building Trades: Masonry and Concrete, Commercial Driver License and Forklift Operation, Automotive Technology, Computer Coding, Computer Numerical Control Machine Tool and Robotics, Welding, and more.
Mike quickly contacted the individual, inviting them into the GST Michigan Works! office to determine what position(s) would be the best fit. Once the job candidate arrived, he shared that he had multiple certificates within the building trades but sought an immediate opening. Being a “Justice Involved” individual, he understood that his background could create employment barriers. Mike shared that GST Michigan Works! has partnered with local employers willing to provide livable wages and second-chance employment opportunities. However, the job seeker stressed his immediate need and desire was to provide for his family, whether within his field of expertise or with an employer hiring right now.
Having completed a full discovery analysis with Sovereign Auto, Mike was fully aware of their hiring practices and willingness to give individuals a second chance. Mike immediately contacted the manager and asked if he would be willing to complete an interview today since he had a candidate seeking an immediate opening. The manager explained that it was his day off; however, filling that position was his number one pain point. The manager then offered to open the shop if the individual could arrive by one o’clock that same afternoon.
Mike shared the good news with the job candidate, and he was overwhelmed with joy and appreciation. Mike helped him prepare quickly for the upcoming interview to ensure he was ready; after some practice, he was on his way to the interview. After about two weeks, the job seeker returned to thank Mike and inform him that he got the job. The job seeker also wanted to thank Mike for treating him with respect and dignity and allowing him the opportunity to shine. Mike reinforced to the job seeker that it was their preparation for the opportunity that did all the work… and that he should be proud of himself!