Take your job search to the next level with free workshops through West Michigan Works!
Workshops focus on skills related to employment and training and are open to the public at no charge. They are 60 minutes unless otherwise noted, and you must register in advance online. Click on the boxes below to see workshop titles and descriptions in each category.
View the online workshop calendar, and register for a workshop, by clicking “Register Today.”
A Pure Michigan Talent Connect profile must be completed one the MiTalent site before attending workshops. Please arrive 10 minutes early to complete your profile if you don’t already have one.
WorkREADY Workshops (90 Minutes)
This employability skills series focuses on helping job seekers and employees identify and build the skills most needed across all levels and areas of today’s workforce. We have done the research and developed these interactive workshops to assist individuals in becoming more confident in these key areas: Communication, Teamwork, Self-Management, Decisiveness, and Problem-Solving. This workshop series will help explain how and why you are WorkREADY, whether it is for a new job or a promotion. · Communication Effective workplace communication involves conveying, receiving, and interpreting information to achieve goals and foster collaboration. In this workshop, you will explore strategies for improving interpersonal interactions, active listening, clear messaging, and conflict resolution, equipping you with practical tools to enhance your relationships both personally and professionally. · Teamwork Teamwork in the workplace is the coordinated effort of individuals working together to achieve shared goals effectively and efficiently. In this workshop, you will learn some skills and strategies needed to foster effective teamwork and contribute to the success of your teams. · Self-Management Effective self-management involves understanding how your thoughts, emotions, and actions influence your performance at work. In this workshop, you will explore how key factors like professionalism, adaptability, self-awareness, and stress management shape and strengthen your overall self-management skills. · Decisiveness Decisiveness is the ability to make confident and timely decisions, even in challenging situations. In this workshop, you will explore traits that make people decisive, learn ways to manage the fear of making mistakes, and come away with some practical tools to boost your confidence and overcome indecision. · Problem-Solving Problem-solving is a process that includes identifying a problem, analyzing available information, generating possible solutions, and ultimately implementing the best solution to resolve the issue. In this workshop, you will explore what it means to think critically about complex situations, learn ways to analyze issues from multiple perspectives, and use innovation to drive problem-solving
Core Workshops (90 Minutes)
· Self-Awareness This self‐assessment workshop discusses how personal interests match with related careers. Discover how your abilities and traits align with current in‐demand jobs, and how to communicate your strengths and job fit with potential employers. *This workshop does not appear on the calendar. It is only available to job seekers after their career coaches assign JOFI and the assessment has been completed.* · Job Search Techniques Job searching in today’s world should be an intentional practice that aligns with you and your goals. This workshop explores modern strategies that build personalized job search plans based on individual job seeker’s strengths and needs and also offers a toolkit of resources to assist you. · Resume Writing Learn the content and proper format of a resume. Participants will be provided with templates and resources to begin writing modern resumes, tailored to their specific needs. Staff will offer tips and suggestions to help elevate your resume above the competition. · Cover Letter Writing Create a good first impression with an effective cover letter! Learn layout and format guidelines as well as content suggestions. Participants will be provided with templates and resources to write customized cover letters. · Interviewing Skills Everything you need to know before the interview! Learn interviewing tips and how to answer a variety of questions. Build the skills and confidence to succeed, no matter the interview type.
Labs (Times Vary)
· Computer Literacy Intimidated by computers? Unfamiliar with how to use email or the internet? This open lab covers basic computing needs to make your computer time more productive and enjoyable. We utilize GCFLearnFree.org to assist in this self-directed workshop. Class size is limited. Please be sure to register in advance, as walk-ins are only accepted when a seat is available. · Resume Lab Bring us your sloppy copy, your rough draft, your outdated resume! We are here to help. Whether you need to sharpen the format or the content, this lab-style setting offers the opportunity for small-group support. IMPORTANT NOTES: Please attend the Resume Writing Workshop prior to registering for this lab. Resume writing takes time. Please don’t expect to leave with a perfect resume after attending one lab. · Virtual Resume Upgrade Lab Do you have an old resume you need to update? Maybe you’ve started a new draft, but you have formatting questions about Microsoft Word? Or you’re just trying to figure out the best way to word or arrange things? We’re here for you! Join members of our Regional Talent Development Team in this virtual setting to put the finishing touches on that outdated version or sloppy copy! Come prepared to share your draft via Teams (we can walk you through how to do that). We will look at it together in real time to give you individualized help and recommendations based on current industry standards. This workshop is limited to a very small number of participants to ensure a quality experience but is offered on a recurring basis. IMPORTANT NOTE: Please register for and attend the full Intro to Resume Workshop offered weekly both virtually and in person before registering for this working lab experience. This is a follow-up question and answer session addressing specific questions job seekers have after participating in the full Intro to Resume Workshop. It is meant to provide individualized additional assistance.
Personal & Professional Growth Workshops (90 Minutes)
· Time Management This workshop will help you understand and use the skills of time management and punctuality. You’ll learn about the importance of regular attendance, completing tasks on time, and staying focused and productive while you’re on the job. We will address common barriers to good time management and punctuality, then share strategies to overcome these barriers and build positive time management habits that work for you. We hope you will join us for this interactive workshop and evolve your skill set. · Goal Setting This workshop focuses on action-oriented goal setting strategies. It offers proven techniques to help you set and reach your goals, including an in-depth look at SMART goal setting. Common barriers to goal setting and ways to combat procrastination will be addressed with empathy and encouragement. · Job Searching with a Criminal Background This workshop provides helpful information about background checks and job search strategies for someone with a criminal background. You will learn how to navigate applications and how to answer specific interview questions regarding your criminal background. You will also get information about programs and resources that may be able to assist with your job search efforts. · Job Search for the Experienced Professional This workshop is designed to assist Job Seekers who are 40+ years old. During our time together we will address the following: -Identify misconceptions about mature professionals and how to overcome experience discrimination. -Define and address employer perceptions of experienced workers. -Identify strategies to show your value in the workforce. -Recognize thoughts, attitudes, and behaviors that work against obtaining employment. -Evaluate the importance of salary expectations, retirement, and other financial considerations. -Identify a list of tools and resources to assist you as you navigate a career transition in today’s talent market. We look forward to meeting you and helping you become better equipped to successfully market yourself in our ever-changing job market. · Leadership Styles You don’t have to be a manager to be a leader. You might be asked in an interview what your leadership style is; be prepared to answer that question. This workshop will discuss the six different leadership styles by Daniel Goleman and will help you determine what style of leader you are. · Self-Esteem The job search process can be stressful, and for some people, it can affect their confidence and self-esteem. This workshop will discuss the concept of self-esteem and why it’s important in both your professional and personal life. Tips and tools to broaden your self-awareness and practice mindfulness, as well as maintain your self-esteem even in difficult circumstances will also be discussed.
Take-Out Series (50 Minutes)
· LinkedIn Would you like to learn the basics of creating a LinkedIn account? Have you wondered how to stand out on LinkedIn to recruiters and hiring managers? Are you interested in learning how to network? Do you want to learn more about a free opportunity to market your personal brand to over 1 million recruiting and HR professionals? Attend this abbreviated virtual workshop on the basics of creating a LinkedIn profile and the importance of having one! If you are already a LinkedIn user, learn how to optimize your profile. We'll discuss leveling up your job search and professional networking efforts, free resources that LinkedIn offers, and the Dos and Don’ts of operating professionally on social media. · Google Basics Have you ever wondered how you can use Google to further your job search or your career? Do you need help learning how to set up a professional Google account for your job search and networking? Join us for a workshop that explains why you should use Google and what kinds of apps are available. You will get a step-by-step overview to set up a Google user account that highlights strategies to optimize your job search, assists with time management, and helps you stay organized in your professional life and beyond. · Personal Branding Have you ever considered what your personal brand is? Are you struggling to find a way to get ahead of the tightening competition? In this workshop, we will discuss the purpose of branding and identifying what your personal brand is as a professional. We will teach you how to communicate and leverage your skills in the modern-day job market to land the job you deserve!
Workshops Taught in Spanish at the WMW! Holland Service Center in Ottawa County (90 Minutes)
· Intro al Curriculum Vitae ¿Cuentas con una Hoja Laboral o Curriculum vitae? En muchas ocasiones creemos que no necesitamos realizar dicho documento. Sin embargo, en este país puede ser indispensable para poder obtener mejores oportunidades de empleo, especialmente si describe sus habilidades, capacidades, desempeños en el área laboral de una manera concisa y eficaz. Esto, permite que la empresa lo considere para el trabajo y se destaque ante los demás aplicantes. En este Taller te proporcionaremos la información y las herramientas necesarias para realizar un curriculum vitae/hoja laboral al igual que las actualizaciones en lo que las empresas consideran un buen CV/HL. ¡Te esperamos · Intro a la Entrevista Este taller proporciona técnicas de entrevista que incluyen preparación, seguimiento y cómo responder preguntas difíciles. También recibirás consejos sobre apariencia, habilidades de comunicación no verbal y más para ayudarte a enfrentar tu próxima entrevista
Need to print a workshop calendar?
Click below for a printable PDF calendar of workshops each month by county, as well as our virtual workshops each month.