Talent Talk by Jessica Billiau

Advancing Employers | Enhancing Talent December, 2018 Volume 2, Issue 1

July – September 2018

Traffic Report #1 Job Search/Job Board #2 PMTC (Register) #3 Career Coaching #4 Unemployment #5 Employment Literacy

67 Downloads! The Works! Podcast covers strategies to attract and retain Michigan’s best talent. Search for GST Michigan Works on all major platforms, or on our website: gstmiworks.org

1,120 New Facebook “Likes”

Job Seekers attended Hiring Events!

GST Michigan Works! is supported by the State of Michigan. Equal Opportunity Employer/Program. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. 1-800-285-9675 TTY: 711. A proud partner of the American Job Center Network.

CUSTOMERS ENTERED TRAINING

EXITED TO

EMPLOYMENT!

Board Member Spotlight Scott Avendt has over 23 years professional experience including 13 years in the industrial coatings industry. Prior to 2005 he was a buyer at a $150 million manufacturing and distribution company. Scott has worked on production lines, inventory control, as a parts expeditor, material Scott Avendt scheduler, buyer and manager. He started with Niles in 2005 VP of Operations as the Purchasing Manager, accepted responsibilities for shop operations the next year, and over the past 12 years has become heavily involved with developing the company as VP of Operations.

Scott is responsible for making sure every department, team and project has what is needed to be a success. This includes hiring the right people, coaching, setting goals and measuring performance. Key areas of focus are safety, asset management, and purchasing. This includes rentals, subcontracts, project planning, schedule execution, facilities management, training, DOT driver and vehicle programs, field production, and logistics. Strong processes, discipline, and execution are the backbone of Scott’s operational method. Operational responsibilities have placed Scott in a unique position to be involved with project successes, customer challenges, jobsite problems, equipment breakdowns, limitations with qualified personnel, and issues operating equipment. This is this experience that has provided the background required to understand the importance of a well-trained, prepared, and supplied workforce combined with consistent processes and a disciplined approach.

Company Profile: Niles Industrial Coatings is a full-service blasting, coatings, and industrial services company. Our mission statement states “Niles strives to build a highly qualified team of dedicated professionals who embrace a culture focused on creating leaders which ensures value for our customers”. Key markets include manufacturing, power, pipeline, chemical and automotive industries. Niles’ highly trained workforce will handle any job quickly, efficiently and safely. With over 25 NACE certified employees, Niles exceeds customer quality expectations. Projects range from $100,000 to $5,000,000 and are completed throughout the United States.

Niles Industrial Coatings remains family owned and operated. Their growth and experience has led them to learn new lessons and adapt to a changing world, but the overall motto can be summed up as C.T.H.

If you take the time to CARE, you can build TRUST, and then HELP. GST Michigan Works! is supported by the State of Michigan. Equal Opportunity Employer/Program. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. 1-800-285-9675 TTY: 711. A proud partner of the American Job Center Network.

Niles Plant Services, LLC was established in 2013. The culture is based on family business and a focus on safety. In 1958, The Genesee Decorating Company was founded and today has grown into a very successful industrial painting company called Niles Industrial Coatings, (NIC). Niles Plant Services (NPS) was created separately and independently from NIC when the need was identified for a company that could provide scaffolding and associated services to a variety of customers. Niles Plant Services is a Michigan based company who has successfully expanded into national territory. In 2017, Niles Plant Services completed projects in over six states. The NPS headquarters is in Bay City, Michigan and currently has over 125 employees on project sites. NPS focuses on continuous improvement and strives to become a more efficient and productive team. They have never applied for a training grant but spend money every year on internal training, additional certifications, and continuing education for our workforce. Niles Plant Services has hosted training classes with vendors, several safety contractors, and has several qualified trainers on staff. Niles success is dependent on training current employees, hiring new employees, and a strong commitment to customer satisfaction and quality. It is their hope that by being awarded funds from the STTF, they will be able to increase their investment in people and position themselves to increase business with their customers. They project that by utilizing STTF funds, they will be able to add up to 10 new employees to Niles team. This growth is anticipated to continue over the next 4 to 6 years. The STTF requested training will allow Niles Plant Services to upskill their employees, which will help make the company more competitive in the future. GST MI Works! supports the Niles Industrial Coating STTF application. GST Michigan Works! is supported by the State of Michigan. Equal Opportunity Employer/Program. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. 1-800-285-9675 TTY: 711. A proud partner of the American Job Center Network.

A Chance to Change On-the-Job Training

There were lots of smiles and giggles when Jessica and I showed up to take the Success Story pictures at A Chance to Change. Stephanie Craig is the successful OJT individual who came through our GST MI Works! Caro Service Center and she was able to take and complete medical assistant training. After jumping over some hurdles and maneuvering a few speed bumps of life, she landed the opportunity to interview at A Chance to Change in Caro and accepted a position there. She was met with a few more wrinkles to iron out as A Chance to Change requires some non-traditional work hours that can be a challenge. The business partners and Stephanie worked together to find a balance as best they could and with some adjustments for both, it has been a successful employment experience. The banter that goes on in the office is cheery and respectful, they’ve created a light work environment around a serious subject. The statement on their website is: A Chance to Change Drug and Alcohol Testing, LLC is an independently owned testing agency that prides itself on integrity and professionalism. We provide testing programs for Huron County, Tuscola County and Sanilac County courts. On our way out the door, Co-owner Jamie stated, “Stephanie has been a really good addition to our team; we all get along very well.” And, co-worker Jason chimed in with, “it is really nice to know that she (Stephanie) can handle all the front tasks just fine now. I’m confident things are done right, she is great to work with too!” He did add a chuckle and smiles were on everyone’s face again – those are genuine in the photos!

Cheryl Barrera was laid off from her position as a leasing agent for an apartment complex in the area. Her layoff occurred in the fall of 2017 and she began coming into the GST Michigan Works! Fenton Service Center shortly after that to begin her job search. Cheryl was extremely diligent in her search, generally coming into the center three to four times per week. The staff assisted in the revision of her resume, career counseling and job leads. She interviewed for various positions, but a good match was not forthcoming. In June of 2018, GST Michigan Works! Fenton held a career fair for MISS DIG 811 to staff its new satellite office opening in Flint. The Fenton staff reached out to Barrera. Her background as a leasing agent and in real estate seemed to be a good fit along with her excellent customers service skills and strong knowledge of the geographic area. Cheryl was interested in this opportunity and attended the event. After an interview, testing and other hiring steps, Barrera was offered a position as a notification service representative for MISS DIG 811. A six-week training program was held for the new staff in the MISS DIG 811 corporate location in Auburn Hills and Cheryl began working at the Flint location in September. She recently stopped in to provide an update and indicate that it is a good fit for her. Cheryl appreciates the wonderful group that she works with and the opportunity to be part of this new MISS DIG 811 location.

“Karin Hemphill assisted Hurley Medical Center on various recruitment projects during 2017 and 2018. Karin was instrumental in ensuring that the flyers were sent to GST Michigan Works! various partners. The 2017 Job Fair was held at the GST Michigan Works! location in Flint in the afternoon. It was very successful. Our nurse managers, along with the recruitment team, interviewed over 100 applicants. Some were asked to complete an application on the spot. As a result we were able to create a pool of nursing assistants and hire a nurse. Additionally, Karin has posted and referred applicants to us for our hard-to-fill positions. We also participated in the GST Michigan Works! Job Fair in early 2018. Karin is always willing to assist us in meeting our goals.” –Hurley Medical Center GST Michigan Works! is supported by the State of Michigan. Equal Opportunity Employer/Program. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. 1-800-285-9675 TTY: 711. A proud partner of the American Job Center Network.

Business Forum 22 Employers Attended the Business Forum held in our Flint Service Center! Representing Genesee, Lapeer & Sanilac Counties AGENDA The Hiring Obstacle Course Miche Rayment Author,The Hire Effect Creating a Winning Culture Jim Bitterle Managing Partner, EDSI Consulting

Built out talent pipeline Webinar Engaged workforce Strategic alignment Talent development and retention

Best Practices for Great Workplaces Kanchan Wankhede Founder, Great Workplace The Top 15 Costly HR Mistakes & How to Avoid Them Vanessa G. Nelson President, Expert Human Resources Innovative Workforce Solutions David Palmer Director, Business Partnerships, Workforce Intelligence Network

Owosso

18 Employers 205 Job Seekers 99 First Visits

The Garfield Inn, located in scenic Port Austin, was looking to hire a server/housekeeper like a lot of restaurant/motel businesses along the Lake Huron shore. Glen Roth, President and Owner of the business, interviewed an individual who demonstrated the right attitude, personality and seemed very motivated…but shared the issue and struggles of being a returning citizen trying to land a job. It just so happens that Glen had recently attended a meeting where GST Business Services Representative Sheila Rock was asked to give a brief update about any training grants GST Michigan Works! had at that time. Sheila shared the information about the Transitional Jobs – Work Based Training and Glen remembered it! The Garfield Inn offered the position to the returning citizen, it was accepted, and we were able to write a Transitional Jobs-Work Based Training agreement. Shiela is happy to report, as is the Garfield Inn, that this person they took a chance on hiring is as of today (10/09/18) still employed there over a month after the 90-day Transitional Work Experience timeframe!

Determination and a Positive Attitude The Recipe for Success On 7/17/18, Meggan showed up at the Caro Service Center for the PATH orientation on crutches. Although she had work limitations and was only able to do sit down jobs, she did not let that deter her from applying to various places. During her job search, she was given various soft skills assignments. (ONET Summary Report Worksheets, 23 Common Interview Questions, Lifelong Soft Skills eLearning Worksheet, etc.) It was evident in the amount of effort that Meggan put into them that not only did she want to complete the assignments, she wanted to apply them to her life. In her notes Meggan stated: “Don’t wallow in your guilt; learn from it and move on.” “Turn should, into can.” “Your brain performs better when it’s happy.” Meggan is a good note taker. Meggan was hired through Qualified Staffing on 8/20/18 and placed at Morley Companies Inc. as a Proactive Customer Outreach (PCO) Agent. On 11/20/18, Meggan was hired in full-time making $10.00 an hour with life insurance and benefits. She met her 90 days of employment on 11/11/18 and states that work is going well. GST Michigan Works! is supported by the State of Michigan. Equal Opportunity Employer/Program. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. 1-800-285-9675 TTY: 711. A proud partner of the American Job Center Network. 9

When Rob Evoy first visited Michigan Works! in May of 1991, he remembers being required to sign up through the unemployment office as a VA requirement. He started a career in law enforcement November of that same year, and remained gainfully employed until December of 2012, when a traumatic incident took place at work. An altercation with a very large suspect under the influence of drugs caused an injury that looked like a career ender. While trying to recover from his injury in 2013, Rob was required by the worker’s compensation company to actively seek employment, and register at GST Michigan Works! “I was someone who thought they'd never need your services. I remember coming into your office with a what the heck am I doing here feeling,” Rob recalls, “I was very emotional. A very bad day at work had resulted in me being unemployed. The bad guy was doing life in prison, as I was dealing with life recovering from a broken neck.”

On Rob’s visit to GST Michigan Works! he completed some required forms. At that point the team member assisting him noted his veteran status and immediately made arrangements for a one-on-one session. “She pointed me away from the crowd as I was taken to the veteran side of things. I was able to tell my story to Rick and Ingrid in a private office. Rick walked me to another area of the building where he helped print all of my veteran information from the web. I was helped to create a wonderful resume for future use.” As a continued requirement from worker’s comp, Rob would meet with Rick or Ingrid on a biweekly basis seeking employment. Dealing with the repeated embarrassment of responding to job interviews where he was told he was not eligible for the position with his restrictions. The gloomy knowledge of failing to continue to apply for work would result in the forfeiture of worker’s comp benefits. He was somewhat caught in limbo as a Veteran who was disabled, but not a disabled veteran. August 23, 2018, perseverance finally paid off. Rob Evoy stood before the Lapeer County Commission being sworn in as Deputy Sheriff. “Ingrid and Rick never gave up on me. Every email I would send was answered, as repeated emails were forwarded in my direction as "possible maybe's" would come up. Every meeting I had with them was personal and motivational, I never felt rushed to leave. I continued with physical therapy and recovery. The emails would continue for literally years. Who does that kind of thing? Being a police officer is not what I do. It's who I am. I just thank Ingrid and Rick from the bottom of my heart. Please know that people appreciate what you do. You truly make a difference. Keep the welcome sign on and the door open for our very deserving Veterans.” – Deputy Rob Evoy GST Michigan Works! is supported by the State of Michigan. Equal Opportunity Employer/Program. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. 1-800-285-9675 TTY: 711. A proud partner of the American Job Center Network.

Bria Rencher is a Youth participant from the Greater Flint Health Coalition’s Flint Healthcare Employment Opportunities (FHEO) Program, a GST Michigan Works Service Provider. Ms. Rencher had recently moved from Georgia to Michigan after graduating from High School and was looking to begin her career in healthcare. She attended an Information Session after learning about the FHEO Program from a relative who was a graduate of the Program. Ms. Rencher began the recruitment process and determined that medical assistant training would be her healthcare training of choice. Before entering healthcare training, Bria completed Professional Life Skills and Healthcare Career Exploration Training. Bria shared that she, “Really enjoyed the training and what it taught me about being more professional”. After completing this training, Bria entered into medical assistant training at Mott Workforce Development where she, “Loved my teachers and the hands-on learning”. During her training, Ms. Rencher also participated in subsidized employment at McLaren Flint as a transporter. After exceptional hard work, Ms. Rencher was offered a position at the hospital to continue her work. Ms. Rencher is currently completing her medical assistant externship at Hamilton Community Health Network. After completing her training, Ms. Rencher would like to continue her work in the hospital, which has given her the opportunity to explore different departments and career options. Her long-term career goal is to work as medical technician. Congratulations to Bria for an outstanding beginning to her career in healthcare! Enocencia Garza is an Adult participant from the Greater Flint Health Coalition’s Flint Healthcare Employment Opportunities (FHEO) Program, a GST Michigan Works Service Provider. Ms. Garza first learned about tuition assistance from the FHEO Program after meeting with one the Program’s community partners, Charter Healthcare Training Center. After finding herself unemployed for the first time and responsible for providing for her family, Ms. Garza pursued the FHEO Program to earn a certificate that would propel her into the workforce again. During her time in Professional Life Skills and Healthcare Career Exploration Training, Ms. Garza was able to develop her self-confidence and built valuable relationships with her classmates. Ms. Garza shares, “We all became friends and I learned a lot about myself and improved things that I didn’t know I needed to improve”. Ms. Garza took her newly developed interpersonal skills and began Certified Nurse Assistant training at Charter Healthcare Training Center in January of 2018. Upon completion of her credentialed training, Ms. Garza passed her State certification exam. She gained employment at Kith Haven and states that, “I love everything about my job. I wake up happy knowing that I am going to work”. Ms. Garza credits much of her success as a Certified Nurse Assistant to her journey with the FHEO Program. She shares that, “Everything that I went through with the FHEO Program, Life Skills Training and Charter, it all helped me. I am more confident in myself.” Congratulations to Enocencia as she pursues her life passion of caring for others and having a career in the medical field! GST Michigan Works! Is supported by the State of Michigan. Equal Opportunity Employer/Program. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. 1-800-285-9675 TTY: 711. A proud partner of the American Job Center Network.

Robotics for Career Development Production Development Systems is a small industrial automation producer in Sandusky. They are a very agile and innovative company, with a visionary leader who is keenly aware of trends and opportunities in the marketplace. To these ends, PDS has recently become a certified Fanuc Integrator, meaning they are licensed to include Fanuc branded robots in their designs. Fanuc is a world leader in the industrial robotics field, and a Southeast Michigan based company. Production Development Systems employs highly skilled Technicians, Designers, and Engineers; paying some of the best salaries in the region. But, to remain in this field, they must consistently stay abreast of technological advances. As a newly certified Fanuc integrator, PDS needed to quickly orient their technicians to the programming of Fanuc Robots. At this time, the Croswell / Lexington School District was opening the Great Lakes Advanced Manufacturing Collaborative, which is a Fanuc Certified training center in robotics and CNC machining. I facilitated the introduction of PDS and Cros/Lex, which led to GLAMC providing their first training course on site at PDS. Fanuc partnered with this effort, by providing a training robot. Production Development Systems trained four of their technicians/engineers in Fanuc Robot Basic Operations, which we have reimbursed the cost, through the Advance Michigan Catalyst program. We also trained an additional older youth through WIOA. He had an immediate job offer with Advanced Auto Trends, but he has chosen to seek other opportunities. This project not only assisted a local company with their training needs, but also assisted a new Fanuc Certified Advanced Manufacturing Training Center to open in Sanilac County.

Lilah Rourke came to GST Michigan Works in October of 2017 seeking help in becoming a Certified Nurse Aide. Lila was a young, single mother who had discontinued college after her freshman year due to an unexpected pregnancy. She was working a part time cashier job at a local store to support her child. However, 20 hours a week at $9.50 an hour does not go far in supporting a single-income household. Lilah knew she needed to make more money. She also knew this would only be possible if she increased her skill set. Her work history was limited to entry level employmentâ&#x20AC;&#x201C; cashiering and food preparation. With the help of GST Michigan Works Career Coach Amanda Osborn, Lilah enrolled in a Certified Nurse Aide program at the Sanilac Career Center in January of 2018. She completed the program successfully in early March of 2018 and immediately took and passed her state certification exam. Within three weeks of earning her certification, Lilah got a job as a CNA at Autumnwood of Deckerville. Her starting wage was $14.25 per hour at 36 hours per week GST Michigan Works! is supported by the State of Michigan. Equal Opportunity Employer/Program. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. 1-800-285-9675 TTY: 711. A proud partner of the American Job Center Network.

Talent Tour! On November 2, 2018, the Out of School Youth program participants from GST Michigan Works! learned the qualifications and necessary training to become a CNC operator/machinist when they participated in a Talent Tour at Ultra-Dex, USA, a tooling manufacturing company located in Flushing, MI. Students on the Talent Tour were able to observe a CNC machine operation process first hand and see the Director of Operations, Gregg Bishop perform administrative duties and other staff on the manufacturing floor. Students were intrigued with the different CNC machines (i.e., lathe, water jet cutters, etc.) and some of the processes they perform such as ultrasonic welding, hole-punching and laser cutting. Students had questions about the pay and benefits that Ultra-Dex provides and chances for longevity and advancement. Gregg Bishop from Ultra-Dex also briefed students on what type of skill sets were needed to become successful in tooling industry and the importance of a good work ethic. In addition, Gregg stated that many people desire to enter the industry as a CNC operator , without seriously considering the on-the job training necessary to move up the career ladder to become a CNC machinist because they are more in demand. He also advised that employees must show an exceptional work ethic and eagerness to learn upon entering the industry as a CNC operator before promotion to CNC machinist, which offers a significant pay increase and job security. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The students demonstrated a sincere interest in the industry on this tour and they are welcome to contact me directly if they have additional questions or interested in working for usâ&#x20AC;? said Gregg Bishop of Ultra-Dex. GST Michigan Works! is supported by the State of Michigan. Equal Opportunity Employer/Program. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. 1-800-285-9675 TTY: 711. A proud partner of the American Job Center Network.

Robert Moye was referred to GST Michigan Works! November of 2017. At the time he was laid off for the 5th time working as a welder at minimum wage. His previous employer explained to him that he most likely would not have been laid off had he possessed a welding certification. Robert met with a Career Coach and together they set an action plan aimed at acquiring a welding certification as well as a gaining employment that paid a higher wage. Robert was ready for a stable career and was tired of job hopping. Robert decided to pursue a welding certification class with Mott Community College to reach his goal. Robert was extremely driven; he eagerly attended workshops offered at GST Michigan Works! and was always on time for scheduled coaching secessions. He started welding training on May 7, 2018 and successfully completed the course in 13 weeks. Robert felt a tremendous sense of pride over his accomplishment. On September 10, 2018, Robert started employment with Katcon USA as a Welder making $14.00/hr. Robert received support service assistance for required work equipment not provided by his employer. “I am so thankful for GST Michigan Works! If it wasn’t for GST Michigan Works! I would still be making minimum wage; now I have a lifelong career, I can take my certificate anywhere and the only way I can go is up.” GST Michigan Works! is supported by the State of Michigan. Equal Opportunity Employer/Program. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. 1-800-285-9675 TTY: 711. A proud partner of the American Job Center Network.

Huron County Tessa began working with GST Michigan Works! on 6/01/17. She is a single mom and was in the process of completing her Associate’s Degree for her R.N. through Kirtland College in Roscommon. She was having a difficult time juggling college and living expenses. GST Michigan Works! was able to provide $6,000 towards her two final semesters. She successfully completed her degree and passed her State Licensing exam for R.N. on her first try. Tessa began working at McLaren Thumb Regional Hospital (Formerly Huron Medical Center) in Bad Axe on 5/21/2018. She is working 30 hours a week at $26.45 an hour and received medical insurance as well as other employee benefits. “GST Michigan Works! has been absolutely amazing helping me with funds to make it through my last semester of school and paying for my NCLEX. Being a single mom and not being able to work with the crazy schedule of nursing school was really hard for me financially. I will always be grateful for what you have done for me.” –Tessa Dinnsmore

The STTF Grant has had great impact on Regency Plastics. Regency is an extrusion blow molding facility who specializes in hard to make and specialty blow molded products. It is critical for us to stay current with technology, especially automation to stay competitive. The STTF Grant has allowed us to send multiple employees to receive necessary training with Robotics, special CAD software, advanced maintenance and crucial blow mold processing training. The grant also allowed us to send the necessary employees to be trained to the new IATF standard, which contributed to Regency obtaining our IATF Certification last month under these new standards. Regency Plastics was able to hire three individuals from the Targeted Populations group during the period of the 2018 STTF Grant. GST Michigan Works! is supported by the State of Michigan. Equal Opportunity Employer/Program. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. 1-800-285-9675 TTY: 711. A proud partner of the American Job Center Network.

ValTec is a four-member Michigan LLC located in Imlay City, MI. Their partners possess over 100 years of automotive/non-automotive plastic and business experience. ValTec was established in January 2005 and started operations with just 12 employees. The company has grown to employ over 170 people. ValTec owns 34+ injection-molding machines ranging from 85T to 1,500T. They also own a large assortment of secondary equipment and are operating in a 156,000 square foot fully equipped facility. Even though they are a relatively small manufacturing company their wages and benefits are very competitive in the area. They issued across the board COLA increases to all their hourly employees on August 1st, 2017 and all of their employees are offered full health insurance benefits - BCN medical coverage, LTD and Life Insurance that are paid for 100% by ValTec. During 2008 and 2009, ValTec, along with the entire manufacturing industry faced some major obstacles and needed to drastically reduce their workforce as well as adapt their business model in order to stay in business. In 2010, they were able to bring all their laid off employees back to work and have continued to grow in size since then and now have over 170 employees, many of whom they train using on the job methods. Additionally, part of securing new contracts has required ValTec to commit to capital purchases of several new molding machines and additional secondary equipment to accommodate this new influx of work. With the addition of these new customer programs, including both the parts themselves and the new, unfamiliar equipment, their experienced supervisors and process techs have struggled to maintain a high level of consistent quality for which they are known. In fact, they were at risk at not receiving more new work from one of their new customers. By receiving the STTF Grant in FY18, ValTec was able to complete the following courses: Expert Trouble Shooter Bundle, Efficient Mold Setting Bundle, Material Handler Bundle, 8D Root Cause/Analysis, A3 Problem Solving, and Total Productive Maintenance courses, which all lead to their employees receiving certificates. The total reward from the grant amounted to $17,245.00.

Magna Electronics, located in Holly, Michigan, is a supplier for global automotive industry with full capabilities in innovative electronic components and sensor systems to increase vehicle safety, enhance driver comfort, and support the growing trend of electrification and autonomous driving. Magna Electronics is the only rearview camera maker in the United States and North America market. They currently employ over 600 employees at this facility. Magna Electronics was awarded a Skills Trade Training Grant (STTF) for 2017-18 and was responsible for successfully employing 20 new workers as machine operators and upskilling 5 employees in LSS Green Belt and Lean Principles. 19 of the new hires are stilled employed and have received wage Increases. The 4 employees that were trained In Green Belt and 1 employee for the Lean principles are positioning themselves for promotions and opportunities as they become available at Magna Electronics. Magna recently completed a fact finding for the new Going Pro Talent Fund (GPTF) for 2018-19. With the purchase of a new Surface Mount Technology and final assembly equipment, as well as making computer upgrades to current machinery, Magna Electronics has also invested in several new product launches that will create additional headcount in the future and will require training for new employees. Recently, Magna has entered a Joint Venture with a LED light manufacturer and will be bringing in new equipment to manufacture these new products, requiring additional training of our current staff. Construction is underway for another Electronics facility on Holly Rd. across from their current location. The anticipated opening will be in June 2019! Magna Electronics is a model company for the former STTF program and most recently the GPTF, GST Michigan Works looks forward to continuing our partnership with them! GST Michigan Works! is supported by the State of Michigan. Equal Opportunity Employer/Program. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. 1-800-285-9675 TTY: 711. A proud partner of the American Job Center Network.

Niles Industrial Coatings, LLC has around 50 years of history. The culture is based on family business and a focus on safety. In 1958, The Genesee Decorating Company was founded and today has grown into a very successful industrial painting company, Niles Industrial Coatings, LLC (NIC). NIC is a Michigan based company who has successfully expanded into national territory. The NIC headquarters is in Fenton, Michigan and currently has over 150 employees. NIC focuses on continuous improvement and strives to become a more efficient and productive team. In 2017, Niles Industrial Coating was able to participate in the Skilled Trades Training Fund program. It was a success! While they spend money every year on internal training, additional certifications, and continuing education for our workforce, the funds awarded thru the STTF allowed them to take their training to the next level. As part of our 2017 participation in the program, NIC trained 96 people and hired one new Safety Manager. They had a very positive response to the training and were able to use the STTF funds to expand their capabilities, skillset, and retain employees by offering them room for growth. They achieved a 94% retention rate after 6 months for employees who went thru training. In most cases wages were increased. NIC would like to continue this trend and that it why they are applying for STTF support in 2018. Nilesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; success is dependent on training current employees, hiring new employees, and a strong commitment to customer satisfaction and quality. It is their hope that by being awarded funds from the STTF, they will be able to increase their investment in people and position themselves to increase business with their customers. They project that by utilization of STTF funds, they will be able to add up to 10 new employees to Niles team. This growth is anticipated to continue over the next 4 to 6 years. The STTF requested training will allow Niles Industrial Coating to upskill their employees, which will help make the company more competitive in the future. GST MI Works! Supports the Niles Industrial Coating STTF application.

Size of Companies Receiving STTF Awards GST Michigan Works! is supported by the State of Michigan. Equal Opportunity Employer/Program. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. 1-800-285-9675 TTY: 711. A proud partner of the American Job Center Network.

Jamie Fogle attended a WIOA Career Services orientation on April 11, 2018. She came to the orientation seeking assistance with steps needed for her to gain full-time employment. She had previously been employed with Taylor Life Center for over 10 years but was feeling overwhelmed with the sudden unemployment and the idea of having to job search again. One of Jamieâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s concerns was being prepared for the initial interview process. This was addressed with her attendance to the Interviewing Skills Workshop and through one-onone coaching. She also attended a Resume Lab as she wanted to make the best first impression on a future employer. These steps on the ladder to employment gave Jamie the confidence she needed while job searching. After less than a month of job searching and building on her soft skills Jamie had a successful interview with Medilodge of Campus Area located in Lansing. She was able to obtain full-time employment as their Admissions Coordinator. In this position she is using the skills she had gained from her previous employment while learning an abundance of new skills.

Sarah Perkins was a participant of the PATH program in Shiawassee County. Already having an Associates of Applied Science in Medical Assisting, Sarah came to our office seeking job search tips and reemployment assistance. Her barriers to employment included clothing and transportation funding. Through diligently completing her job searching assignments during, Sarah obtained employment at Dr. Mark Medelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s office as an Oral Surgeon Assistant, earning $12.50 an hour and working about 30 hours a week. During this time, GST Michigan Works! assisted her with funding for interview and work clothing. In addition, mileage reimbursement and car repair was provided, and vehicle registration assistance was provided for Sarah to have reliable transportation to work. GST Michigan Works! is supported by the State of Michigan. Equal Opportunity Employer/Program. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. 1-800-285-9675 TTY: 711. A proud partner of the American Job Center Network.