Battle Creek Workforce Initiatives Provide Residents with Access to Good-Paying Jobs, Meaningful Careers

Initiatives and programs in the local community align with the broader goals of the Michigan Statewide Workforce Plan

BATTLE CREEK, Mich. — Battle Creek residents are experiencing an increase in access to good-paying jobs through skills training and career development programs made possible by the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) in partnership with the W.K. Kellogg Foundation and Michigan Works! Southwest. This partnership is driving workforce development through strategic employment initiatives, aligning with the goals of the Michigan Statewide Workforce Plan to broaden the middle class, foster long-term career growth, and ensure equitable access to career advancement.

Recent initiatives to increase opportunities for Michiganders in Battle Creek include Neighborhood Employment HUBs, Child Support Navigation Services, Transmission Siting and Economic Development (TSED) and the Race to Talent with Registered Apprenticeship Campaign.

“We’re committed to making sure our workforce plan is more than just a vision and that it’s actively being implemented through initiatives like those in the Battle Creek area”, said Stephanie Beckhorn, director of LEO’s Office of Employment and Training. “These initiatives are giving residents the tools and skills to secure good-paying jobs and grow their careers while also addressing the needs of local businesses. By focusing on building a stronger, more resilient workforce, Battle Creek is contributing to the broader objectives of the state’s plan – advancing economic growth, closing the skills gap and ensuring long-term prosperity for the state of Michigan.”

 

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Neighborhood Employment Hubs

Located at New Level Sports Ministries and Community Action, a Neighborhood Employment HUB is a central location in Battle Creek neighborhoods with Career Coaches dedicated to providing guidance and support to local residents while working towards career and professional goals. Customized employment services may include community service, job placement, employability skills building or training opportunities.

TSED — Transmission Siting and Economic Development

Michigan was awarded $35.7 million from the Inflation Reduction Act to Support Michigan’s Clean Energy Future and high-paying, in-demand jobs. The U.S. Department of Energy’s TSED grant will support LEO’s workforce development initiatives. Michigan Works! Southwest and Community Action Agency of South Central Michigan will partner in this new program that will build transmission and clean energy infrastructure and power workforce development in Branch and Calhoun counties, helping Michigan workers build Michigan energy.

Race to Talent with Registered Apprenticeship

Governor Whitmer and LEO created the Race to Talent with Registered Apprenticeship campaign to spotlight and honor employers, sponsors and program intermediaries for their leadership in using the Registered Apprenticeship training model to develop highly skilled workers in Michigan. Last year, four Battle Creek employers earned honors in a ceremony following a roundtable discussion at Kellogg Community College aimed at recruiting more area businesses to offer Registered Apprenticeships to build the local talent pipeline. For more information on LEO’s Registered Apprenticeship, visit: Michigan.gov/Apprenticeship.

Child Support Navigation Services

Designed to help residents better navigate the child support system, the Child Support Navigator Pilot Program is supported by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation and federal funding from the State. The program aims to improve participants’ understanding of child support resources, enhance their access, and improve perceptions of the program’s fairness.

 

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"We believe that all of our Michigan communities should be equitable places of opportunity so every child and their families can thrive,” says Dr. Alana White, program officer at the W.K. Kellogg Foundation. “Our partnership with many local organizations and the State has led to a 'no wrong door' approach in Battle Creek. Our residents have many options to access employment resources and opportunities from the neighborhood employment hubs to the Connect Battle Creek website, an online hub for job seekers, employers and community-based organizations. We continue to listen and respond to our residents as they share their needs and desires for thriving in Battle Creek and in the State of Michigan."

During the Michigan Works! Southwest Workforce Development Board meeting in September, LEO Director Susan Corbin met with local leaders to discuss expanding Registered Apprenticeships in the area and aligning Michigan Works! Southwest’s efforts with the Michigan Statewide Workforce Plan. The presentation outlined more of the plan’s goals of helping Michiganders earn skills certificates, growing the middle class and supporting business growth through talent solutions while emphasizing strategies for achieving these objectives through community collaboration.

“Battle Creek is abundant in resources, driven by visionary leaders, engaged employers, and a culturally rich community; fostering an environment of innovation and a commitment to provide access to opportunity,” said Jakki Bungart-Bibb, Michigan Works! Southwest Director.   

The Michigan Statewide Workforce Plan is designed to equip Michigan residents with the skills needed for high-demand careers, strengthen the middle class, and support business growth through talent development. Its key goals include helping individuals earn credentials or degrees, expanding access to workforce opportunities, and fostering business and entrepreneurial success. By aligning efforts statewide, the plan ensures Michigan's workforce remains competitive and prepared for the future economy.

For more information about LEO’s statewide workforce resources available to workers and businesses, visit Michigan.gov/AllAccess.

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