General Overview
Michigan Works! Kent & Allegan Counties is part of a statewide program established in 1987 to foster high-quality employment and training programs for employers, workers, and job seekers. The organization is overseen by a local board of directors and is one of 25 public and private sector partnerships, statewide. Having a local board that is comprised of 40 representatives from business, education, economic development, social services, organized labor and community-based organizations, allows Michigan Works! Kent and Allegan Counties to be attentive to the needs of the community, while drawing upon the strength and financial backing of the statewide system.
Five Michigan Works! Kent & Allegan Counties Service Centers (three in Grand Rapids, one in Sparta, and one in Allegan) provide a range of services to employers and job seekers, including education and training for specific job skills; on-the-job training and subsidized employment; job search assistance; childcare provider assistance; non-custodial parent programs; retention and transportation assistance.
