Michigan Works! changes focus

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) - The jobs talent bank Michigan Works! said Thursday they're changing the way they do business in Kent and Allegan counties.

In those counties, Michigan Works! will spend $25,000 on a consultant to help improve the way it does business.

The consultant will talk to employers to find out how Michigan Works! can get the latest information about the kinds of jobs employers have available and what skills they need from workers.

They'll use that information to tailor their training programs. Michigan Works! said it has been working with employers, but this is a change in focus away from the needs of job seekers.

"The difference is we're shifting the focus to our primary customer (which) will now be employers," said Jacob Maas of Michigan Works! "Meeting the employers needs, understanding what real time jobs they have."

That approach, they say, has the best chance of putting the most job seekers to work.