Empowering Michigan Women: New Skills and Pay Initiatives Unveiled

In the heart of Michigan, a movement is underway that’s not just about breaking the glass ceiling but reshaping the entire building. The Michigan Women’s Commission, in partnership with Consumers Energy, is pioneering a path to empowerment through high-wage, skilled trades for women. This isn’t just about jobs; it’s about creating legacies of skilled, confident women who will lead and inspire generations.

A Personal Journey
Imagine you’re at a crossroads in your career. You have ambition, the drive to succeed, and a desire to earn more—not just to thrive but to provide for your family and secure your future. This is where the journey begins, with initiatives like the roundtable discussion hosted by the Michigan Women’s Commission and Consumers Energy, spotlighting not only the opportunities but the supportive path forward through registered apprenticeship programs.

Breaking Down Barriers
For too long, skilled trades have been viewed through a gendered lens, often perceived as the domain of men. This outdated notion is being dismantled as we speak. Susan Corbin, director of the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity, emphasized at the recent roundtable that, “In order to address the gender wage gap and ensure equitable access to economic prosperity, we are breaking down barriers and creating pathways for women to enter high-wage jobs across all sectors.”  The roundtable event showcased Consumers Energy’s Registered Apprenticeship training programs as a key initiative to empower more women in skilled trades and pave the way for lucrative careers. This initiative is about rewriting the narrative, proving that these high-paying, skilled positions are not only attainable but are also welcoming and rewarding for women.

The Role of Apprenticeships
Apprenticeships are more than just training; they are a golden ticket to economic prosperity. With a promise of over $70,000 in median annual earnings upon completion, they represent a viable and lucrative career path. As one of the top states for registered apprenticeships, Michigan’s programs offer hands-on experience and the chance to earn while you learn, reducing the financial burden often associated with advancing education and skills.

Community and Support
“Behind every successful woman in these programs is a network of peers, mentors, and leaders cheering her on.” said Kendra Quinlan, co-founder of the Michigan Apprenticeship Network. During the roundtable, she underscored the importance of collaboration among industry, government, and educational institutions. “This support system ensures that once you step into this world, you are not alone—help is always at hand, and success is a shared goal.” she said.

As the landscape of skilled trades in Michigan evolves, so do the opportunities for women seeking high-wage, fulfilling careers. Curious about where to begin? Consider exploring the resources available at Michigan.gov/Apprenticeship. This is your opportunity to engage with a community that’s not just filling jobs, but redefining success in skilled trades for women.

The collaboration between the Michigan Women’s Commission and Consumers Energy is more than just a doorway to new opportunities—it’s a gateway to broader horizons for women across the state. Your participation in these initiatives not only enhances your own career prospects but also enriches the diversity and strength of our workforce. Take a moment to consider this path: it’s not just about advancing your own goals but also about forging a path toward a more inclusive and prosperous Michigan. Together, let’s envision and build a future where every woman’s potential is realized.

Five Red Flags Your Business Presents to Potential Employees:

an animated image of a woman's hand holding aphone. the phone has a dating app. on the screen is a manufacturer holding a fish (a regular theme on dating apps)

If you look around the room at who makes your manufacturing operation or business successful, you’ll know it’s the people who’ve been with the company for years. Retaining key talent year-after-year is crucial for long term success. As a company that conducts a mind-blowing amount of interviews each year, we know that recruitment process offers a unique insight into a company’s ethos and operational efficiency, which can significantly impact a candidate’s decision to join or bypass an opportunity. For manufacturing business owners, HR personnel, and operators, recognizing potential red flags in the hiring process is crucial. 

We’ll outline five major red flags that could deter prospective employees from saying yes to your offer:

1. Lack of Clear Role Definition and Professional Development Opportunities
Candidates seek roles that promise not only immediate responsibilities but also a clear path for growth and development. An inability to outline the specific duties associated with a position or a vague explanation of career advancement opportunities can signal to candidates that the position might lead to a dead-end or that the company lacks a coherent strategy for employee growth.

2. Questionable Company Culture and Leadership
A company’s culture and its leadership are under close scrutiny during the recruitment process. Signs of a toxic work environment, such as badmouthing current or former employees and competitors or displaying a lack of transparency, can raise significant concerns. Moreover, an uncomfortable interview environment or an interviewer’s unpreparedness may reflect broader issues within the company’s culture and leadership, impacting employee satisfaction and retention.

3. Inflexible Negotiation on Job Offers
Flexibility in negotiating job offers, including salary, benefits, and role specifics, indicates a company’s willingness to accommodate and value a candidate’s worth. An employer’s unwillingness to engage in negotiations or altering the role significantly from what was initially advertised can be perceived negatively by candidates, suggesting a lack of respect and appreciation for their skills and contributions.

4. Inadequate Online Presence and Reputation
In the digital age, a company’s online footprint provides valuable insights into its operations, culture, and industry standing. An outdated or absent online presence, coupled with a poor reputation and high staff turnover as evidenced by negative reviews or the frequent reposting of job listings, can deter potential candidates. These factors may indicate that the company is not keeping pace with industry trends or struggling with internal challenges.

5. Neglect of Candidate Experience Throughout the Hiring Process
The overall candidate experience, from initial contact through the interview process to job offer, speaks volumes about a company’s operational efficiency and respect for prospective employees. Red flags such as a lack of communication transparency, prolonged hiring processes without clear timelines, and unprofessional conduct during interviews can significantly impact a candidate’s perception of the company and their willingness to accept an offer.

split image of a factory with a clean and bright happy setting on the left, and a dark, industrial, smoky setting on the right.

Bonus Entry: Disregard for Work-Life Balance and Employee Well-being

A significant red flag for potential employees, especially those under 30,  is a company’s disregard for work-life balance and the overall well-being of its employees. Signs of this include expecting candidates to be available outside of normal working hours, vague or non-existent policies on leave and vacations, and a lack of support for mental health. These indicators can signal to candidates that the company views employees merely as resources rather than as individuals with personal lives and needs. A disregard for work-life balance can lead to burnout, decreased productivity, and a high turnover rate, which are detrimental to both employees and the company. Recognizing and addressing candidates’ needs for a healthy work-life balance is essential for attracting and retaining top talent.

Navigating the recruitment process with a keen eye for potential red flags is not just about avoiding pitfalls; it’s about affirming your company’s commitment to excellence, respect, and mutual growth. In today’s competitive job market, especially in industries like manufacturing that are the backbone of Michigan’s economy and beyond, the ability to attract and retain top talent hinges on more than just the promise of a paycheck. It requires a holistic approach that values the individual, fosters a culture of inclusivity and growth, and champions operational integrity.

 

At WSI, we believe that recognizing these red flags is a crucial step in refining your recruitment process, thereby enhancing your company’s appeal to prospective employees. By committing to these principles, you position your business not only as a leader in your industry but also as a beacon of a positive workplace culture. We are dedicated to guiding our partners through the complexities of recruitment and staffing, ensuring that your company doesn’t just fill positions but builds a thriving community of dedicated professionals who share your vision for success and innovation.

Six Tips to Complete Your High School Diploma

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Embark on a journey of success with your high school diploma—a key that unlocks a multitude of opportunities. Dive into our latest blog to gain insightful tips on completing your education and propelling your career forward, no matter where you are

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