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Northwest Michigan Works!, a program of Networks Northwest, in partnership with Petoskey-based Volumes Salon, has launched the region’s first U.S. Department of Labor Registered Apprenticeship program for cosmetologists. The new apprenticeship marks a major milestone for professional trades training and workforce development in Northwest Lower Michigan.

Networks Northwest is proud to celebrate several members of its Jobs for Michigan's Graduates (JMG) team who were recognized during Youth Solutions' Annual Summer Summit, a statewide professional development conference that brings together JMG specialists, managers, employer partners, and youth from across Michigan.

Thirteen employers across Northwest Michigan have been awarded a total of $502,674.50 in Cycle Two of the Going PRO Talent Fund (GPTF). These state training awards fuel critical skill development and upskilling for 327 regional workers, including 264 current employees and 63 newly hired team members. Highlighting a strong focus on long-term career pathways and talent development, 45 of these trainees are registered apprentices.

Under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), tax-exempt entities, such as municipalities, tribal governments, non-profits, public utilities, and public schools, can receive clean-energy-related tax credits through a mechanism called elective pay.

Northwest Michigan Works!, in partnership with Manistee Early Childhood Center, has officially launched the region’s first-ever U.S. Department of Labor Registered Early Childhood Educator Youth Apprenticeship. The new apprenticeship marks a major milestone for professional trades training and workforce development in Northwest Lower Michigan.

Northwest Education Services Adult Education program will celebrate the accomplishments of 49 adult learners during a graduation ceremony on Wednesday, June 10, at 7:00 p.m. in Milliken Auditorium in Traverse City.

Northern Michigan employers seeking effective strategies to improve employee retention, increase productivity, and strengthen workforce engagement are invited to attend a Business Resource Network (BRN) Information Session on June 25 in Petoskey.

Out of more than 33,000 alumni across the state, Riley Brown, a participant in Jobs for Michigan’s Graduates (JMG), a program of Networks Northwest, has been named the 2026 JMG Alumni of the Year by Youth Solutions—an honor reserved for a student whose journey reflects resilience, leadership, and the transformative power of opportunity. Riley will be formally recognized at the Career Development Conference (CDC) on Thursday, April 30th in Saginaw.

In honor of National Apprenticeship Week, Northwest Michigan Works is hosting a free Registered Apprenticeship Lunch and Learn Workshop & Race to Talent Celebration Thursday, April 23 from 11:30am to 1:30pm.

Northwest Michigan Works!, a program of Networks Northwest, proudly announces that Regional Director of Adult Education, Christy Nelson, has been awarded the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award from the Michigan Adult, Community & Alternative Education Association (MACAE), recognizing more than 25 years of exceptional service and leadership in adult education.

Northwest Michigan Works!, in partnership with Walstrom Marine, has officially launched the region’s first-ever U.S. Department of Labor Registered Marine Services Technician Apprenticeship. The new apprenticeship marks a major milestone for professional trades training and workforce development in Northwest Lower Michigan.

Northwest Michigan Works! has released an updated Hot Jobs Report, a regional workforce resource that highlights occupations with strong demand across Northwest Lower Michigan. The report identifies careers with high numbers of annual openings and provides information on wages and education and training pathways, helping jobseekers, educators, and employers better understand opportunities in the regional labor market.

A community job fair will take place Thursday, April 16, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Railroad Square Pavilion, located at 107 S. Elm Street in Kalkaska, bringing together job seekers, local employers, and community organizations. Hosted by Northwest Michigan Works!, the free event is open to anyone interested in learning more about job opportunities in the area and aims to connect local talent with employment opportunities across the region while strengthening the local workforce.

Northwest Michigan Works!, in partnership with the Manistee County Sheriff’s Office, has officially launched the region’s first U.S. Department of Labor–registered Police Clerk Apprenticeship, marking a major milestone for workforce development and professional training in Northwest Lower Michigan.

Eighteen employers across Northwest Michigan have been awarded $1,016,803.50 in Cycle One of the 2026 Going PRO Talent Fund (GPTF), fueling workforce training for 460 employees, including 148 registered apprentices. The awards highlight the region’s continued commitment to growing, retaining, and upskilling talent in high-demand industries.

Networks Northwest and Northwest Michigan Works! (a program of Networks Northwest) are proud to announce that the organization has officially been designated as a Recovery Friendly Workplace (RFW), reaffirming its long-standing commitment to supporting employees, customers, and community members in recovery from substance use and related challenges.

Northwest Michigan Works!, in partnership with Manthei Construction, has officially launched the region’s first-ever U.S. Department of Labor Registered Diesel Mechanic Apprenticeship. The new apprenticeship marks a major milestone for skilled trades training and workforce development in Northwest Lower Michigan.

Networks Northwest, in partnership with counties across Northwest Lower Michigan, is developing comprehensive Materials Management Plans (MMPs) and is seeking resident input to help shape future policies and programs.

Hundreds of early educators in Northwest Michigan will soon get a bump in wages thanks to the Early Education Wage Initiative, which was launched Thursday, November 20th by the Northwest Regional Child Care Coalition, convened by Networks Northwest.

Networks Northwest is calling on local businesses to respond to the Northwest Michigan Materials Management Planning Business Survey. Your input on commercial trash, recycling, and composting practices is essential and will be used to develop new goals and action plans for a more efficient and sustainable system. This planning effort is being conducted by Antrim County, Charlevoix County, and Manistee- Missaukee-Wexford Multi-County with assistance from Networks Northwest in response to new state requirements to prioritize waste diversion over traditional disposal

Northwest Michigan Works! will host its Fall into a New Job! Hiring Event on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. in the Networks Northwest Conference Room (Northwest Michigan Works! Service Center), located at 1209 S. Garfield Avenue in Traverse City.