In Berrien, Cass, and Van Buren counties, the health care sector has over 900 fewer workers than before the pandemic, which means there are immediate openings for trained and skilled people. Additionally, the sector continues to grow, with nearly 750 open positions available and projections call for continued growth of 6% or nearly 550 jobs through 2032. With an aging population in Southwest Michigan, the need for skilled health care workers will continue to increase. That’s where Michigan Works! comes in.
Michigan Works! Berrien, Cass, Van Buren is offering a free 12-week training program for individuals interested in a career as a community healthcare worker, with a focus on behavioral health. This training program will help jobseekers gain two in-demand healthcare credentials and jumpstart a career in healthcare.
To be eligible for this unique training opportunity, individuals must:
· Be 18 years or older
· Currently reside in Benton Harbor (49022)
· Have a High School Diploma or GED
· Have a clean criminal background
The 12-week training program is divided into two parts:
1) Community Healthcare Worker training (8 weeks):
This portion of the training is two days a week from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. It also includes a 40-hour internship at a local healthcare organization.
2) Behavioral Healthcare training (4 weeks)
This portion of the training is a 4-day a week commitment from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
“For anyone who has ever wanted to pursue a career in healthcare, this training will give you the keys to the industry and allow you to learn first-hand what it’s like to work in behavioral health,” said Mark O’Reilly, Director of Business Solutions at Michigan Works! Berrien, Cass, Van Buren.
To learn more about this training opportunity, individuals are invited to attend one of the two information sessions about the program. The information sessions will take place on December 7 from 10-11 AM and December 7 from 2-3 PM at Michigan Works! in Benton Harbor, located at 499 West Main Street. Registration is required at miworks.org/events.
There are limited spots for this training and the deadline to sign up is December 21. To learn more or to sign up for the program, contact LaRon at HarrisL@miworks.org.
Michigan Works! of Berrien, Cass, Van Buren specializes in connecting individuals of all ages to education, training, and employment. We work with local businesses to find out what keeps them up at night and help them tackle the most pressing challenges they may face, including attracting and retaining talent. For more information, visit www.miworks.org.
