For businesses across the nation, overcoming the talent shortage feels like a challenge that may never end. Companies continue to grapple with understaffing, high turnover rates, and costly recruitment, even years after Covid-19 transformed the labor market. The West Michigan population may be growing, but talent acquisition resources are still limited. Even with remote options, the rise of AI and inflation are transforming how and where we work. Amidst these shifts, local businesses are coming up with creative strategies to address their talent shortages.
Nontraditional Avenues to Find Talent: Partnering with Formerly Incarcerated Individuals
One nontraditional talent solution some companies are turning to is partnering with correctional facilities and Vocational Village, a first-of-its-kind training program spearheaded by the Michigan Department of Corrections. It offers incarcerated individuals an opportunity to grow their careers.
Vocational Village offers a wide variety of skills and trades training, including welding, carpentry, automotive technology, electrical, and more. By participating in the program, companies not only address their talent shortages but also support the rehabilitation and reintegration of individuals into society. Companies like DP Fox Ventures have embraced this program to help staff their automotive technician roles. Diane Maher, President and Chief Strategy Officer for DP Fox Ventures, has led her company’s involvement with the Vocational Village program and has hired around 15 villagers over the past seven years.
“We were looking for automotive technicians, and we learned that Vocational Village had a program where they were allowing inmates to learn skills while they’re incarcerated,” said Maher. “My first visit there was transformational and eye-opening. The village gives them a chance at being successful and improving their lives, and we as a society should be focused on the same thing.”
“I would highly recommend anyone goes to visit the place to understand the need for the programming. First off, because talent is hard to get, but second, because everybody deserves a second chance at life.”
Inviting International Talent
Immigrants make up nearly 20% of the U.S. workforce, but we are still falling short of tapping the skills and potential of these newcomers. As a result, nearly 2 million immigrants with college degrees in the United States – one out of every four – are unable to find work or default to low-skilled jobs.
To close this gap, organizations like Global Detroit are serving as catalysts to build connections between immigrants and employers. Global Detroit’s Talent Retention Initiative has connected over 4,000 international students with hundreds of employers across Michigan, filling critical talent gaps. Additionally, the organization hosts workshops, networking events, job fairs, and other career-building offerings to attract and retain top talent for local companies.
West Michigan businesses are also tapping international talent, citing that it benefits the company, the employees, and the region as a whole. Geoffrey Miller, CEO of Grand Rapids Chair Company, shared insights into the pivotal role immigrants have played in his workforce, underlining their impact on the company’s fabric. “Immigrants are a driving force for innovation and productivity, contributing significantly to the success of the Grand Rapids Chair Company,” says Miller. Deksia, a forward-thinking marketing firm, has also welcomed international workers onto their team, creating a stronger talent pool and providing meaningful work to international students and recent grads.
“They’re hungry, they’re engaged, they’re excited to be part of the community and the culture and would love the opportunity to stay,” says Deksia CEO Aaron Vandergalien. “Our experience has been that the international students who work with us will often outwork our natural-born citizens.” Vandergalien’s advice for employers who are navigating the international hiring process is to be aware of the costs, but know it will likely be worth it in the end. “If you go into it with eyes wide open, knowing that it might be an expensive journey, you’ll have an incredibly loyal, dedicated, hardworking, intelligent staff member at the end. The teammates that have been worked with us are just freaking awesome humans.”
Other Resources to Upskill Talent: The Going PRO Talent Fund
The Going PRO Talent Fund provides funding support to companies looking to improve the skills of their employees. Companies can apply to the talent fund to receive competitive awards for training, leading to increased employee productivity and retention. Funding can go towards supporting on-the-job training of new employees, existing staff training and development, and U.S. DOL Registered Apprenticeships. Companies can apply to the Going PRO Talent Fund during multiple rounds of applications each year. Find details on Michigan.gov or through West Michigan Works!
Investing in Digital Skills
Digital skills are one of the most critical needs in our workforce development today, with 92% of all jobs requiring some sort of digital literacy. The Grand Rapids Chamber’s Government Affairs team is working to raise awareness of the digital skills divide and highlight regional solutions that aim to improve the digital skills of the workforce throughout our region and improve talent acquisition. Connect with our team to learn how you can help develop the digital skills your employees need to thrive.
Talent Development Programming for Your Team
The Grand Rapids Chamber’s talent programs provide some of the top training in the region for leadership and talent development. Ranging from entry-level learning to training for top executives, the talent programs will support your employees and help them build the skills and relationships they need to succeed. Connect with our talent team to find programming that suits your talent goals.
Innovations in talent acquisition are crucial for navigating today’s hot labor market. By embracing nontraditional avenues, leveraging international talent, and investing in upskilling initiatives, businesses can not only address their immediate talent needs but also foster diversity, inclusion, and growth within their communities.
