SOUTHEAST, MI Feb. 7, 2022 – Recognizing the critical shortage of child care workers in southeast Michigan, five Michigan Works! agencies across the region are partnering to host the region’s largest virtual childcare job fair on Tuesday, Feb. 15, 2022, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Detroit Employment Solutions Corporation, Oakland County Michigan Works!, Michigan Works! Macomb/St. Clair, Michigan Works! Southeast and SEMCA Michigan Works! are coordinating the virtual event with the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity and Great Start to Quality. These events are hosted on the Brazen platform, provided by the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity.
“A strong childcare industry is crucial to the economy of southeast Michigan,” said Shamar Herron, executive director, Michigan Works! Southeast. “Not only do childcare programs provide rewarding jobs but, as we emerge from the pandemic, they enable working parents to return to the workforce and must be adequately staffed.”
Jennifer Llewellyn, director, Oakland County Michigan Works!, said this virtual job fair will match people interested in caring for and educating children with a number of childcare providers, including private employers and school districts with early childhood programs.
“Childcare centers across the region are struggling to find talent,” Llewellyn said. “At the same time, we know that there are high school students, college students, and adults seeking fulfilling and meaningful career opportunities in their communities. This can be a first step in achieving this goal.”
Nearly 100 licensed childcare providers with immediate openings from Branch, Hillsdale, Jackson, Lenawee, Livingston, Macomb, Monroe, Oakland, Washtenaw, and Wayne counties are expected to participate. Many of them received funds from the Childcare Stabilization Grant program through the American Rescue Plan to hire, train and retain staff.
According to the Michigan Department of Education, as of last September there were more than 4,700 openings for full-time childcare staff in Michigan, as well as a similar number of part-time openings.
Participation in the virtual job fair is limited, so job seekers are encouraged to register soon by visiting https://www.michigan.gov/leo/0,5863,7-336-94422_95539_64361-575515–,00.html.
According to Brooke Rains, Resource Center Director, Child Care Network, “jobs at childcare facilities can provide pathways to long-term careers in education and related fields.”
In addition to registering in advance, event organizers encourage interested candidates to contact their nearest Michigan Works! Office by calling 800-285-WORKS to help them prepare for the virtual job fair and take advantage of other supportive services that may be available to them.
“The Michigan Works! team is available to work with persons preparing for the virtual job fair, as well as other services related to career exploration and job searches,” said Terri Weems, President, Detroit Employment Solutions Corporation. “This includes professional resume development and review, virtual interviewing skills and tips, networking techniques, individual career guidance and more,” said Weems.
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