of employers emphasized that stronger partnerships with K-12 schools and postsecondary institutions would bolster their long-term talent pipelines.
Information provided by the YouScience 2024 Workforce Report
In collaboration with local leaders, educators, and community partners, we are launching the Chamber Career Center, helping to bridge the gap between business and education. We will help to create more connectivity while amplifying the great work that is already being done.
The Chamber is focusing on creating opportunities for experiential learning for high school students through young adults. All businesses are invited and welcome to be a part of this work.
of employers reported that entry-level talent requires additional training to succeed, highlighting the importance of aligning educational outcomes with industry requirements.
of employers emphasizing the importance of work-based learning in preparing new talent.
Information provided by the YouScience 2024 Workforce Report
YouScience
YouScience is a dynamic career assessment tool that identifies individuals' strengths, helps them understand their aptitudes, and aligns them with specific career clusters and opportunities.
By helping students and professionals discover careers that align with their innate talents, YouScience plays a key role in addressing workforce gaps, particularly in high-demand industries like skilled trades.
Education Connections
The Education Connections board connects individuals and organizations with opportunites to play an active role in local education through workplace visits, facility tours, classroom presentations, and more.
We invite educators to post opportunities and experiential learning requests by filling out the form below.
We invite businesses, employees, and community leaders to explore opportunities and play an active role in local education by joining the directory and viewing available opportunities.
Local Resources
GRCC Lakeshore
Grand Rapids Community College offers over 140 affordable, accessible certificate and associate programs. They emphasize small class sizes, robust student support services, and strong partnerships with local employers to serve the needs of the community.
M-TEC
M-TEC is a career and corporate training center. Their team helps employers and individual learners improve job performance and results through services including trainings, assessments, best practice information, and career development.
OAISD
Ottawa Area ISD facilitates the education of over 45,000 students throughout Ottawa County, Hamilton and Saugatuck. They serve learners through instructional programs for Pre-K to adults in the classroom or the workplace.
West Michigan Works!
West Michigan Works! serves the employers and job seekers of Allegan, Barry, Ionia, Kent, Montcalm, Muskegon, and Ottawa counties by creating workforce solutions, aligning resources, and connecting employers' talent needs with job seekers' employment goals.
Interested in learning about local career exploration opportunities?
Check out Career Center Connections on our Member News page.
"The West Coast Chamber sits at the heart of the business community and has a reputation for excellence. With a proven ability to move quickly and strategically, the Chamber was the ideal partner to lead the next phase of reimagining education—fostering business connections and expanding real-world learning opportunities."
- Travis Williams | CEO, ODC Network
"I feel like a big weight has been lifted. After taking the assessment, I realized I was on the wrong career path. YouScience confirmed what I had been feeling, and it helped me decide to pursue a different career."
- Local College Student
"We love welcoming high school students for job shadows. Our work supports businesses in ways many students haven't seen before, and that early exposure can be a powerful influence as they explore future paths."
- Leanne Schaeffer | Partner, Boileau & Co.
"I would like you all to know how much I appreciate your efforts in setting up these job shadows! They're so incredibly important to me and I love exploring new career paths. They were great experiences."
- Local High School Student
Learn More & Get Involved
Trailblazing work is happening in this space, and we invite you to join us. If you have questions or are looking to engage, email us at careercenter@westcoastchamber.org
