About the "Center for Workforce Transition"


Welcome to the CWT!

Lansing Community College's Center for Workforce Transition is located at Capital Area Michigan Works! The CWT provides information and assistance to adults looking to transition within the workforce...whether it is identifying career goals, gaining new skills and knowledge through Lansing Community College, or seeking assistance on job search techniques, the CWT is your one-stop partner.

NEW!
Lansing Community College's Center for Workforce Transition is pleased to announce that it has expanded its programming to include workshops designed specifically for baby boomers looking to re-enter the job market. For more information on the Encore Plus 50 program attend an informational orientation meeting at Capital Area Michigan Works! Lansing Service Center on Tuesday, April 8th from 10:00 - 11:30 a.m. If you have any questions, contact our staff at (517) 492-5580 or LCCAdvisor@camw.net.

Plus 50 Completion Initiative:
Lansing Community College has joined other community colleges in a national program designed to train 10,000 baby boomers for new jobs in healthcare, education, and social services. The program is sponsored by the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC). The college is part of the Plus 50 Encore Completion Program and seeks to assist adults age 50 and over in completing degrees or certificates within in-demand occupations that give back to the community. Please visit our website at lcc.edu/lifelong/encore for updated information on this program.

Friday, October 29, 2010

It's Not Too Early To Get Started!

It's Friday afternoon, last business day in October and the Center for Workforce Transition (CWT) is busy! 

While mid-November seems far away, in reality it is just two weeks from now.  So, why is that important?  Because, registration for Spring 2011 begins November 16th...just two and a half weeks away!  Having said that, a sense of urgency just hit me.  So it appears that we're beginning to see a lot of activity as our students are beginning to prepare for a successful start to the semester. 

Our November calendar of events will be available on the Lansing Community College web site's Calendar of Events, the Capital Area Michigan Works! Calendar of Events and next week we'll provide a direct link from the blog for your convenience.  The calendar includes dates and times for our various activities, including:
  • "Jobs Connections" workshops
  • Financial Aid wworkshops
  • Assessment Testing (CPT)
  • Various LCC Student Services
  • Program seminars
    • Truck Driver Training (Tuesdays)
    • Informational Technology Network/Security (Fridays)
Further, activity is picking up as students/prospective students realize that they need to complete their financial aid application (FAFSA) before the December 1st deadline.  The deadline is important for students as it will help ensure that their application will be processed in time for Spring semester.  Additionally, it is important to know that applications submitted past this date will be processed but not until after the semester has begun!  For more information on the financial aid process at LCC be sure to visit their website.

Some important dates to know regarding LCC's Center for Workforce Transition, our office (located inside CAMW!) will be closed on the following State holidays:
  • Tuesday, November 2, 2010:  Election Day
  • Thursday, November 11, 2010:  Veteran's Day
  • Thursday, November 25, 2010:  Thanksgiving Day
  • Friday, November 26, 2010:  Thanksgiving Break
Be sure to keep these dates in mind when planning your visit to the Center.

Have a good weekend and a safe Halloween!  Visit with you on Monday!

Job Blast:
  • WILX-TV (Lansing):  News Assistant, MTB Job Order #2962514
Job Search Tip of the Day:  "Eighty-six percent of executives said cover letters are important when evaluating job candidates." (National Association of Workforce Development Professionals)

The cover letter is your introduction to a prospective employer!  It is your opportunity to share what you have to offer the employer.  Without being personally present when submitting your resume, know that it does represent you.  So be sure to follow these simple guidelines:
  • Address the letter to a contact person.  Personalize when at all possible.
  • Clearly identify your goal of the letter.  Be sure to identify which position you are applying for and why you are interested in the position and/or the company!
  • Sell yourself!  Summarize why you are a strong candidate.  Highlight your previous work, training and skills as they relate to the position.
  • Be sure to indicate your desire for an interview. 
  • Thank the person for considering your resume.  As well offer to provide additional information (make them want to learn more about you!).  And, be sure to sign your name!
Next week I'll continue with additional cover letter hints!

Learning Tip of the Day:  Schedule Time for Studying

One of the features in LCC's Student Banner System available to students when registering for class is the ability to print off a visual calendar of the week that highlights class information.  This is great because you can use this to schedule other things in your week...your own "Week at a Glance" so to speak.  Print off the weekly schedule and then add the rest, such as work schedule, study schedule, family activities.  This will also help you to better manage your time and ensure that studying is given the priority it requires to help you achieve as a student.

Thursday, October 28, 2010

What Do Employers Want You to Know...

One of the opportunities I have working with the professionals at Capital Area Michigan Works! (CAMW!) is the ability to hear from area employers.   We have opportunities to receive new job postings as well as assist with finding skilled workers.  Employers provide us with significant feedback on job seekers.  This helps us help those individuals looking for employment, increasing job skills through retraining, and more!

Today, I received an email from the CAMW! Business Liaison sharing one of many frustrations businesses have with some job seekers.  Her email indicated that, "the recruiting assistant of a local nonprofit stated a frustration that happened to her already twice this week.  She reviewed resumes that were submitted to her and called those whose resumes met the minimum qualifications.  (For the position she is currently recruiting, a High School Diploma/GED is required.)  TWO people whose resumes stated they had earned a Diploma/GED told the recruiting assistant over the phone that they did not actually have a Diploma/GED."

Okay, this leads me to Rule #1:  Don't lie on your resume or application.  Besides closing the door behind you with an employer, you may actually close doors with those who may be working hard to assist you in the job search.  For example, I was personally assisting someone I knew with their job search.  After helping them with their cover letters and resumes, I submitted their information with a recommendation from me to one of the employers we were assisting with finding skilled workers.  Soon after that, the person came in to tell me that they had gone through two interviews and did not get the job.  I suggested they call and ask for some feedback so that they could improve upon their interviewing skills with future opportunities.  Two days later the person was in my office.  When I asked if they had contacted the employer for feedback they indicated that yes, they had.  Being curious, I asked what feedback was received.  Imagine my surprise when the person indicated that they found out that he did not have a diploma (after stating that he did!).  Not only did that individual lie to the employer, but he had lied to me -and- I had recommended him to the employer. 

Today, I have several Job Blasts to share with you.  Please refer to the Michigan Talent Bank for more information about the positions and information on how to apply.

  • Mario's (Lansing):  Store Worker.  Job Posting #2963410
  • Pratt & Whitney (Lansing):  Quality Engineer, #2963340
  • Pratt & Whitney (Lansing):  Cell Leader, #2963341
  • Pratt & Whitney (Lansing):  EHS Coordinator, #2963342
  • Pratt & Whitney (Lansing):  Senior Manufacturing Engineer, #2963343
  • Pratt & Whitney (Lansing):  Senior Structure Engineer, #2963344
  • Michigan Fitness Foundation (Lansing):  Graphic Design & Publications Coordinator, #2963330
Job Search Tip of the DayRefer to Rule #1 above!

Learning Tip of the Day:  Study at the Library!  Since we are constantly bombarded with constant distractions, consider using the library to study.  You'll find you'll be able to get more done in an efficient manner which will leave you more time to do the fun stuff!  Don't become one of those college students who never steps foot inside the college library.

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Welcome to the CWT

Welcome to the Center for Workforce Transition's blog!  It is our hope that you will find some useful and interesting information that will assist you as you transition from one career into the next.


The CWT is located inside the Capital Area Michigan Works! Lansing Service Center (CAMW!) and provides our Lansing Community College (LCC) students and prospective students with an array of services designed to help them transition into college or the workplace.  We have a great staff available to answer questions and offer assistance.  In future blogs you'll have an opportunity to meet them!


Some features of this blog are designed to assist the returning adult as they transition to college.  For example, each month we offer a wide variety of workshops and services that provide a more personalized approach to meeting individual needs in preparing for such a move.  One of our activities is the popular "Jobs Connection" workshop.  Offered on most Tuesdays from 1:30 - 3:00 at CAMW!'s Lansing Service Center, the workshop focuses on two outcomes:  assisting individuals with identifying potential career options; and/or assisting job seekers with additional tools to help them focus a more intentional job search.  


As well, we provide access to some of the College's faculty through information workshops available at the CAMW! location.  Here, prospective students have the opportunity to meet with faculty to learn more about specific programs.  In October and November we are featuring LCC's Truck Driver Training Program (Tuesdays from 1:30 - 3:00 p.m. in the lobby) and LCC's Informational Technology Networking and Security Program (Fridays from 1:30 - 3:00 p.m. in a conference room).


Feel free to contact me if you have any questions.  Or, call us directly at (517) 492-5580!


Cathy Wilhm
Director, Center for Workforce Transition
Lansing Community College


Job Search Tip of the Day:   
Most employers require employment applications.  They may be electronic or paper.  Keep in mind that these are generally used as a screening device!  It is important to put forth your best effort when completing this document...it may very well be the first impression a prospective employer has of you.  Make it count.  Some things to keep in mind, include:
*  Complete each section thoroughly.  If something does not relate to you then write Not Applicable (or N/A) or
   Does Not Apply...do not leave any blanks!
*  Be sure to read the instructions thoroughly!  Remember, this is a screening device!  The prospective employer 
   may be screening to see if the applicants can read and follow instructions! 
*  Write neatly and legibly.  
*  Make sure to include all previous employers and complete contact information.  


Study Tip of the Day:
Lansing Community College has some great resources and study tips.  Be sure to check them out!