Lunch and learn series to address AI, culture, mental health, and more
Photo courtesy of West Michigan Works!
Employers across West Michigan have new opportunities to learn from regional business leaders and workforce experts through a Workforce Together Lunch and Learn series hosted by the Industry Talent Councils of West Michigan Works!. Running through 2027, the series of panels will address workforce issues affecting employers across industries, including artificial intelligence, second-chance hiring, company culture, skills-based hiring, English as a Second Language, employee mental health and retention. Each panel is designed to provide employers with practical strategies and resources they can apply within their organizations.
“Employers across our region are navigating many of the same workforce challenges, regardless of their industry,” said Karrie Brown, business solutions manager, West Michigan Works!. “These Lunch and Learn panels create an opportunity to bring employers and workforce experts together to share what’s working, learn from one another and identify practical strategies they can take back to their organizations.”
The series begins Sept. 2 with a panel focused on artificial intelligence and its impact on the workforce. Regional leaders from Augusto Digital, Atomic Object, Amway and Applied Innovation will discuss how their organizations are using AI, how the technology is changing jobs and workflows, and how employers can prepare their teams for an increasingly AI-enabled workplace. Upcoming sessions include:
Artificial Intelligence: Sept. 2, 2026, noon–1 p.m., West Michigan Works! Grand Rapids NW Service Center, 215 Straight Ave. NW, Grand Rapids.
Second-Chance Hiring: Oct. 7, 2026, noon–1 p.m., West Michigan Works! Grand Rapids NW Service Center.
Company Culture: Nov. 4, 2026, noon–1 p.m., West Michigan Works! Holland Service Center, 12331 James St., Holland.
Retain through Support in Hospitality: Dec 2026.
Skills-Based Hiring: Feb. 3, 2027, noon–1 p.m., West Michigan Works! Grand Rapids NW Service Center.
English as a Second Language: April 28, 2027, noon–1 p.m., West Michigan Works! Grand Rapids NW Service Center.
Retain through Culture in Hospitality: April 2027.
Mental Health in the Workplace: May 19, 2027, noon–1 p.m., West Michigan Works! Muskegon Service Center, 1095 3rd St., Muskegon.
Retain through Opportunity in Hospitality: July 2027.
The Lunch and Learn series is supported by West Michigan Works!’ six Industry Talent Councils: Agribusiness Talent Council, Construction Careers Council, Discover Manufacturing, Explore Hospitality, West Michigan Health Careers Council and West Michigan Tech Talent. These employer-led collaboratives bring together businesses, educators, workforce development organizations and community partners to identify industry workforce needs and develop regional solutions.
Employers and workforce professionals can learn more about upcoming sessions and register at https://www.westmiworks.org/employers/itc-professional-development/.
West Michigan Newspop Digital Partners
Community
- Ada
- Algoma
- Allegan
- Allegan County
- Allendale
- Alto
- Baldwin
- Baltimore Township
- Barry County
- Battle Creek
- Belding
- Belmont
- Benton Harbor
- Berrien Springs
- Bridgman
- Bryon Center
- Byron Center
- Caledonia
- Cannonsburg
- Carlton Township
- Carson City
- Cascade
- Cedar Springs
- Cloversville
- Comstock Park
- Coopersville
- Creston
- Crockery Township
- Douglas
- East Grand Rapids
- Eastmanville
- Eastown
- Eaton Rapids
- Fennville
- Ferrysburg
- Forest Hills
- Fruitport
- Georgetown Township
- Grand Haven
- Grand Rapids
- Grandville
- Greenville
- Hamilton
- Hart
- Hastings
- Hastings Township
- Holland
- Hope Township
- Hopkins
- Hudsonville
