Organizations honored for workforce leadership

Jan 5

Written By Staff

West Michigan Works! has named Bradford White as its 2025 Employer of the Year and the Literacy Center of West Michigan as its 2025 Partner of the Year, recognizing their outstanding contributions to workforce development across the region. The honors were presented during the 2025 West Michigan Works! annual board meeting, held December 8 at Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park.

Founded in 1881, Bradford White is a Middleville-based manufacturer of water heaters. Bradford White was recognized for its leadership in workforce development, commitment to U.S. manufacturing, and investment in West Michigan's talent ecosystem.

Over the past two years, Bradford White has emerged as a standout partner within Discover Manufacturing, West Michigan Works!' advanced manufacturing talent council. The company has leveraged the Going PRO Talent Fund to train new hires and develop U.S. Department of Labor Registered Apprenticeships in high-demand occupations, including machine repair and electrician roles.

"Bradford White's investment in people demonstrates a deep commitment to workforce development," said Amy Lebednick, Business Solutions Director, West Michigan Works!. "Their commitment to training, apprenticeship development, and long-term talent strategies strengthens our regional economy and creates meaningful opportunities for workers at every stage of their careers."

Bradford White has also supported regional talent initiatives by providing key letters of support for the Make MI Home grant and the MiLEAP Student Internship grant, helping strengthen pathways into Michigan's skilled trades.

The manufacturer is also a leading advocate for youth career exploration. For the past three years, the company has served as Lead Sponsor of MiCareerQuest, the region's largest hands-on career exploration event, and has hosted Discover Manufacturing Week tours for more than a decade.

Founded in 1986, the Literacy Center of West Michigan is one of the largest community-based adult literacy organizations in the country. The Literacy Center was honored for its dedication to adult literacy, workforce readiness, and economic mobility.

In 2024, Literacy Center of West Michigan launched the Integrated Education and Training (IET) program in partnership with West Michigan Works!, Corewell Health, Grand Rapids Community College, and the West Michigan Center for Arts + Technology. Developed in response to employer needs, the initiative combines contextualized language instruction with technical job training in high-demand health care fields.

Through IET, more than 80 English language learners have earned industry-recognized credentials for careers such as certified nursing assistant, pharmacy technician, and medical coder.

"The Literacy Center of West Michigan is a vital partner in building a strong, inclusive workforce," said Tasha Evans, Talent Solutions Director, West Michigan Works!. "Their innovative programs integrate language learning with career training to create real economic mobility for individuals and families. Our partnership is a model for how adult education and workforce development can work together to strengthen our region."

The Literacy Center also co-developed the Welcome Back Center to help internationally trained health professionals re-entering the workforce in the United States.

Career development programs include career advising, resume support, interview preparation, networking practice and assistance with navigating community-based training and employment resources.

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