Transition Self Help Center
Please Note: Our Grand Rapids Metal Centers Transition Self Help Center will cease operations on December 17, 2009. This website will be discontinued in February 2010.
Our Purpose To provide aid to all Grand Rapids Metal Plant employees with the necessary information, resources and services to help them make a positive transition to other employment or retirement. About Us The Transition Self Help Center was established by our Local Joint Leadership to provide all employees with the necessary information, resources and services to help make a positive and effective transition to employment, training or retirement. It is located on the first floor of the Administration Building by the Plant Manager’s Office. It is open Mondays through Thursdays from 7:00AM to 5:00PM. Staffed by Raul Espinoza and Mike Vincent, and supported by the other members of our Joint Adjustment Committee. Peer Network In addition to this employee service, we are fortunate to have been able to establish a Network of “Peers”. Our Peers are former employees who are making contact with each of our recently displaced employees who have been laid off, released, or have taken early retirement due to our plant closing. The purpose of “Peer to Peer” contact is to check in to see how our employees are doing in this transition, and to determine if they are in need of information or resources regarding future employment, training, or other assistance. The Peers are working out of office space in the Personnel Department. When contacted, the Peer will ask a series of questions to determine what help and resources may be offered. Many times the services offered are available through the Transition Self Help Center. An employee may be directed there, or to workshops, or other sources etc.
Current Services •Internet access for job search and education research. •Computer access and personal support for resume writing. •Grants/Scholarship, NWLB information. •Personal Support resources. •Internal GM move information. •Michigan Works upcoming event information. •Work and training history reports. •Resume/Interview skills workshops. •Peer to Peer personal contacts to all employees. •Developed website to assist in additional communication. Updated 10/28/09	Transition Center Summary •6,019 total visits •4,600 Peer contacts completed •2 Worker Orientation Meetings – 3/4/09 and 4/29/09 with 18 different organizations. •Job Fair – 5/14/09. •21 completed Resume/Interview skills workshops. (315 participants) •Labor Market Outlook workshops – 5/20/09 •NWLB Orientation and Career Exploration workshops – 6/3/09, 6/10/09, 8/14/09 &  11/3/09. (180 participants) •Education/Career Fair is scheduled for 8/21/09 •Job Seeker Network -- October 13th & 27th –Kent Ionia Labor Council