Job Employment - WKTV Journal

By WKTV Staff

greer@wktv.org

The City of Kentwood is inviting job seekers to explore seasonal opportunities available in its Parks and Recreation and Public Works departments at a hiring event Tuesday, March 12.

The event will take place in the Community Room at the Kent District Library – Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch, 4950 Breton Ave. SE. There will be two sessions: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. and 5:30-7:30 p.m. During each session, community members will have the opportunity to learn about a variety of seasonal positions, fill out an application and complete on-the-spot interviews. The event is open to all individuals aged 18 and older.

Positions featured at the event will include seasonal maintenance positions for Public Works as well as sports, fitness and enrichment instructors, park rangers and referees for Parks and Recreation.

“Summer is a busy time for the City of Kentwood’s Public Works Department,” Public Works Director Chad Griffin said. “As we work to keep our city beautiful and infrastructure operating smoothly during this upcoming season, we’re in search of candidates to be part of our community effort.”

Individuals looking to attend the event should plan to bring a copy of their resume and be prepared for an on-the-spot interview.

“Our seasonal staff members play an integral role in keeping our many summer programs operating smoothly throughout the season,” Parks and Recreation Director Val Romeo said. “We’re looking forward to connecting with community members who are interested in learning more about the fun job opportunities available with the city.”

Individuals interested in learning more about seasonal employment opportunities at the City of Kentwood but unable to attend the event should visit kentwood.us/employment for current openings. For more information about the event, visit the city’s website.

By West Michigan Works!

Five women put on red caps and gowns, sharing smiles and stories about the past 18 weeks they experienced together. They are the first students to complete and graduate the Sterile Processing Registered Apprenticeship program: Lelah Christiansen, Samantha Gonzales, Gina Mancha, Shanitra Reed and Melonie Rodriguez.

Week-by-week they learned the skills needed for a successful career in the health care industry. And, piece-by-piece they refined the art (and science) of cleaning, sterilizing and assembling surgical parts.

“I’ve always wanted to get back into health care, and this job was the perfect fit for me,” said Samantha Gonzales.

Gonzales was a housekeeper at Holland Hospital when she learned about the program. She applied, knowing the program could give her the ability to advance her career but little else about the job. After starting the apprenticeship, she realized quickly the job matches her skills and abilities well.

“I love interacting with co-workers throughout the hospital and working under pressure. I plan on building a career out of this job,” Gonzales said.

A new future

Gina Mancha was laid off from her career and was too young to retire. This program gave her a new set of skills to start a second career.

“We all took this class for the better, no matter what that is- better job, better schedule, better life,” Mancha said. “We were determined and ambitious.”

Students received instruction from Grand Rapids Community College, as well as hands-on experience at a local hospital: Spectrum Health, Holland Hospital or Mercy Health.

“You just changed the narrative of your life, your childrens’ lives and grandchildrens’ lives,” said Amy Mansfield, dean of GRCC.

Mancha left quickly after the ceremony ended. She had a job to start.

Employment Expertise is provided by West Michigan Works! Learn more about how they can help: visit westmiworks.org or your local Service Center.