August 3, 2017
The Honorable Rick Snyder
Governor
P.O. Box 30013
Lansing, MI 48909
Dear Governor Snyder,
On behalf of Walker Tool and Die, Inc., I would like to express our appreciation for the workforce development services provided by West Michigan Works! Walker Tool is a producer of metal stamping dies for the automotive, home appliance and aerospace industries. We have been in business for more than fifty years.
I connected with West Michigan Works because we have been experiencing a talent shortage. The great recession of 2008-2010 caused many workers to leave our field of work. Many did not return after the economy improved. Further, we went through a period of several years where new workers were not being trained. We now find ourselves playing catch up.
West Michigan Works has helped us in recruiting new workers and in training existing workers. As a result, we find our apprenticeship program growing. In the last four years we have increased our apprenticeship opportunities from just one trade to the four we presently have.
To give you a better picture of what I mean I would like to quote Dustin London. Dustin is one of our new apprentices who has been helped by West Michigan Works. He says; “I have learned so much.” He adds, “It’s no longer just coming to work at a job; now I have a career. I feel more capable, more confident. I am better able to provide for my family.”
West Michigan Works has also helped Walker Tool achieve our goal of increasing our minority representation in our workforce. We are grateful for all the help they have provided. Whenever called upon for help, we have always found them to be prompt, courteous and professional. It is obvious they enjoy helping both the companies they serve and those individuals like Dustin looking to improve the career opportunities.
Sincerely,
Jerry Roersma
Apprentice Coordinator
Walker Tool & Die, Inc.
2411 Walker Ave. NW
Grand Rapids, MI. 49544
616-453-5471