Jobs

There is a long tradition of teenagers and young adults getting summer jobs to save up some money while school is out of session. It has seemingly become more difficult to land one of these jobs. That’s where SummerWorks comes in. Through partnership and collaboration, the SummerWorks summer youth employment program works with area employers to find paid internships and mentorship to area young people. It can go beyond a few summer dollars and be a pathway to self-discovery, an educational path and/or a career. WEMU's David Fair and Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti Regional Chamber Executive Vice President Andy LaBarre talked with program manager Kathleen Clancey about the program and how your kids and grandkids can get involved.

The trend of flat jobs numbers in Michigan continued last month. Colin Jackson has more.

Michigan’s combined jobless rate for October and November is 5%, which is a slight drop from September. We have more from Rick Pluta.

One issue that earned plenty of attention in 2025 in Washtenaw County was data centers. That's not likely to change in 2026. As WEMU's Kevin Meerschaert reports, area lawmakers are already working on legislation.

Weekly benefits for Michigan workers who file for unemployment benefits will increase in 2026. Rick Pluta explains.

Startup businesses fostered by Ann Arbor SPARK saw financial growth this year amid a turbulent economy. WEMU’s Ana Longoria reports.

New Republican-backed bills in the Michigan Legislature would get rid of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC). Colin Jackson has more.

Reactions are mixed over the announcement that OpenAI will be moving into the data center in Saline Township. WEMU’s Kevin Meerschaert reports.

Washtenaw Community College hopes to match students with prospective employers during its annual Fall Career & Internship Fair Tuesday. WEMU’s Caroline MacGregor reports.

Michigan’s monthly jobs report that would reveal employment data for the month of September wasn’t released Thursday due to the federal government shutdown. We have more from Rick Pluta.