Match UP talent portal to help connect laid off workers with job opportunities

Posted by on December 6, 2016

In collaboration with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), the Lake Superior Community Partnership (LSCP) and UPWARD Talent Council have offered Cliffs Natural Resource’s Empire Mine displaced workers a job portal to assist with securing new employment opportunities.

“Our primary focus is on these workers, and helping them to find jobs that will allow them to support their families,” said Roger Curtis, director of the Department of Talent and Economic Development. “This portal is a way for employers to connect with workers who have a variety of skills and are committed to Western Marquette. Ideally, we’ll be able to meet the needs of the affected employees and area businesses as well.”

The portal, Match UP, will allow up to 240 companies at a time to search resumes and connect with the skilled and trained workforce of the idled Empire Mine. Companies must first register their job openings meeting basic criteria prior to approval and access to the site.

“We have been working on securing this portal opportunity since June when it was piloted in Midland due to their Dow Chemical layoffs,” commented Amy Clickner, LSCP CEO. “In addition to the traditional job search options, this portal provides another opportunity for those affected by the Empire Mine layoffs to find employment and remain in our community. We urge businesses looking for skilled, experienced employees to get engaged and help us make successful employee-employer matches.”

Positions in career categories including business services, environment, health and safety, operations, supply chain, skilled trades and technical are preferred, but not required. For businesses seeking to post jobs in the portal, contact matchupjobs@marquette.org or call 906.226.6591. If you are already registered, access the portal at www.matchupjobs.org.

“The UPWARD Talent Council/Michigan Works! is committed to serving the impacted Cliffs workers and the communities in which we serve,” said Deb Doyle, UPWARD Talent Council Director of Operations. “This portal is an additional resource for the impacted miners to connect with employers for that next job.”

Beginning January 3, 2017, displaced Empire Mine employees will gain access to the database allowing the match process to begin. The MEDC has agreed to sponsor the portal so there is no charge to participating employees or employers.

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