*For the purposes of this article, “FTC staff” refers to personnel from participating colleges and partner organizations involved in FutureTech Careers activities.*

Understanding “Entered” vs. “Enrolled”

It is important to distinguish between a participant being entered into Launchpad and being enrolled in FutureTech Careers.

• A participant is entered when their information is submitted into Launchpad by staff with approved access.

• A participant is fully enrolled once the submission has been reviewed and approved through Launchpad’s required quality assurance (QA) process.

These terms are based on stages found in Launchpad (Pre-Registration, Enrolled, Training, Job Readiness, Follow up) and are defined by West Michigan Works! (WMW!).

 

Step 1: Participant Information Is Entered

Participants are entered into Launchpad by staff with approved access, including FTC, community partner, or WMW! staff.

In most cases:

• The participant is present while their information is entered, or

• The participant has provided their information through a secure form (GRCC)

At this stage:

• Information is confirmed directly with the participant

• Accuracy is based on participant verification

There is no separate verification of participant-provided information by FTC or partners beyond this confirmation.

 

Step 2: Launchpad Quality Assurance Review

After a participant is entered, the submission goes through a required QA review process conducted by West Michigan Works!. This is shown as the “Pending Enrollment (QA process)” stage in Launchpad.

The review:

• Confirms required fields are completed

• Ensures the submission meets Launchpad requirements

• Does not verify the truth or accuracy of participant-provided information

Once the QA review is complete and approved:

• The participant’s status in Launchpad changes from Pre-Registration to Enrolled

• The participant is officially enrolled in FutureTech Careers

This is the only formal review step in the enrollment process.

 

Step 3: Participant Begins FTC Services

After enrollment is approved:

• The participant becomes active in FutureTech Careers

• FTC services may begin, depending on the participant’s goals and situation

Services may include:

• Coaching support

• Training coordination

• Planning for work-based learning activities

The specific services and sequence of steps vary by participant.

***NOTE***

FTC events are open to the public and may be attended while in the enrollment process. Services (such as those listed above) may be withheld until Enrollment is complete.

 

What Partners Might Notice During This Process

During enrollment and early participation, partners may notice that:

• Participants are contacted directly by FTC staff

• Some steps are not immediately visible in Launchpad

• Enrollment status changes only after QA approval

These situations are normal and do not indicate a problem.

 

Updating or Correcting Information

If incorrect information is identified after a participant is entered or enrolled:

• Updates depend on staff role and Launchpad permissions

• In many cases, staff assigned to the participant can make updates directly

• If updates cannot be made, the issue should be brought to:

  • the SCC4 Data Tracking Specialist at GRCC, or

  • an appropriate West Michigan Works! contact

Partners should avoid re-entering participants to correct errors, as this can create duplicate records.

 

When Partners Should Contact FTC

Partners are encouraged to contact FTC if:

• A participant is unsure whether they are enrolled

• Incorrect information was entered and cannot be updated

• A duplicate entry may exist

• There is uncertainty about next steps after enrollment

Clear communication helps prevent delays and confusion.