Building Confidence, Skills, and a Creative Future

Katrina came to Michigan Works! Northeast Consortium as a young adult seeking direction, employability skills, and support in building a work history. Like many youth participants, she needed guidance exploring career options, gaining workplace experience, and developing the soft skills necessary for long-term success.

Through the Youth Services program and participation in Jobs for Michigan’s Graduates (JMG), Katrina received a comprehensive set of supports designed to build both her confidence and employability. Michigan Works! provided supportive services, including work clothing, to ensure she could participate comfortably and professionally. She also received labor market information to explore career pathways, along with structured work experience opportunities to develop hands-on skills and establish a verifiable work history.

In addition, post-secondary transition support helped prepare her for college enrollment.

Katrina actively engaged in each opportunity and demonstrated strong commitment throughout the program. She completed two work experiences at OCATS and Northwood Creamery, where she strengthened her reliability, customer service skills, and overall workplace readiness. Through JMG programming, she further developed leadership abilities and essential soft skills.

With continued support and real-world experience, Katrina made significant progress in overcoming initial challenges related to work history and professional skills. She showed marked improvement in communication, professionalism, and confidence.

Katrina’s hard work led to an important milestone—enrollment at Kirtland Community College in the Graphic Arts program, aligning her creative strengths with a clear career pathway. She exited the program with a stronger work history, enhanced soft skills, and the tools needed for continued success.