Building Workforce Success Through Partnership: LEO Workforce Initiative Roadshow Highlights Northeast Michigan Impact
On August 18, Michigan Works! Northeast Consortium hosted the Northeast Michigan stop of the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity’s (LEO) Workforce Initiative Roadshow at the Otsego County Library. The event brought together workforce partners, employers, educators, and community leaders to highlight how collaboration is creating meaningful opportunities for individuals, businesses, and communities across the region.
LEO Director Susan Corbin shared updates on Michigan’s Statewide Workforce Plan and statewide workforce initiatives, followed by a regional discussion showcasing how these priorities are being put into action locally through strong partnerships.
During the “Building Workforce Success Through Partnership” presentation, community partners shared real-world examples of how collaboration with Michigan Works! Northeast Consortium is helping strengthen talent pipelines and remove barriers to employment:
Registered Apprenticeship Success: Lt. Brenda Beckwith with the Cheboygan County Sheriff’s Department highlighted how Michigan Works! has supported the creation of registered apprenticeship pathways to help build and retain a skilled public safety workforce.
Upskilling Healthcare Talent: Brandy Kozlowski with Alcona Health Center shared how the organization has utilized the Going PRO Talent Fund and Registered Apprenticeship to create advancement opportunities and career pathways for employees.
Investing in Employee Growth: Kristi Bristley with Ryba Marine Construction discussed the company’s partnership with Michigan Works! to access training opportunities and support continued workforce development.
Career Exploration for Students: Laura Percival with the MiSTEM Network highlighted collaborative efforts to provide hands-on career exploration experiences, including MiSTEM Summer Career Exploration Camps and Career Academies throughout the region.
Connecting Students to Natural Resource Careers: Savannah Graf with the Northern Michigan Great Lakes Stewardship Initiative (NEMIGLSI) shared the impact of the annual EcoCareers Career Exploration event, connecting regional students with careers in natural resources.
Removing Barriers for Veterans: Brandon Latuszek with Veterans Employment Services and Jessica Villet with Michigan Works! discussed how partnership and Barrier Removal Employment Success (BRES) funding helped support a veteran overcoming multiple barriers while pursuing employment goals.
The event reinforced an important message: workforce success happens through partnership. By working alongside employers, educators, community organizations, and state partners, Michigan Works! Northeast Consortium continues to build pathways that connect individuals to opportunity and help businesses develop the talent they need to grow.
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