Dislocated Seasonal Worker Secures Full-Time, Year-Round Employment Thanks to Tuition Assistance

Thomas first came to Michigan Works! to file for unemployment benefits after his management position was eliminated. In the spring, Thomas found seasonal employment with the Department of Natural Resources (DNR), but found himself having to claim for unemployment benefits once again when the seasonal employment season ended in October.

Unhappy with the prospect of continuing to work seasonal jobs and having to file for unemployment every winter, Thomas asked his Michigan Works! Career Navigator Jessica about tuition assistance to pursue his CDL. After completing the required paperwork, Thomas was enrolled in the WIOA Dislocated Worker program and was able to receive funding for tuition assistance to attend Road Warriors Truck Driving School. He also received Barrier Removal Employment Services (BRES) support services to help him with the mileage to and from his training. While in training, with help from his Career Navigator, Thomas submitted a Work Search Waiver with the unemployment insurance agency so that he would not be required to search for work while he was attending training.

Thanks to the tuition assistance and support services he received from Michigan Works!, Thomas has now obtained his CDL-A license and has secured full-time, year-round employment with SRM Concrete. He is very happy to be earning more per hour and no longer be part of the seasonal employment cycle.