Turning Downtime into Opportunity with Michigan Works!

When Matthew first connected with Michigan Works! Northeast Consortium, he was facing a setback—he had been seasonally laid off from his electrician apprenticeship and was unsure of his next step. Rather than standing still, Matthew saw an opportunity to move closer to his long-term goal: becoming a lineman and helping restore power when communities need it most.

With support from Michigan Works!, Matthew developed a plan to strengthen his skills and increase his career opportunities. After completing the application process, he was approved for training at Road Warrior Truck Driving School, where he earned his CDL-A.

This new credential opened doors and positioned Matthew for advancement in the energy and utility field. With his CDL-A in hand, he returned to his apprenticeship better equipped and more competitive—one step closer to achieving his goal of becoming a lineman.

Matthew’s story is a great example of how, even during periods of uncertainty, the right support and a clear plan can turn a setback into forward momentum.