David sought assistance from Michigan Works! Northeast Consortium after being laid off from his manufacturing job. With 16 years of experience as a CDL-A driver before transitioning into manufacturing, he was eager to regain his CDL-A but faced financial barriers in covering the cost of tuition for Road Warrior Truck Driving School. After completing the application process at Michigan Works!, David was awarded tuition assistance to help him return to his career in trucking. A

After falling on hard times and experiencing incarceration, Michael lost everything. Through the IGNITE program at the Alpena County Jail, he met Nicole Hatch and the staff of Michigan Works! Through their guidance, he discovered that valuable resources were available to help him get back on his feet. Michael attended workshops led by Michigan Works! Career Navigator Mary Trudgen, which introduced him to Michigan Works! services, community resources, and resume assistance. Du

Isabella had just finished her CENA training and was ready to start her new job at Medilodge, but wouldn’t be getting a pay check until 5 days after. She didn’t know how she was going to purchase the scrubs she needed to wear for her first day of work. With help from the Barrier Removal Employment Success (BRES) program, Michigan Works! Career Navigator Mary Trudgen was able to help Isabella purchase the scrubs she needed. Thankful, Isabella shares, “This assistance lifted a

October 10 –  Eight Posen high school students who were interested in healthcare careers toured the Alpena Community College’s Nursing Program, learning about the different nursing degrees and the responsibilities of each level of nursing. They also got to participate hands-on in the simulation rooms and observe nursing students in the classroom and lab. The students enjoyed listening to heartbeats, looking down the mannequin patient’s throat with a scope, feeling what a pati

Victoria was in danger of losing her job when her tires became too worn to safely drive. Unsure of where else to turn, she reached out to Michigan Works! for help. Thanks to the Barrier Removal Employment Success (BRES) program, Career Navigator Mary Trudgen was able to step in and assist Victoria in getting the new tires she urgently needed to keep her vehicle safe and reliable. Grateful for the support, Victoria shared, “Having unreliable transportation is incredibly stress

October 7 –  In recognition of Manufacturing Day, sixteen students from the COOR CTE Construction Trades program participated in an exciting industry tour featuring stops at Monarch Millworks, AJD Forest Products, and Kirtland Community College. At  Monarch Millworks , students saw craftsmanship and precision in action as they learned about the process of creating custom precision hardwood and custom kiln drying—from design to finished product. The visit highlighted the impor