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When Brandon began the application process for tuition assistance through Michigan Works! Northeast Consortium, he was unemployed and working to rebuild his life following past challenges. Determined to create a better future, he set his sights on earning his CDL-A through Road Warrior Truck Driving School, recognizing the strong opportunities available in the trucking industry. Along the way, Brandon faced barriers related to his background, which made securing employment more difficult. Despite these challenges, he remained focused and committed to moving forward. After successfully completing the application process, Brandon enrolled in training with support from Michigan Works! Northeast Consortium, which provided tuition assistance as well as help with transportation costs to ensure he could attend classes consistently. With that support, he successfully earned his CDL-A. Brandon has since secured employment with Sackrider Trucking, where he will work as both a CDL-A driver and a laborer—marking an important step toward stability and long-term success. Brandon’s story is a powerful reminder that with determination, support, and opportunity, individuals can overcome barriers and build a new path forward.

When Patrick applied for tuition assistance through Michigan Works! Northeast Consortium, he had recently been laid off from his driving position at Carmela Foods and was actively interviewing for new opportunities. With years of driving experience already under his belt, Patrick recognized that earning his CDL-A would open the door to more stable and higher-paying employment. Determined to move forward, Patrick enrolled in Road Warrior Truck Driving School with support from Michigan Works! Northeast Consortium, which provided tuition assistance to help him achieve his goal. In just a matter of weeks, he successfully earned his CDL-A. Shortly after completing the program, Patrick secured full-time employment with Milligan’s in Grayling as a CDL-A driver, with his new role set to begin soon. Patrick’s story highlights how building on existing skills, combined with the right support, can quickly lead to new and improved career opportunities.

Katie’s dream was simple but powerful: to build a better life for her family. As a married mother of seven, she was already balancing the demands of a full household while striving toward something more—earning her nursing degree to create long-term stability for her children. With her spouse also attending school, finances were tight, and every step forward required determination. When Katie came to Michigan Works!, she was seeking support to enroll in the Nursing program at Alpena Community College. From the start, her motivation and resilience stood out. After successfully navigating the enrollment process, Michigan Works! was able to assist with tuition support, helping her begin her education without the overwhelming burden of financial stress. As she progressed through the program, additional needs arose. Katie required scrubs and a stethoscope—essential tools for her training—and Michigan Works! stepped in to help cover those costs. Later, when her tires became dangerously worn, threatening her ability to safely travel to class, assistance was provided to ensure she could stay on track. Even in her final month of the program, challenges continued. Unexpected vehicle repairs arose just before her final exams, creating yet another obstacle. Despite these setbacks, Katie remained focused and determined, supported by her family and her own unwavering commitment to her goals. In December 2025, her perseverance paid off when she graduated from the Alpena Community College Nursing Program. Just one month later, in January 2026, she passed her NCLEX exam—an incredible milestone. Soon after, she began her career as a nurse at MyMichigan Medical Center – Alpena. Katie’s journey is a powerful example of resilience and determination. Through every challenge, she kept moving forward, proving that with the right support and a strong sense of purpose, it’s possible to create lasting change. Today, she is not only providing a brighter future for her family but also making a meaningful impact in her community as a compassionate healthcare professional.

After completing a period of personal and professional transition, Storm was ready to re-enter the workforce but faced financial barriers to getting started. He was interested in earning his CDL-A to access higher-paying, in-demand career opportunities and learned about potential training assistance through Road Warrior Truck Driving School. Storm connected with Michigan Works! Career Advisor Niki Chamberlain, who helped him access tuition assistance and mileage reimbursement to attend training. This support removed key financial barriers and made it possible for him to pursue his certification. With the help of Michigan Works!, Storm successfully completed his CDL-A training and quickly secured employment with Premier Voltage Power Line Co. He is set to begin work in mid-April, earning a starting wage of $34 per hour. Storm shared, “I was able to obtain my CDL-A thanks to the help from Michigan Works!. They helped with tuition and mileage, which made a huge difference.” Through targeted support and training, Storm was able to launch a new career path and move forward with confidence.

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.

Madilyn had learned about the Moran Iron Works Employer of the Day hiring event at the Michigan Works! Onaway office but was unable to attend. During a previous visit, she had expressed interest in opportunities with the company. When Career Navigator Jenny learned she missed the event, she quickly stepped in to help—referring Madilyn to Business Solutions Professional Angie Asam, who had coordinated the hiring event. Angie shared Madilyn’s information directly with Nick Jarvis, HR Manager and Talent Acquisition & Engagement Specialist at Moran Iron Works. This personalized connection led to an exciting outcome—Madilyn soon received a job offer for a newly created Administrative Assistant/Data Entry position. To support her success, Michigan Works! also assisted Madilyn with the purchase of required steel-toed boots for her new role. Now employed, Madilyn has continued to stay connected with Michigan Works!, sharing updates and enthusiasm about her new position. This is her first professional role, and she is already putting her strong work ethic and skills to use. Madilyn brings a solid foundation of experience and dedication. She earned an Associate’s Degree in General Studies from North Central Michigan College with a 3.98 GPA and recognition on the President’s List. In addition, she developed valuable life and leadership skills through caring for her younger siblings and balancing responsibilities alongside her academic and athletic achievements. With support from Michigan Works! and her own determination, Madilyn has successfully taken her first steps into a promising career path.

After being seasonally laid off from his landscaping job, Jeffery decided he wanted the stability of full-time, year-round employment. He identified earning his CDL-A as the key to expanding his opportunities—but with limited income, covering the cost of training was a challenge. Through Michigan Works!, Jeffery was able to access tuition assistance to attend Road Warrior Truck Driving School, along with gas assistance to support his commute to and from training. With this support in place, he successfully completed the program and earned his CDL-A certification. Jeffery has since secured full-time employment with Tugestka Transportation, earning $25 per hour. The support from Michigan Works! helped him overcome financial barriers and transition into a stable, in-demand career path.

Jazmyn came to Michigan Works! Northeast Consortium with a clear and ambitious goal: to build a career in forensic science. Although highly motivated, she faced a significant barrier—she lacked the hands-on laboratory experience needed to secure employment in the field. To help Jazmyn gain the foundational experience required to move forward, Michigan Works! supported her with tuition assistance for Fast Track Phlebotomy training at North Central Michigan College. This program provided her with practical, industry-recognized skills and valuable lab-based experience aligned with her long-term career interests. Through this process, Jazmyn strengthened her understanding of career pathways leading to forensic science and demonstrated resilience by adjusting her short-term steps to support her long-term goals. As a result, Jazmyn secured employment with Versiti Blood Center of Michigan and expressed gratitude for the support she received. This success story highlights the importance of helping young job seekers connect long-term ambitions with realistic, experience-building opportunities. Supporting individuals in adapting their career pathways—while keeping their goals in focus—can increase both confidence and employability.

H.B. Carbide, a fully integrated manufacturer specializing in custom and standard carbide blanks, is committed to continuous improvement—from powder production through finished products, and especially within its workforce. Recognizing the importance of investing in its team, HB Carbide partnered with Michigan Works! Northeast Consortium to expand training opportunities for its employees. Through the Going PRO Talent Fund, H.B. Carbide was awarded $27,500 to provide training for 22 current employees. The company utilized these funds to deliver a range of professional development opportunities, including Lean Manufacturing Champion with Kaizen, Frontline Leader, and Lean Office Practitioner training. The impact was immediate and meaningful. Employees strengthened both their technical skills and leadership capabilities, allowing them to be more effective in their day-to-day roles while also preparing for future advancement. The training also contributed to improved team morale, creating a more engaged and motivated workforce. One participating employee, William, a Quality Engineer, completed Frontline Leader training and experienced both professional growth and a wage increase. He shared how the training enhanced his ability to support the company’s quality management system, conduct effective audits, and identify opportunities for continuous improvement—ultimately helping reduce risk and strengthen operations. H.B. Carbide also noted the value of working with Michigan Works! throughout the process. Garrett, HR representative at HB Carbide, shared, “Our point of contact at Michigan Works! was especially helpful during the application process, as well as finalizing and ensuring we received the best possible return to the company for our participation.” By investing in its employees, H.B. Carbide continues to build a stronger, more skilled workforce—demonstrating how the Going PRO Talent Fund can support both business growth and employee success.

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.

When Delilah first entered the workforce as a high school student, she never imagined she would soon be building a professional career in the insurance industry. As an In-School Youth participant with Michigan Works!, Delilah first began with a paid work experience as an office assistant at Cory Budnick State Farm Insurance. Initially seeking a way to gain work experience while finishing school, Delilah quickly discovered the opportunity was much more than just a job. She started by assisting with basic office tasks such as answering phones, organizing client files, and scheduling appointments. Although she had limited knowledge of the insurance field, she stood out for her strong work ethic, curiosity, and willingness to learn. Recognizing her potential, Cory gradually introduced Delilah to more advanced responsibilities. Through the structure and support of the On-the-Job Training (OJT) Program, Delilah received hands-on experience in customer service, policy documentation, and insurance terminology. She also developed skills in communicating with clients about coverage options and assisting agents with quotes and paperwork. This real-world training helped her build both technical knowledge and professional confidence. As her skills grew, so did her interest in the industry. With encouragement from her employer and Michigan Works! OJT program staff, Delilah decided to pursue her insurance license. While continuing to work, she studied for the state licensing exam—and successfully passed. Today, Delilah is a licensed insurance agent at the same agency where she began as an assistant. She now works directly with clients, helping individuals and families understand their coverage needs while contributing to the agency’s success. Her journey from student assistant to licensed professional agent highlights the power of hands-on experience, mentorship, and opportunity. Delilah credits the OJT Program for opening the door to a career she may not have otherwise discovered. “The OJT Program gave me the chance to learn while working and showed me what I’m capable of,” Delilah shared. “Starting as an assistant helped me understand the business from the ground up, and now I’m proud to help clients protect what matters most.” Delilah’s story is a strong example of how early work experience, combined with supportive training and guidance, can transform a part-time job into a meaningful, long-term career.

Jaden connected with Michigan Works! through the WIOA In-School Youth Program while still exploring what her future could look like. Like many students, she faced uncertainty around choosing a clear career path and had limited work experience to guide her decisions. She was considering several options—including public safety, law, and health services—but needed support to narrow her focus. With guidance from her Youth Career Advisor, Erin, Jaden took proactive steps to explore her interests and build real-world skills. She completed the Virtual Career Readiness and Exploration Program, gaining valuable insight into workplace expectations, professionalism, and career planning. To further strengthen her experience, Jaden also participated in a paid work experience at her local library, where she developed transferable skills such as communication, responsibility, and customer service. Through dedicated career pathway research and hands-on learning, Jaden gained greater clarity about her future and built confidence in her next steps. Along the way, she earned $1,500 in stipends—recognition of her commitment and progress. Today, Jaden feels more prepared, focused, and empowered to pursue a career that aligns with her interests. Her journey highlights how early exploration and meaningful work experiences can open doors and build a strong foundation for future success.