Search Results

When Makenzie enrolled in the PATH program through Michigan Works! Northeast Consortium, she was navigating significant financial hardship while relying on childcare and cash assistance through the Department of Health and Human Services to meet her family’s basic needs. A single mother of three, Makenzie was also in her final semester of the Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) program at North Central Michigan College. Through strong community collaboration, Makenzie received critical support that helped her stay on track and succeed. The Women’s Resource Center provided tuition and housing assistance, while North Central Michigan College awarded multiple scholarships to support the completion of her training. Michigan Works! Northeast Consortium offered ongoing education and employment guidance, along with supportive services as needed. Throughout her time in the program, Makenzie demonstrated remarkable resilience and determination while overcoming numerous challenges, including vehicle repairs, a car accident, housing instability, financial hardship, and the demands of supporting her family. Every partner involved believed in her potential and remained committed to helping her reach her goals. We are proud to share that Makenzie successfully completed the LPN program at North Central Michigan College and has secured employment with Medilodge of Gaylord. Once she completes her State Board Exams, she looks forward to using her education and experience to give back to the community. Makenzie’s journey is a powerful testament to perseverance, the strength of community partnerships, and the impact of comprehensive support in helping individuals achieve their dreams.

With support from Michigan Works! Northeast Consortium Career Advisor Tracy Bohl and Youth Career Advisor Erin O'Rourke, Bryan Marsden has successfully obtained his Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Class A certification and is now ready to begin a career in the trucking industry. Michigan Works! guided Bryan throughout the process, including helping him enroll in the training program with Road Warrior Truck Driving School in Gaylord, offering tuition assistance, support services, and job search help. By removing these barriers, Bryan was able to focus on completing his training and achieving his career goals. Bryan’s accomplishment represents an important step toward long-term employment in a high-demand field. His success highlights the impact of workforce training and the value of connecting individuals with the skills and credentials needed for in-demand careers. Michigan Works! Northeast Consortium congratulates Bryan on this achievement and wishes him continued success as he moves forward in his trucking career.

Michigan Works! is proud to celebrate the accomplishments of Zach, who recently earned his CDL-A Certification after completing comprehensive training with Road Warrior Truck Driving School in Gaylord, Michigan. Zach came to Michigan Works! with a clear goal: to build a stable, high-demand career in the transportation industry. With guidance and support from the team at Michigan Works!, Zach was able to access crucial resources to make that goal a reality. His training was fully funded by utilizing three Michigan Works! grants, removing financial barriers and allowing him to focus entirely on developing his skills. Zach didn’t hit the brakes after earning his CDL. He pushed forward to earn both Hazmat and Tanker endorsements, paving the way for even greater opportunities ahead. With his new certification and endorsements, Zach is now equipped to enter a high-growth field with excellent long-term career potential. His success is a testament to his hard work and to the effectiveness of collaborative support from Michigan Works! programs and partners. Congratulations, Zach! We look forward to seeing where the road leads next.

December 9  – Eight sophomores from Inland Lakes High School toured Link Industries in Indian River. The tour tied in well with the students' machining Zoom class that they are enrolled in through Alpena Community College. After meeting General Manager Jeff Veryser and Engineer Spencer Binkley, students split into two groups for a guided tour of the facility. Link Industries manufactures a wide range of cutting tools, including countersinks, counterbores, combination drills, and other round-shank tooling, using both carbide and high-speed steel. During the tour, students observed machines actively producing cutting tools, examined finished products, and interacted with employees operating both hands-on and robotic equipment. They learned how advanced automation works alongside skilled manual processes—and how much effort goes into producing a single tool. By reviewing engineering drawings and observing quality inspection and manufacturing steps firsthand, students gained insight into the full production process. Many were surprised to discover the variety and volume of tools manufactured right in their hometown. December 15 -  Eighteen sophomores from Inland Lakes High School toured Moran Iron Works and the Industrial Arts Institute in Onaway for a hands-on look at careers in skilled trades. The day began at Moran Iron Works, where students viewed several large-scale projects in progress, including a Department of Natural Resources vessel currently being built in the shop and a major project for the Army Corps of Engineers. As they walked the shop floor, students observed welders at work, explored industrial equipment, and gained an appreciation for the size and complexity of the projects underway. Many noted that welding involves far more skill and precision than expected, with safety playing a critical role throughout the process. Students then traveled to the Industrial Arts Institute to learn about its training programs and credentialing opportunities. With the most recent cohort having just graduated, students were able to tour the facility in depth and receive focused instruction on what it takes to be successful in the program. Two students even had the opportunity to try welding under the guidance of an instructor. The visit sparked strong interest, with many students asking questions about future classes and pathways into welding careers.

When Cheyenne came to Michigan Works! Northeast Consortium, he was unemployed after a workforce reduction at his previous job. Having grown up around trucks—and previously certified in Auto/Diesel Repair—he was eager to earn his CDL-A through Road Warrior Truck Driving School and open the door to new career opportunities. Michigan Works! Northeast Consortium was able to braid funding from the WIOA Dislocated Worker Program and the Regional Innovation Project to cover Cheyenne’s tuition. With this support, he successfully earned his CDL-A and has since secured a truck-driving position with Thompson Truck Group. Cheyenne is now back on the road and building a strong future in the trucking industry.

We’re proud to celebrate Foster, whose determination helped him advance into a new role with his employer, AJD Forest Products. Foster came to Michigan Works! with a clear goal: earn his Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) to transfer into a new position at AJD. With support from WIOA Adult funding, Regional Innovation Project funding, AJD Forest Products, and guidance from his Career Advisor, Abby Stark, he enrolled in Road Warrior Truck Driving School. The journey wasn’t easy. During his first week, he passed one of the three Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) exam sections but needed more time to prepare for the others. Instead of getting discouraged, he dedicated the next six weeks to studying and building confidence. His hard work paid off—he passed all three CLP sections, returned to training, and successfully completed his CDL road test. “I had my road test today, and I passed! So I got my CDL. Thanks for your help!” Foster shared. Today, Foster has officially transferred into his new position at AJD Forest Products. His journey shows the power of perseverance, skills training, and employer partnership. We’re proud of his accomplishment and grateful for the resources that help individuals move forward in their careers.

Three northern Michigan employers — Weinkauf Plumbing & Heating , Alcona Health Center , and the Center for Competency Development — were honored on November 4 for their leadership in training workers through Registered Apprenticeship Programs.   The recognition took place at the Otsego County Library following a panel discussion aimed at encouraging more area businesses to grow their own talent through apprenticeships. The event was part of the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity’s (LEO) “Race to Talent with Registered Apprenticeship Michigan” initiative, hosted locally by Michigan Works! Northeast Consortium.   “It was an honor to host some incredible people in our region who are making great strides in the apprenticeship world,” said Jessica Topp, CEO of Michigan Works! Northeast Consortium. “Our Apprenticeship Specialist, Jeremiah Johnston, has been hard at work registering new programs that strengthen both our workforce and local employers.”   Panelists included representatives from LEO, the Cheboygan County Sheriff’s Department, Alcona Health Center, and the Center for Competency Development, who shared their experiences with building successful apprenticeship programs and their impact on employee retention and skill growth.   Registered Apprenticeship opportunities continue to grow across industries such as construction, healthcare, energy, manufacturing, and IT — supporting Governor Whitmer’s Sixty by 30 initiative to ensure 60% of Michigan’s working adults earn a skill certificate or degree by 2030.   To learn more, visit Michigan.gov/Apprenticeship or contact Jeremiah Johnston, Apprenticeship Specialist with Michigan Works! Northeast Consortium, at 989-306-8589 or apprenticeship@nemcworks.org . Center for Competency Development - For being an outstanding Training Provider, Jeff Jackson; Weinkauf Plumbing & Heating, Luke Gerhart-, President, and Hutch Gibbons, HVAC Technician Apprentice; Alcona Health Center - Rachael Techel, Manager of Organizational Quality and Risk, and Jarod Goodson, Certified Medical Assistant Apprentice Graduate  (LEO representatives on left of each photo, Jeremiah Johnston, Michigan Works! Apprenticeship Specialist)

Winston reached out to Michigan Works! Northeast Consortium for tuition assistance to obtain his CDL-A. Having served time for a past criminal charge, he was determined to turn his life around and make a positive change. After completing the application process, Michigan Works! Northeast Consortium provided him with the support needed to attend Road Warrior Truck Driving School. There, he gained the necessary skills and education to successfully pass the driving test. Today, Winston is proud to share that he has earned his CDL-A and is now able to secure employment in the trucking industry!

When Lynn first came to Michigan Works!, she needed help filing a Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA) claim for the very first time. Her position had been eliminated due to a contract not being renewed, and she suddenly found herself navigating unfamiliar territory. Michigan Works! Career Navigators Kathy and Jessica helped her file her UIA claim and complete the required UIA “Register for Work” steps. Lynn continued to use the Michigan Works! Resource Room to complete her weekly work searches and bi-weekly UIA certification questions. She also attended the required RESEA Workshop and soon began taking advantage of several free Michigan Works! workshops, including Resume Writing, Basic Computer Skills, and Mock Interview / What Employers Expect. Over the following months, Lynn remained focused and persistent in her job search. Six months after beginning the process, she is thrilled to share that she has accepted a position as a Registered Nurse Navigator with Edwards Lifesciences in California. In this remote role, she will support patients by answering questions about an outpatient heart valve procedure. Remarkably, this is the same role she previously held before her position was eliminated—now with a different employer, a higher hourly wage, and the added benefit of working from home. Lynn is excited for this new chapter and grateful for the support that helped her return to the work she loves.

Nov 5— Eighteen Onaway High School seniors toured Kirtland Community College’s Gaylord and Grayling campuses. The seniors were able to see the variety of programs that KCC offers, including electric, HVAC, welding, and cosmetology. During the tour, they learned more about what is required to obtain a certificate or associate’s degree in the various programs.   Nov 6 — Seventeen seniors from Fairview Area Schools had the opportunity to explore career possibilities in the automotive industry during a guided tour of Kirtland Community College’s (KCC) cutting-edge Automotive Department. The students observed high-tech equipment in action and learned about the program’s certification in eight major areas of automotive training. The tour highlighted the unique opportunity for students to earn up to 34 Fiat/Chrysler certificates through the KCC Automotive Program, enhancing their employability and technical expertise. Students engaged with Bob Oakes, Automotive Program Director, and special guest speaker Gil Schmitt, Fixed Operations Director at Brown Motors of Petoskey, who shared insights into career pathways and industry expectations. The event also included a lively trivia contest, where students competed for swag, adding a fun and interactive element to the educational experience.

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. After receiving his CDL-A, David gained employment at MLT Transport LLC as a CDL-A Driver, working full-time and paid by mile.

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. During the workshops, Michael learned about the Barrier Removal Employment Success (BRES) program, which he applied for to help him get much-needed work boots and clothing from Emery Enterprises, enabling him to reenter the workforce successfully.