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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 huge weight off my shoulders and allowed me to breathe easier. I was able to get assistance purchasing the much-needed scrubs that I otherwise could not have afforded at this time.”

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 patient feels when experiencing a seizure, learning how to draw blood, and much more. The students asked many questions, including how many years of schooling the different types of nurse (LPN, RN, NP) require and the career opportunities available with those degrees. All the students thought the tour was very informational.

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 stressful when you’re trying to stay ahead and move forward in life. I’m so thankful that Michigan Works! was able to help me during this difficult time. Mary Trudgen was extremely helpful in assisting me with getting new tires to make my car safe and reliable again. Without this support, I wouldn’t have been able to maintain my employment.”

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 importance of attention to detail, quality materials, and skilled labor in producing high-end millwork. The next stop,  AJD Forest Products , gave students a firsthand look at how raw timber is transformed into usable lumber. They toured the sawmill, learned about sustainable forestry practices, and discovered how technology plays a key role in modern lumber production. The day concluded with a visit to  Kirtland Community College , where students explored post-secondary programs connected to the skilled trades. They learned about training opportunities in construction, manufacturing, and related fields that can help them advance their careers after high school. From precision woodworking to large-scale lumber processing, students saw the craftsmanship, technology, and teamwork that power Michigan’s construction and forestry industries. These experiences help students connect classroom learning with real-world applications while exploring the many pathways available in Michigan’s construction and wood products industries.

Zean began working with Michigan Works! through the WIOA In-School Youth Program and Jobs for Michigan’s Graduates (JMG), and has since achieved remarkable success in both his education and career. While attending Alcona Community Schools, Zean worked closely with his Michigan Works! Youth Career Advisor to develop a clear education and career pathway. With consistent support, leadership development through JMG, and his own strong commitment, he became dually enrolled in high school and the Utility Technician program at Alpena Community College. Guided by his Career Advisor, he demonstrated both technical skill and career readiness, even competing in the College Lineman Rodeo at Alpena Community College. Through hard work and persistence—paired with Michigan Works! support—Zean graduated with his high school diploma and earned his Utility Tech certification from Alpena Community College. Today, he is proud to be an Apprentice Lineman with Rauhorn Electric and a member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW876). To help remove barriers along the way, Michigan Works! provided supportive services including required tools, work clothing, and new tires to ensure safe transportation. Through JMG, Zean strengthened his leadership and employability skills, which played a key role in securing his apprenticeship. Thanks to his determination and the guidance provided through WIOA and JMG programming, Zean is now equipped with industry-recognized credentials, hands-on experience, and a strong foundation for long-term success in the workforce.

October 20 - Twenty-six Instrumental Electrical Maintenance students from Kirtland Community College recently had the opportunity to tour the NorthStar Grayling Generating Station, gaining valuable insight into how their classroom learning translates into real-world application. During the visit, students observed firsthand how electrical systems operate in a professional power generation environment, deepening their understanding of the concepts and skills they’ve been developing in their coursework. This experience allowed students touring the facility a chance to engage with professionals in the field, offering a glimpse into potential future employment opportunities and the day-to-day responsibilities of working in energy production. Seeing one of the employers in the industry they’ve chosen was a motivating and eye-opening experience, helping bridge the gap between academic preparation and workforce readiness.

Michigan Works! worked with a variety of schools to assist with their FAFSA Night events, as well as held events at Michigan Works! service centers. These events were open to all students to support their completion and submission of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Oct 2 — Six students attended the event at Rogers City High School. Three College Prep baskets were given away to students who completed their FAFSA and MW! staff handed out additional information. Oct 6 — Seven students attended the Onaway High School event. In addition to working on their FAFSA, the students received information on scholarships, tuition incentive programs, and a tuition check-list. Oct 20 — Seven students attended the event at Indian River High School with six completing their FAFSA that night and completing a survey for a chance to win a laptop for college and a basket of college prep materials, provided by Michigan Works! Oct 29 — Six students attended the Hillman Community Schools FAFSA Night. Speaker Amanda Belusar from Alpena Community College spoke with students and Michigan Works! staff shared program services and potential assistance available to students as they transition to life after high school.

October 22 -  A group of 12 Automotive Technology students from COOR CTE recently participated in talent tours at CSI Emergency Apparatus and LEAR Corporation, gaining firsthand exposure to career pathways and industry innovations within the automotive sector. These experiences provided students with a broader understanding of the automotive industry beyond traditional repair and maintenance At CSI, students explored the specialized world of emergency vehicle customization and maintenance. They observed how CSI designs, builds, and services fire trucks, ambulances, and other emergency response vehicles. Key highlights included: Hands-on demonstrations of vehicle retrofitting and electrical systems integration. Insights into career roles such as emergency vehicle technicians, fabricators, and electrical installers. Discussions with CSI professionals about technical certifications, work culture, and advancement opportunities. This visit emphasized the importance of precision, safety standards, and teamwork in the emergency vehicle industry, showing students how their automotive skills can be applied in life-saving contexts. At LEAR, a global leader in automotive seating and electrical systems, students were introduced to high-tech manufacturing and engineering processes. The tour featured: A walkthrough of automated production lines and quality control systems. Exposure to advanced materials and sustainable manufacturing practices. Conversations with engineers and technicians about career paths in automotive design, robotics, and systems integration. Students learned how LEAR’s innovations contribute to vehicle comfort, safety, and efficiency, and how their technical training aligns with roles in manufacturing, design, and systems engineering.

October 27 –  In recognition of Manufacturing Day (Oct 3), 45 students from the COOR CTE Welding class toured two outstanding local employers: Alro Steel and CSI Emergency Apparatus in Grayling. At Alro Steel, students had the opportunity to see the many types of metals and plastics the company stocks and processes. Alro handles a wide variety of materials including carbon steel bars and plates, stainless steel, aluminum, brass, bronze, copper and cast iron. They also perform in-house processing such as laser cutting, saw cutting, shearing, tube cutting and chamfering. This visit helped students link their welding and fabrication studies with the supply side of metalworking—showing how raw and semi-finished materials feed into the kinds of work they’re doing in class. Next, at CSI Emergency Apparatus, the students saw first-hand how heavy fabrication, welding and custom vehicle body manufacturing come together. CSI designs and builds custom fire and emergency response trucks and apparatus, with full fabrication capabilities in stainless steel, mild steel and aluminum. Students were able to see the fabrication floor, learn about welding and assembly of vehicle bodies and components, and view how maintenance, repair and customization also play an important role. The staff at CSI emphasized that welding and fabrication skills are highly sought-after in their facility. This day allowed students to connect their classroom learning with two real world manufacturing environments—one focusing on material supply and processing (Alro Steel) and the other on custom fabrication and finished‐vehicle production (CSI Emergency Apparatus). It reinforced the value of welding, fabrication, attention to detail and readiness to work in a production setting.

When Teri came to Michigan Works! Northeast Consortium, she was facing a major setback: she had been unable to pass her MRI Board Exam due to personal challenges. To regain eligibility to retake the state board exam, she needed to complete refresher courses—a requirement that created both financial and logistical barriers. Michigan Works! stepped in to help by providing tuition assistance for her refresher courses at Mid Michigan College, as well as covering the cost of her college review. With this support, Teri successfully completed the required coursework and is now scheduled to retake her state board exams. She is one step closer to achieving her professional goals, and we are proud to support her progress.

Cameron has always been a dedicated, hardworking employee with a strong desire to grow within his role. With encouragement from his employer and a clear vision for his future, he visited Michigan Works! to explore opportunities to expand his skills—specifically, earning his Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) so he could take on greater responsibilities at work. At Michigan Works!, Cameron received the support and guidance he needed. Career Advisor Emily Potter and Career Navigator Mary Trudgen assisted him through every step of the process, helping him secure funding, complete enrollment, and navigate training options. Cameron ultimately chose GOC Truck Driving School in Oscoda and successfully completed his CDL training. His hard work has already begun to pay off. Cameron has taken on new driver responsibilities in his current position and is steadily gaining valuable on-the-road experience. And he’s not stopping there—his long-term goal is to become an over-the-road truck driver, traveling the country and building a rewarding career behind the wheel. Cameron is grateful for the assistance he received along the way. “I’m really grateful for all the help and support I received,” he shared. “It made a big difference.” Congratulations to Cameron on his well-earned success—and safe travels on the journey ahead!

Lauren, a young single mother of a two-year-old, came to Michigan Works! facing several challenges. She was living with a friend, had no child support, no high school diploma or GED, and no driver’s license. Referred to the PATH program by DHHS, she began working closely with Michigan Works! Career Advisor Niki Chamberlain to start rebuilding her stability and confidence. Not long after completing her PATH orientation, Lauren secured employment as a cook at the 211 Bar & Grill. She currently receives assistance with daycare and transportation, and Niki is helping her take the necessary steps to obtain her driver’s license and make needed car repairs. Lauren has also enrolled in a GED program, with long-term goals of attending nursing school. Niki has already walked her through the process for receiving training assistance and has offered ongoing support as she pursues that career pathway. Now employed full-time and actively working toward her GED, Lauren is determined to create a better future for herself and her child. She has set meaningful goals and, despite the challenges of being a young single mom, remains motivated and grateful for the support Michigan Works! has provided to help her move forward.