Search Results

Danae, a single mother of three young children, came to Michigan Works! after leaving a relationship and working to rebuild her life. Having been out of the workforce for more than six years, she felt overwhelmed at the idea of job searching and unsure where to begin. Through the PATH program, Career Advisor Niki supported Danae with small, manageable steps each week to help her regain confidence and focus. Together, they worked on overcoming several barriers—getting her children connected with counseling, creating a résumé, completing job-readiness activities, and practicing how to communicate with employers. Michigan Works! also assisted with mileage reimbursement during her job search and class attendance, provided work clothing and shoes, and offered transitional supportive services when she completed her AEP milestone. Niki also connected her with Project Connect, which became a valuable resource for her family. In September, Danae secured employment as a cashier at Blarney Castle in Onaway. She enjoys her job and is proud to be able to provide for her children. She has since requested help with car repairs and is gathering the necessary documentation to receive additional assistance through Michigan Works! Danae is grateful for the support she received, which helped her overcome significant challenges and confidently take steps toward stability and independence.

When an ice storm caused a large tree to fall on Gail’s car, it left her without transportation and facing an overwhelming setback. She didn’t have insurance coverage on the vehicle and had already been trying to save for major repairs—repairs that were no longer possible. Suddenly, getting to work and essential appointments became a daily challenge. Through Barrier Removal Employment Success (BRES) funding, Michigan Works! was able to step in and help. The program covered Gail’s first truck loan payment and her first month of car insurance, giving her the stability she needed to get back on her feet. With reliable transportation again, Gail can focus on moving forward instead of worrying about how to get where she needs to go. Gail was incredibly grateful, expressing how much this support meant after relying on friends for rides for weeks. Regaining her independence has been empowering, and she’s committed to staying current on her payments and maintaining her insurance—because, as she put it, “you never know what may happen in the future.”

October 30 –  Twenty-three welding students from Mio-AuSable High School traveled to Onaway to tour Moran Iron Works and the Industrial Arts Institute (IAI). At Moran Iron Works, project managers guided students through the shop, where they saw major projects underway—including radial gates for a dam and the new DNR research vessel. A highlight was meeting Tom Moran, who explained the component he was working on and answered students’ questions. Afterward, students visited IAI, where Executive Director Tammi Ward introduced them to the 19-week welding program and showcased current student projects. In the shop, instructors and current cohort members spoke with the group about training, credentials, and career pathways. Students left both tours energized by the scale of the work they observed and the opportunities available in the skilled trades.

October 2 –  Eighteen seniors from Onaway Area Community Schools recently took part in a Manufacturing Day Talent Tour at Cadillac Products Automotive Company. Plant Manager Robert Klein welcomed the group, sharing insights into the wide range of careers and skill sets needed to keep the operation running before leading them on a guided tour. Students learned how the company transforms plastic pellets into specialized automotive components. They watched as pellets were melted down and expanded into five-story-high tubes to cool before being processed into plastic sheeting of various thicknesses. That material is then formed into water seals used in vehicle doors across many automotive brands. Any excess plastic is recycled on-site, melted down, and repurposed—demonstrating the company’s commitment to efficiency and sustainability. Throughout the tour, Robert walked students through each step of production, explaining the process at every station. The group especially enjoyed seeing the robotics in action and discovering that several of the parts being manufactured on the line are patented innovations developed by Cadillac Products.

In August, Lorretta visited the Gaylord Michigan Works! office seeking assistance with filing her Unemployment Insurance (UIA) claim. After recently losing her job, she was relying on friends and family for support while determining her next steps. Staff helped her re-access her MiWAM account, successfully file her claim, and complete the Register for Work requirement during her visit. Lorretta began using the Michigan Works! Resource Room to search for new employment opportunities. She attended the Online Job Search with PMTC  workshop, where she learned how to use tools such as job search filters, the Resume Builder, and Workspace features to support her job search efforts. Throughout September, Lorretta continued to visit the Resource Room to complete her weekly work searches and bi-weekly UIA certifications. Later that month, Lorretta attended a RESEA workshop, as required by UIA, where she gained additional information on resume and interview tips and learned more about what employers look for during the hiring process. By mid-October, Lorretta was pleased to share that she had accepted full-time employment with Cooper Standard, earning $20 per hour, and was set to begin the following week. She is now back on her feet and looking forward to the next chapter in her career.

Like many employers in Northern Michigan, Cooper Standard knows that hiring skilled trades employees can be a challenge. To address this, they partnered with Michigan Works! and applied for a Going PRO Talent Fund grant to create a Registered Apprenticeship program that develops talent from within, reducing the need to recruit outside the community — or even outside the state. With Michigan Works!’ support, Cooper Standard secured $14,000 in funding. This allowed the company to enroll two existing employees in the apprenticeship program and hire two new apprentices to begin building their future skilled trades workforce. Julie Hebron, Cooper Standard’s HR Manager, shares, “Having an apprenticeship program helps employees learn skills they might not gain otherwise and has led to substantial pay increases. Not everyone is cut out for college, so this provides another pathway for individuals to improve themselves and gain financial stability.” The apprenticeship combines on-the-job training with classroom instruction, including NEC and Michigan Code Laws and GTAW Welding training through Kirtland Community College. Four Quality Operators enrolled in the program, with career paths tailored to their skills: two became Electrician Apprentices, one a Toolmaker Apprentice, and one a Machine Repair Apprentice. The results speak for themselves: all four participants received significant wage increases, moving from $19–$20 per hour to $29–$35 per hour, while Cooper Standard strengthened its workforce and ensured a pipeline of skilled employees for the future. By leveraging the Going PRO Talent Fund, Cooper Standard is not only investing in its employees but also building a sustainable talent pipeline that benefits both the company and the local community.

(L) Elly Webb, CCMA, graduated Apprentice; (R) Lisa Lakin, LPN, AHC Clinical Educator and Apprentice Preceptor At Michigan Works! Northeast Consortium, we’re committed to helping employers build strong, sustainable talent pipelines—and Alcona Health Center is a perfect example of that in action. As a trusted healthcare provider in Northern Michigan, Alcona Health Center faced a familiar challenge: growing demand for Medical Assistants alongside a shrinking talent pool. Determined to find a long-term solution, they turned to Michigan Works! for support. MW! Apprenticeship Specialist Jeremiah Johnston introduced Alcona to the Registered Apprenticeship model, helping identify which job roles would benefit most and guiding the center through the registration process with the U.S. Department of Labor. Jeremiah worked closely with Alcona to design a program tailored to their needs, defining competencies for hands-on training and securing Career Step as the Related Technical Instruction (RTI) provider. This flexible, online platform allows apprentices to complete coursework while continuing full-time work, integrating learning seamlessly with day-to-day responsibilities. To make the program even more accessible, Business Solutions Professional Brandy Kozlowski assisted Alcona in applying for the Going PRO Talent Fund, successfully securing $36,000 to offset training and onboarding costs. This funding supported training for 13 current employees and six new hires, including five new apprentices and five current employees transitioning into the apprenticeship program. Thanks to this collaboration, five current Alcona Health employees are now enrolled in the Medical Assistant Apprenticeship Program, gaining confidence, advancing skills, and learning directly from experienced staff—all while progressing through their RTI. One apprentice is already nearing program completion, and others are well on their way toward certification. Even before all apprentices graduate, the results are clear: Alcona Health Center is building its future workforce from within. Employees feel supported and engaged, and patients benefit from highly trained, capable staff. By partnering with Michigan Works! Northeast Consortium and leveraging resources like the Going PRO Talent Fund, Alcona Health Center didn’t just create an apprenticeship program—they built a long-term strategy to grow talent, invest in their people, and continue delivering high-quality care to their communities for years to come.

When Stephanie first connected with Michigan Works!, she was unemployed after her previous employer’s office closed permanently. Despite holding a bachelor’s degree, she found it difficult to secure new employment in her field and was eager to explore a new path. Intrigued by the reliability and demand of the trucking industry — and inspired by a long-standing interest — Stephanie decided to pursue her Commercial Driver’s License (CDL-A) through Road Warriors Truck Driving School. Although she hoped to find local employment, she was also open to opportunities that would take her on the road. With the help of her Michigan Works! Career Advisor, Chelsea Bertagnoli, multiple funding sources were combined to cover the cost of Stephanie’s tuition. After successfully earning her CDL-A, Stephanie was thrilled to accept a position with Grandvue Medical Care Facility in East Jordan, where she will use her new credential to support their patient transportation program. Stephanie is excited to begin this next chapter and grateful for the guidance and support that helped her get there. Her journey is a great example of how Michigan Works! can help individuals build on their strengths, explore new industries, and turn career goals into reality.

After working in the painting industry since high school, Bret came to Michigan Works! ready for a change. While he valued the skills and experience he had gained, he was looking for something more — a career that offered stability, consistency, and long-term growth. When he learned about the training assistance available through Michigan Works!, Bret saw an opportunity to take a new direction. He decided to pursue his Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), believing it would open doors to steady income, reliable benefits, and the freedom to travel. Bret often recalls the wisdom his grandfather shared with him: “There are no problems, only solutions.” That mindset carried him through his journey — and Michigan Works! helped provide the solution. By combining multiple funding sources, staff were able to cover the cost of Bret’s training at GOC Truck Driving School. With support, guidance, and the right resources, Bret successfully completed his CDL training and is now driving toward a more secure and rewarding future. Bret shares, “GOC Truck Driving School was the best thing that could’ve happened to me, and I appreciate everything Michigan Works! has done for me along the way.” Thanks to his determination — and a little help from Michigan Works! — Bret has traded in his paintbrush for the driver’s seat of a promising new career.

When Kyla enrolled in the PATH program, she was determined to make a fresh start and create a better future for herself and her children. One of her biggest barriers to reaching her career goals was not yet having completed high school. With support and guidance through the PATH program, Kyla was connected to Houghton Lake Community Education’s Adult Ed program to begin preparing for her High School Equivalency (HSE) exam. Along the way, she received encouragement and guidance from her Michigan Works! Career Advisor, Abby, as well as tutoring and study support from Adult Ed Instructor, Connie Cline. Michigan Works! also provided mileage reimbursement and transitional support service payments to help her attend classes and stay on track. Through hard work and perseverance, Kyla successfully earned her High School Equivalency certificate — a major milestone that not only fulfilled a personal goal but also opened the door to new training and career opportunities. As part of her next steps, Kyla completed the O*NET Interest Profiler, which helped her identify her interests and explore career paths that align with them. Inspired by the results, she plans to pursue a career in Criminal Justice with a renewed sense of confidence and direction. Kyla shares, “I passed! I’m so grateful for the support that helped me get here. Now I’m excited to figure out what’s next on my journey.” Kyla’s story is a powerful reminder that with determination, support, and the right resources, barriers can be overcome — and lasting success is possible.

When Caleb came to Michigan Works! he had a clear goal — to earn his CDL-A and start a new career on the road. With the help of Youth Career Advisor Seth Gruenberg, Caleb received support through both WIOA Youth and Young Professionals funding. This assistance covered not only the cost of his CDL-A training, but also his required work boots and clothing, rental assistance during training, and mileage reimbursement for his daily commute. Thanks to this support, Caleb successfully completed his training and is now ready to put his new CDL-A license to work — driving toward a future of independence and long-term success.

When Shilo came to Michigan Works! Northeast Consortium, she was determined to rebuild her life. As a returning citizen, she wanted to earn her Class A CDL license and find steady, meaningful employment to support her family. But before she could begin training, she needed help getting her truck repaired so she could travel to classes and attend required parole meetings. Michigan Works! stepped in to help make that possible. Using a combination of Barrier Removal Employment Success (BRES), WIOA Adult, and EV Jobs Academy funding, staff assisted Shilo with her vehicle registration and insurance, covered the cost of critical front and rear brake repairs, and paid for her CDL-A training through Road Warrior Truck Driving School. The support left Shilo feeling both grateful and hopeful. Living with her father and raising her teenage son, she’s focused on creating a stable, positive future for them both. After earning her CDL-A certification, Shilo secured full-time employment with PAC Sanitation, earning $15.20 per hour. “I’ve learned to figure things out and not make the same mistakes again,” Shilo shares. “My son keeps me accountable — I call him my ‘second parole officer.’ I lost five years of my life that I can’t get back, and I won’t let that happen again. Our lives are more important than that.” With determination and the right support, Shilo is truly driving toward a brighter future. Check out Shilo’s student testimonial shared by Road Warrior here: https://www.facebook.com/reel/1322247292800710