Search Results

After moving back to Alpena, Wesley decided it was time for a fresh start. With his father and grandfather both in the trucking industry, he’d dreamed of driving trucks since childhood. Ready to turn that dream into a career, Wesley set out to earn his CDL-A license—but wasn’t sure how to afford the training. That’s when Wesley turned to Michigan Works! Northeast Consortium. Career Advisor Emily Potter and Career Navigator Mary Trudgen guided him through the process, helping with the necessary paperwork and coordinating braided funding to cover his tuition through GOC Trucking Company. “Emily and Mary did all they could to help me meet my goal, and I appreciate their support!” says Wesley. “I’ve now secured employment with a company based in Texas and can’t wait to travel the country doing what I love.” With determination and support from Michigan Works!, Thanks to the support of Michigan Works! and his own determination, Wesley is now on the road to a bright future and a stable, rewarding career.

After his release from prison, Randall came to Michigan Works! with two big goals: to regain his driver’s license and to find steady employment. As a veteran, he was first connected with our Veteran’s Career Advisor, who helped him navigate the license reinstatement process and build a strong resume. From there, Michigan Works! Career Advisor Chelsea guided Randall in pursuing his CDL-A through Road Warrior Truck Driving School. Along the way, community partners stepped in to support his journey. The Landing Zone of Gaylord covered the cost of his DOT physical and drug screen, while also providing him with temporary employment. Michigan Works! braided funding to fully cover Randall’s tuition at Road Warrior, and provided vouchers for work clothing and steel-toed shoes. Today, thanks to his hard work and the combined support of local partners, Randall is employed full-time as a CDL-A driver and building a brighter future on the road ahead.

When Jeffrey and Angelique made the courageous decision to move their young family of eight to rural Onaway, Michigan, they knew it would take faith, determination, and teamwork. After working with Michigan Works! Career Navigator Jenny to find employment, Jeffrey, proudly celebrating six years of sobriety, landed a new job at Precision Hardwoods’ newly opened, state-of-the-art sawmill. As a Lumber Stacker, he thrives in a role that values strength, precision, and reliability — qualities sharpened throughout his recovery journey. Adjusting to life in a new community with a large family came with challenges, especially around transportation and child care. Thankfully, Angelique’s employer, Black Lake Party Store, flexed her work schedule around Jeffrey’s shifts, allowing her to support the household income without the added stress of child care coverage. Michigan Works! Northeast Consortium stepped in to help remove barriers by providing work clothing and footwear for both Jeffrey and Angelique, high-visibility uniforms, steel-toed boots, and PPE for Jeffrey’s sawmill job, and even a bicycle so Jeffrey could reliably commute. These supports allowed the family to focus on building stability instead of worrying about immediate needs. “We’re grateful beyond words,” Jeffrey shared. “I love my job, the crew I work with, and now I have the clothing and equipment I need to do it confidently and safely.” Angelique added, “I was putting my kids’ needs before my own, especially with school starting. Michigan Works! helped me get what I needed for work, which means we can budget better and feel more prepared for the future.” With support from their community, their employers, and Michigan Works!, Jeffrey and Angelique are proving that new beginnings can grow into lasting success.

By Jessica Topp, CEO of Michigan Works! Northeast Consortium In Northeast Michigan, we know the value of hard work. We know how to pull together to keep our communities strong, even when times are tough. That’s why the proposed state budget, which zeros out critical workforce programs, is so concerning. These aren’t just numbers on a page — they are lifelines for local families, students, and employers. At Michigan Works! Northeast Consortium, our mission is simple: to empower today’s workforce and ignite tomorrow’s economy by bringing together employers, jobseekers, and partners. Last year alone, we served over 1,500 employers and helped fill 3,451 jobs. We partnered with 17 local employers to launch new apprenticeships, resulting in 35 new apprentices, and worked with 9 employers to secure Going PRO Training Fund grants to upskill over 170 workers. We helped 296 individuals receive training in high-demand fields. And through our Barrier Removal initiative, we helped over 400 residents overcome the obstacles that were holding them back from getting or keeping a job. We also worked with the next generation, serving 252 at-risk youth, providing 57 youth work experiences, and reaching 2,143 students through career exploration events. This is the scale of what’s at stake. Programs like the Going PRO Talent Fund, Barrier Removal, Apprenticeships, and Jobs for Michigan’s Graduates make this possible. These are the very programs the House budget has chosen to completely zero out. Without them, fewer people will get the training and support they need, fewer employers will be able to upskill their workers, and fewer youth will see a future for themselves here at home. This September is National Workforce Development Month. It should be a time to celebrate progress. Instead, it’s also a time of warning. The choices made in Lansing today will echo for years in communities like ours. If we want strong local economies, if we want young people to see a future here, if we want families to thrive — we cannot afford to tear down the very programs that make it possible. When you invest in people, you invest in the future of our towns. That’s the kind of investment Northeast Michigan needs now more than ever. Learn more at MiWorksNE.org .

Hayden is a hardworking young man balancing three jobs to support himself. When his car broke down, he suddenly found himself at risk of losing the very jobs he worked so hard to keep. The repairs were far more expensive than the car was worth, leaving him without reliable transportation and no way to build savings. That’s when Hayden turned to Michigan Works! for help. Through funding from the Talent & Growth Initiative , Michigan Works! worked with Rivertown Auto in Cheboygan to purchase Hayden a dependable 2016 Mazda CX-5. With reliable transportation, Hayden can now get to and from work without worry. Instead of pouring money into endless repairs, he’s able to focus on building a savings account and preparing for the future. Reflecting on the experience, Hayden shared how stressful it was relying on a vehicle that constantly broke down. Now, he feels relieved, empowered, and motivated to keep moving forward with confidence.

Kimberly had just landed a new job at TubeFab when her car broke down, leaving her unsure how she would get to and from work. Determined not to give up the opportunity, she turned to Michigan Works! for support. Through the Talent and Growth Initiative, Michigan Works! helped Kimberly purchase a reliable used vehicle from Rivertown Auto. With dependable transportation, Kimberly was able to confidently begin her new job—and she now has the added peace of mind of getting both herself and her husband to and from work without worry.

Paul had spent most of his career in the construction and machining industries, but was ready for a change. He set his sights on a position with the Road Commission, a goal that required obtaining his Class A CDL. To make this career transition possible, Paul reached out to Michigan Works! for tuition assistance. With the guidance of Career Advisor Emily Potter and Career Navigator Mary Trudgen, Paul navigated the application process and secured funding for his CDL course at Alpena Community College. Thanks to this support, Paul successfully completed the program and earned his Class A CDL. He is now working part-time for the Rogers City Road Commission, with plans to move into a full-time role soon. Reflecting on his experience, Paul says, "Working with Emily, Mary, and Dawn at Alpena Community College has been a great experience. Sometimes taking a chance will put you on the road to success!"

Two years ago, Melissa’s life changed in an instant when a devastating accident totaled her only vehicle. As a dedicated working parent, losing transportation meant more than just transportation—it meant losing independence and stability. For months, Melissa relied on friends and family to get to work and ensure her children made it to school. Despite her best efforts, finding a replacement vehicle was out of reach, and the constant dependence began to take its toll. One Sunday at church, Melissa overheard someone share how Michigan Works! had helped them secure a vehicle to stay employed. Inspired, she visited her local office to ask about the program. To her relief, she qualified—and with the help of a supportive dealership willing to work with Michigan Works! staff, the process came together. Today, Melissa has a reliable vehicle, renewed confidence, and the ability to provide for her family without the daily stress of transportation barriers. Her story shows the power of community support, determination, and how the right resources can change a life.

When Vanessa first joined the WIOA Youth and Jobs for Michigan’s Graduates (JMG) programs two years ago, she was unsure of the path ahead. Like many high school students, she was navigating academics, career uncertainty, and life’s everyday challenges. With hard work, determination, and the support of both programs, Vanessa has grown into a confident, driven young adult with a bright future ahead. During her two years in the program, Vanessa stayed committed to her education and proudly graduated from high school — a milestone she worked hard to achieve. She took advantage of every opportunity offered, from leadership development and career exploration to hands-on experiences and financial support. At Legislative Day in Lansing, Vanessa gained firsthand experience in civic engagement and met with lawmakers to discuss issues important to youth. Events like JMG Leadership Day helped her build confidence and communication skills and the Career Development Conference (CDC) gave her valuable insight into the professional world, helping shape her career goals and polish her presentation and networking skills. With the help of WIOA mileage reimbursement, she was able to stay engaged and participate fully in high school and program events without transportation barriers holding her back. Today, Vanessa is enrolled at North Central Michigan College, working toward her goal of becoming a veterinarian. She credits the WIOA and JMG programs — and especially the support of her Youth Career Advisor, Jeanie Flory — with giving her the tools, encouragement, and belief in herself to succeed. “I never imagined I’d be where I am today,” Vanessa shared. “These programs didn’t just help me graduate — they helped me grow into a leader.” Vanessa is a shining example of what happens when youth are empowered and supported. Her journey reflects the life-changing impact of programs like WIOA and JMG in helping young people turn potential into purpose.

Michael came to Michigan Works! in July seeking help with employment and tuition for college photography classes. While tuition support wasn’t available, staff provided textbook assistance so he could continue his studies. Knowing independence required reliable transportation, Michael set out to earn his driver’s license. With support from the Barrier Removal Employment Success program at Michigan Works!, he was able to pay for and pass his test and gained this critical step toward self-sufficiency. Michael now balances part-time work at a local dog grooming and boarding company, volunteers with the Salvation Army, and continues his college education. Transportation challenges arose as he juggled his commitments, but once again Michigan Works! stepped in. Through the Talent and Growth Barrier Removal Initiative, staff partnered with a dealership to help him secure a dependable used vehicle. With reliable transportation, ongoing employment, and steady progress in school, Michael is well on his way to independence—an inspiring example of determination and the power of community support.

When Kimberly’s vehicle became inoperable, she suddenly found herself relying on friends and family for rides. Without reliable transportation, her hours were cut back, leaving her only able to work part-time. Determined to get back on track, Kimberly came to the Michigan Works! Gaylord office to apply for assistance with vehicle repairs. After completing the necessary forms and gathering repair estimates, she learned her car needed over $15,000 in work just to be safe to drive. Together, Kimberly and her Michigan Works! Career Navigator decided the smarter solution was to pursue a replacement vehicle instead of costly repairs. Through the new Talent & Growth program, Kimberly began the application process for vehicle purchase assistance. She compared options at several dealerships and worked with local partners NEMSCA and MRS to secure additional funding. With this support, Kimberly was able to purchase a reliable used vehicle from Alpena Buick GMC — all without taking on a monthly payment. Now, Kimberly once again has dependable transportation of her own. With her new vehicle, she can expand her availability and is eager to return to full-time work.

Paul, a Master Plumber and Veteran in his 70s, came to Michigan Works! with limited computer skills and unsure how to file his unemployment claim. With support from our staff, he completed the process, applied for jobs, and searched for housing closer to his family in Gaylord. A few months later, Paul returned with exciting news: he had moved to the area and launched his own Plumbing & Heating business using his Master Plumber, Boiler, and Mechanical Licenses. Today, he looks forward to sharing his expertise and mentoring the next generation of tradespeople.