Go, Jamie, Go! – A Success Story

A person gives a thumbs up with the UP Michigan Works logo overlayed.

Jamie came to Upper Peninsula Michigan Works! (UPMW) as an application eligibility period (AEP) participant through PATH, a cash assistance program, in December 2020. She had over fourteen barriers including health problems, legal problems, financial troubles, and more.

Michigan’s more than half a million jobs in high-demand, high-wage industries highlighted as part of Professional Trades Month

A person in welding equipment welds a piece of metal.

With nearly 530,000 Michigan jobs and 47,000 annual openings in the professional trades projected by the year 2028, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer joins the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) to proclaim May as Professional Trades Month to honor those in these fields, show the value of this work, and encourage others to explore educational opportunities and gain career awareness.

Succeeding with Michigan Works! Employment Services

A picture of DJ Fontaine at work.

David “DJ” Fontaine, a former Kitchen Manager at a Houghton employer, came to UP Michigan Works! after he called our office and requested assistance applying for Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA) benefits.

Upper Peninsula Smartzones Partner Together to Host Return North Professional Careers Fair

A banner for the Return North professional career fair.

MTEC SmartZone, Innovate Marquette SmartZone, and Sault Ste. Marie Economic Development Corporation are gearing up to host the fifth annual Return North Professional Careers Fair. Return North, presented by TriMedia Environmental & Engineering, is aimed at attracting alumni, former residents and friends of the Upper Peninsula of Michigan back to the region.

Second Chances – A Success Story

A person in a black shirt holds a piece of wood as they drill through it.

Timothy got ready to win when he came into Michigan Works! seeking help to obtain his builder’s license. He had overwhelming barriers to employment, including health and legal issues. These barriers left him unable to get a job when he had a family to support.