David “DJ” Fontaine, a former Kitchen Manager at a Houghton employer, came to UP Michigan Works! looking for assistance. He needed to apply for Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA) benefits to make ends meet, but wanted help in doing so. He preferred in-person appointments and was allowed to come into the Hancock American Job Center (AJC) to apply for UIA benefits. Later, he returned for a second appointment to receive assistance developing a resume. Throughout our time working with DJ, he was assisted through texts, phone calls, and email to ensure proper social distancing.
After he had his resume, he applied to several positions and had a few interviews in the Houghton/Hancock area. A local employer was pleased to have him apply. He was encouraged to negotiate by UP Michigan Works! after he received an offer of $16.00/hour. The hiring manager immediately raised his offer to $18.00/hour and created a position for him as Packaging Manager. DJ is now settled and pleased with his employment.
Quote from DJ: “Thank you for your assistance in finding a job I enjoy…I look forward to going in each day. Elaine from Michigan Works! did a fantastic job in guiding me through the necessary steps required from the time I exited my previous position, to obtaining new career. As Packaging Manager, I have learned new skills and have the ability to offer my previous experience to help build an organization I’m proud to be part of.”
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For more information about Michigan Works! employment services, please click this link.