Employee Spotlight – Jim Messer

Jim stands against a block wall for a picture.

A 26-year veteran of the U.S. Air Force, Jim holds a B.S. in Business Administration from CSU, three associate degrees from the Community College of the Air Force in Human Resources, Education and Training Management, and Construction Technology.

How to Attract Talent in the UP

Two people sit at a table across from each other for a face-to-face interview.

The issue is that the people who should be seeing their job posting aren’t seeing their job posting. This can be a simple fix. Check out some of the ways we suggest that employers advertise their open positions below.

Learning, Working, and Starting a Career – A Success Story

Nick stands in front of a CNC machine at work.

Nick was stuck. He had taken a few classes at Lake Superior State University in Sault Ste. Marie, but nothing really interested him. His first goal was to join the military, but he had a barrier and could not get into his desired branch and occupation.

Leaving his military ambitions behind, Nick began working two food service jobs and one janitorial job, but he had an interest in engineering-type careers. He was struggling to figure out how to get into a different occupation. He was busy working three jobs and was held back by a limited income.

Moving Out into the World – A Success Story

William smiles for the camera as he works on a car.

William came to Upper Peninsula Michigan Works! as a participant in one of our Soft Skills classes in the Spring of 2019.  We enrolled William in the beginning of May as an In-School Youth after discussing opportunities for advancement through our programs and services. 

Gov. Whitmer launches bipartisan $30M Michigan Reconnect program

A MI Reconnect social graphic that says, "Eligible for free tuition?"

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer joined today with Republican and Democratic legislators to announce the launch of the $30 million Michigan Reconnect program, the largest effort in state history to ensure that more than 4.1 million Michiganders who are 25 or older and do not have a college degree will have an opportunity to earn a tuition-free associate degree or skills certificate.