New Opportunities in the Wake of COVID – A Success Story

Medical equipment lays on a white surface with the word 'Success Story' overlayed.

K was referred to Reemployment Services and Eligibility Assessment (RESEA) in September 2020 and attended orientation with Upper Peninsula Michigan Works! At the time, they were not interested in any programmatic assistance as they were not sure what their career goals were due to the pandemic.

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.

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. 

Amy’s Path to a New Career – A Success Story

Amy Lamere poses for a photo wearing her work clothes.

Amy, with insight from Michigan Works, quickly learned about her eligibility for the TAA (Trade Adjustment Assistance) program and decided to take advantage of the benefits that were available to her.

Ed the Veteran – A Success Story

Ed stands in front of the camera in an American Job Center in the Upper Peninsula wearing jeans and a winter jacket.

While Ed was in the office, a Michigan Works! staff member asked him if he had ever served in the military. He indicated that he is a veteran, so the staff member explained to him what our services are, and they had him fill out a military questionnaire.