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.

Adult Education Services Locator offers new onramp to careers

Two women sit at a table and use a laptop computer.

To assist Michiganders with Adult Education opportunities, the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) has launched a new online tool – the Adult Education Services Locator – which allows users to conduct custom searches and identify a variety of Adult Education programs, resources and high school equivalency testing centers available statewide.

U.P. Businesses Receive Grants from Going PRO Talent Fund

A man stands up in front of a seated group.

Last week, at least 850 Michigan businesses were awarded grants from the Going PRO Talent Fund. Upper Peninsula Michigan Works! Business Services Manager, Holly Peoples, says there was no better time like the present to get this funding.

Going PRO Talent Fund to Help U.P. Businesses

A screenshot from a video interview featuring Debb Brunell and TV 6.

This week, Debb Brunell from Upper Peninsula Michigan Works! spoke with TV 6’s Grace Blair to discuss the Going PRO Talent Fund and how it can positively impact the Upper Peninsula economy.

Manufacturing Month 2020: A Thread

A man in safety gear guides a crane as it lifts a large piece of machinery.

To celebrate all things manufacturing during Manufacturing Month, we are helping facilitate numerous events throughout the month of October in the Upper Peninsula.

Upper Peninsula Michigan Works! is a Futures for Frontliners Champion

A sticky note with, "free tuition!" written on it.

Futures for Frontliners offers Michiganders who worked in essential industries during the April 1-June 30 period but do not have a college degree free tuition to their local community college (Gogebic Community College and Bay College) to pursue an associate degree or a skills certificate on a full-time or part-time basis while they continue to work.