Renewed Career in Recycling

Shiawassee – Patrick Coe came to the GST Michigan Works! Owosso Service Center at a difficult time. While he was currently employed, his hours and wages had been severely reduced. Prior to that, Patrick worked for Kroger, working 60 hours per week, earning twice the hourly wage he was currently being paid. His goal was to find an occupation with better pay and benefits so he could afford to support himself and his wife. 

While taking advantage of Job Search Assistance with a Career Coach, Patrick was introduced to career opportunities with American Recycling. The main challenge he faced was not having experience in the manufacturing field. Patrick was an excellent candidate for On-The-Job Training (OJT). After completing an orientation and intake process for WIOA funding, Patrick was approved for an OJT opportunity, which began in May and turned into full-time employment in July.  Once he got started at American Recycling, Patrick needed assistance with purchasing proper boots that were required for work, and those were provided through WIOA funding.

Patrick is earning almost $5/hr. more now with a consistent 40-hour week and benefits. “GST Michigan Works! was great to work with. They went through and helped me update my resume which eventually gained me an interview.  I was hired by American Recycling.  GST Michigan Works! was there to make sure I had everything I needed to start my job.  American Recycling is a great place to work for and they treat you like family.”