Nathan connected with a GST Michigan Works! Career Coach in April of 2022 at the Tuscola County Technical Center during his senior year. Nathan, like many other young people, didn’t know what he wanted to do after high school. He only knew he didn’t want to go into debt attending college without having a clear career path. He was equipped with information about GST’s programs and alternatives to college, like skilled trades. That day, a seed was planted! 

After high school graduation Nathan continued working at Kroger part-time while he contemplated his next steps. It wasn’t until August of 2022, when his dad saw an advertisement for GST Michigan Works!, that he remembered that brief conversation back in high school. Nathan reached out to the Caro Service Center for help with a CDL certification. He still wasn’t sure what he wanted to do specifically, but knew a CDL would open different opportunities for him in skilled trades. Nathan started CDL Certification training at Thumb CDL on October 17, 2022 and completed it on December 30, 2022. 

Unsure of what to do next, Nathan met with his Career Coach to update his resume and search for jobs. They investigated different skilled trades, and he seemed very interested in the Linemen Trade. Nathan contacted IBEW Local 17 and went to their training center in St. Clair County to sign up for an apprenticeship program. Unfortunately, they have a lengthy waitlist, and only a limited number of students are selected yearly. That’s when Nathan learned about the Young Professionals program. He had only worked at Kroger for a short time as a clerk. He did not have any experience in skilled trades and was hoping to gain some. He was then referred to the Business Services Representative to connect with a local employer.  

Nathan started his paid work experience at SIR Heating and Air Conditioning on July 24, 2023 and completed it on October 18, 2023. He was hired full-time after his work experience and continues his employment there. He has learned so much and is thankful for all the support he has received. Nathan has enrolled into a Linemen Pre-apprenticeship training program at Columbia State Community College and is starting in March of this year.  We wish him the best of luck in the future and he knows where to come for any of his employment needs.