Business Takes a Chance on Youth Program and Gains an Engineer

Finding employers willing to invest time in mentoring and paperwork to serve as host sites for the Youth Work Experience Program can be a challenge. That’s why GST Michigan Works! truly values businesses like Lapeer Plating & Plastics (LP&P), which recognize the importance of providing meaningful workplace experiences for youth in our community.

Ryan, a youth participant, joined LP&P through the program and spent several weeks rotating through all areas of production. His dedication and curiosity made a strong impression. During his midway point evaluation, Joe DuBreuil, Human Resource Administrator, noted, “Ryan has been a nice addition to the LP&P team. The initiative he shows when given learning opportunities and his willingness to help wherever needed will lead to a bright professional career with lots of growth. It’s been a pleasure to work with Ryan. His personality has been enjoyed. Ryan made such an impactful impression in 90-days that he was offered a full-time position as a Production Engineer, earning a $6 raise!

“We always welcome the programs available through GST Michigan Works! We now have a new manufacturing engineer who started here as a Youth Host Site participant,” shared Joe.

This success was made possible through collaboration between Jobs for Michigan’s Graduates (JMG), GST Michigan Works!, and LP&P, whose mentorship and planning allowed Ryan to explore career pathways and gain hands-on experience in advanced manufacturing.

Taking a chance on a youth participant not only benefited Ryan, but also the employer, which demonstrates how investing in local talent today helps build the next generation of skilled professionals for tomorrow.