When One Door Closes, Another One Opens

 

Jennifer had been working at an automotive factory for 25 years. In June 2025, the factory announced it would be closing in June 2026. This sent instant fear and panic through Jennifer since that had been her home away from home for such a long time. She didn’t have any other skills or training to change careers. But Jennifer knew that change was coming, and she had to prepare for the future. She had friends who had gone to GST Michigan Works! in the past and had received grant funding for training. She wondered if she would qualify for that assistance, also. 

In July 2025, Jennifer set up a meeting with a Career Coach, during which they talked about possible career choices. Jennifer said she had always been interested in becoming a CNA, but never took the initiative to pursue it. Well, now was the time to jump in with both feet! Jennifer was eligible for assistance with training funding through WIOA. She registered for the Certified Nursing Assistant program at the Sanilac Career Center. GST Michigan Works! was able to pay for the tuition for the program, as well as scrubs needed for her clinicals. GST Michigan Works! also used support services funding to pay some mileage reimbursement to get her to and from her classes. 

Jennifer really enjoyed her classes and received her Certified Nursing Assistant certificate on November 1, 2025. During her training at the Sanilac Career Center, she did her clinicals at the Medical Care Facility in Sandusky. After she received her certification, Jennifer was offered a part-time position as a CNA. She took that opportunity with great excitement! What started with a scary and uncertain future turned into a wonderful opportunity for a career change and secured plans for Jennifer’s future.