From Home Health Aid to Certified Nurse Aide

Ashley has always had a passion for helping others. Since 2016, she was dedicated to working as a home health aide, finding joy in caring for people and making a difference in their lives. However, Ashley dreamed of advancing in her career to better support her family and increase her earnings. She believed that becoming a Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) would not only enhance her skills but also provide the financial stability she needed.

Ashley learned about GST Michigan Works! through social media and discovered that they could potentially help fund her CNA training. Determined to pursue this opportunity, she reached out to the Sanilac County Service Center and was thrilled to learn she was eligible for the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA). This funding was a critical step towards achieving her goal.

In January 2024, Ashley began her CNA program at the Sanilac Career Center. GST Michigan Works! supported her throughout her journey, providing additional resources such as scrubs required for her classes and reimbursing her for mileage to ensure she could attend her training sessions. Ashley’s dedication was evident in her hard work and determination. During one of her monthly check-ins with her Career Coach, she proudly shared her success in acing a challenging chapter, showcasing her commitment to her studies.

While still in training, Ashley proactively sought employment opportunities at medical facilities where she could apply her new skills as a CNA. Her efforts paid off. After four months of rigorous training and studying, Ashley completed her CNA program and earned her certification. She soon secured a full-time position at Stonegate Assisted Living, starting at $2.00 higher per hour than her previous job as a home health aide!