Turning Experience Into Opportunity

Before connecting with GST Michigan Works!, Matthew had solid hands-on welding experience and a strong passion for the trade. However, his jobs offered low pay, limited advancement, and were often in difficult working environments. Without a formal welding certification, Matthew felt stuck—he had the skills, but not the credentials to move forward.

That changed in August 2024, when Matthew met with a GST Michigan Works! Career Coach. Taking time to understand his goals and experience, the Career Coach worked with Matthew to build a personalized plan to help him earn the industry-recognized certification he needed to compete for better opportunities.

Through the support of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) program, Matthew enrolled in the Accelerated Welding training program at Mott Workforce & Economic Development. WIOA funding covered the cost of training and provided additional support for essential items, including a new pair of safety boots, removing key financial barriers so Matthew could fully focus on learning.

Matthew completed the program successfully on December 15, 2024, earning his Accelerated Welding Certificate. Shortly after graduating, he was hired by a local company as a full-time welder, but he knew it wasn’t the best place to grow. He continued to look for better opportunities and eventually landed a full-time position as a Welder Fabricator with Terex in May 2025.  This new opportunity came with everything Matthew had been working toward: higher wages, safer working conditions, and long-term career potential.

Matthew stated, “I had the skills, but GST Michigan Works! gave me the boost I needed with training, boots, and a Career Coach who had my back. Now I’ve got a career that I can grow in!”