From Potential to Permanent

 

With only four months of work history as a part-time grocery store cashier, Ella came to GST Michigan Works! in Owosso without having worked in over six months. She found it difficult to secure employment without much experience and was struggling to have the confidence needed to get into the workforce permanently. Other barriers she faced included limited skills, unstable housing, and a lack of transportation. She mostly depended on a bicycle, a friend or family member, or public transportation to get places.

After coming to the Owosso GST Michigan Works! office, Ella met with a Career Coach to explore services and support options for finding employment. She completed assessments and was enrolled in October, 2025. She was enrolled in various youth programs to maximize the resources available to her. She also completed an individual service strategy (ISS) with her coach to map out her experience, barriers, and goals for determining the best course of action. The first plan was to find an appropriate workplace to refer her for a Paid Work Experience. This would provide her with further instruction and an opportunity to gain experience, with the hopes of leading her to permanent employment. As preparation, Ella completed online instruction for office technology skills, received assistance completing a professional resume, interview skills, and participated in virtual reality career exploration. Due to her lack of transportation, Ella was accepted into a Paid Work Experience within walking distance of her home, at the Volunteers of America (VOA) Thrift Store in Corunna. She was also provided with Shiawassee Area Transportation Agency (SATA) bus passes to help her when the weather wasn’t cooperative.

Ella began her work experience program in November, 2025. She was assisted with purchasing clothing to help her get started. After the first two weeks, her dedication and positive attitude stood out to the store manager, who was eager for her to learn, grow, and become part of their team. Throughout her work experience, her performance ratings were above satisfactory every week, and the manager gave her many opportunities to learn multiple duties at the store to find the best fit for her. She was cross-trained in production, dock work, and the clothing department, learning valuable skills and confidence along the way.

After Ella had completed only six weeks of work experience, her manager inquired if she would be eligible for direct hire before the scheduled end date of her work experience program. By the next day, Ella was offered a position as a Clothing Department Associate, with the potential for growth and future benefits. She also received incentive payments for her success.

Ella faced many challenges due to her lack of work experience, skills, and transportation. However, through her preparation, with the support of GST Michigan Works! and the staff at VOA, her confidence grew quickly. She shared that the staff at VOA is very understanding and helpful in building her confidence and fostering the independence that she needed. 

Through this opportunity, she has been receiving sufficient wages to maintain housing and daily expenses. Ella stated, “I appreciate the opportunity to work with Volunteers of America. I have learned several areas within the company, including being cross-trained in Production, Dock, and as a Clothing Department Associate. I am happy to say I was offered the position of Clothing Department Associate. Much to my surprise, I was hired much faster than expected, which makes me happy that I can work with some really nice people.” Ella also expressed her appreciation for all the coaching and support she received from GST Michigan Works! staff.