When One Door Closes…

Melinda had been working at an automotive factory since September of 1998. She held different positions there over the past 28 years, including machine operator, relief operator, and janitor. In August of 2025, the factory announced that they would be shutting their doors in 2026. Panic flooded Melinda as she had worked there for so long that she didn’t have any other credentials to find a new career. She didn’t know what her future would hold since this factory had been her second home for so long. Melinda reached out to GST Michigan Works! for some direction and support. She met with a Career Coach and discussed some possible options. 

Melinda decided she did not want to continue in the factory setting. Through talking with the Career Coach, they discovered she was eligible for WIOA funding and decided to take her future in a whole different direction. She wanted training to become a medical assistant. Melinda was full of fear and nervousness, but she knew this would be a turning point in her life. 

Melinda contacted the Tuscola Technology Center and enrolled in the Clinical Medical Assistant program. GST Michigan Works! was able to pay for her tuition for the class. When classes started, she was extremely nervous to step out of her comfort zone, but excited to be starting a new chapter. During her training, Melinda needed shoes for her clinicals, and GST Michigan Works! was able to support that need. Melinda completed her training in January 2026. She had conquered her fears and obtained her certification! 

Her job at the factory had come to an end in April. However, she was able to secure full-time employment as a Medical Assistant a week before she was laid off indefinitely. Melinda went from being uncertain about her future to completely changing her career path in just a few short months. When one door closes, another one opens, and GST Michigan Works! was here to help along the way.