After being unemployed long-term, Matthew faced challenges in re-entering the workforce. With a strong desire to help others and inspired by his family’s careers in healthcare, he began volunteering in supportive roles within the field. He assisted with transporting patients to appointments and even provided some personal care for those in need. These experiences helped […]
Tag: program success story
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 […]
Danielle arrived at GST Michigan Works! looking serious and job-ready. She had to be. She recently lost her job of four and a half years. Her expected contributions to her household had just disappeared. She said her husband was still employed. But the single income wasn’t enough for the two of them and their two-year-old […]
In June 2024, Ian came to GST Michigan Works! at the encouragement of his mother. Unsure of his next steps and struggling with motivation, he began working with a Career Coach to explore employment options. After a short stint in restaurant work that didn’t align with his goals, Ian stepped away to consider college but […]
Olivia graduated from high school in May 2024, and she was on to the next phase in life, known as adulthood. As a teenager, she has had few part-time jobs at a local pizzeria and a gas station. Olivia decided it was time to pursue a career path that truly interested her, and she had […]
Allie came to the GST Michigan Works! Sanilac Service Center seeking support to advance her nursing career. After several years working as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), she began to feel limited by the roles available to her and the lack of upward mobility. As a mother of two young children, Allie was motivated to […]
Luke was working as an Apprentice Electrician at Zimmerman & Sons Electric, LLC, but needed a CDL-A license to take on additional responsibilities and earn a higher wage. He came to GST Michigan Works! seeking assistance and was determined to complete the training as quickly as possible. With support through grant funding, Luke began his […]
After working in both the HVAC and food industries, Amanda knew she was ready for a change. With a natural sense of empathy and a desire to help others, she was motivated to pursue a career that would allow her to make a difference in her community. Amanda connected with GST Michigan Works!, where she […]
After relocating from Florida, Geonel came to GST Michigan Works! looking for employment opportunities and a chance to build a stable future for himself and his mother. Motivated and eager to work, he connected with a Career Coach who quickly recognized his potential and enrolled him in the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) program […]
Kappen Tree Service (KTS) is a woman-owned business located in the rural Thumb Area of Michigan. They provide line clearance services to keep the power on, working with clients such as DTE Energy, ITC (International Transmission Company), and TEC (Thumb Electric Cooperative). Fun fact: On average, KTS clears 3,000 miles of line per year! As […]


