Michigan Works!

Young Professionals Program Information – MFG Day 2020

What is the Macomb/St. Clair Michigan Works! Young Professionals Program?

The Macomb/St. Clair Michigan Works! (MSCMW) Young Professionals (YP) program can assist young adults ages 16–24 who reside in Macomb or St. Clair County. If you have interest in skilled trades and need help with the next step or are looking for assistance, contact us today. Our team will work one-on-one with you in order to help you to train, obtain and maintain skilled trades employment.

What is Educate • Empower • Employ?

• Educate: High School completion, GED prep, short-term occupational training ex: CDL-A, CNA, 1-year certificate programs, 2-year Associates Degree, free tutoring, and tuition assistance*
• Empower: Career exploration, in-demand careers/labor market information, mentoring/individual support, work-readiness workshops (interviewing, resume building, dress for success), financial literacy, job shadow, talent tours
• Employ: Job search assistance, On-the-Job Training, Paid Work Experience, Pre-apprenticeship, Apprenticeship

How can the program help me?

• Finish high school in a non-traditional school setting
• Earn a GED with tutoring help
• Get paid work experience to explore careers and build skills
• Tuition assistance for career training
• Prepare for work while developing academic and training skills
• Develop leadership skills
• Get connected to resources for help with transportation and clothing to help with your job search or employment
• Meet with an adult mentor to help you succeed
• Regular check-ins and support to keep you on track
• Referrals to community partners for other services you might need, like counseling
• Learn how to manage your money
• Discover how to start your own business
• Explore jobs and careers suitable for you
• Prepare for education and training beyond high school

*Qualifying conditions apply for some activities.

How has the program assisted other young adults?

M.A. Success Story

M.A. was 23 years old and had been jumping around from job to job when he got connected with Michigan Works! Young Professionals (YP). Though he was working as a part-time valet when he enrolled, M.A. knew he wanted more. He wanted a career. The Young Professionals program had M.A. complete some career exploration activities where he learned that he was a good match for work as a Heavy Equipment Operator. With the help of the YP program’s tuition assistance, M.A. attended a 5 week training course and graduated as a Heavy Equipment Operator. He earned 7 industry-recognized certifications during his training that would launch his new career. His next step was working with the YP Placement Team who provided job search assistance and helped him practice his interviewing skills. He landed a job as an entry-level heavy equipment operator a short time later and has been steadily employed ever since. In a recent contact with M.A., he said he is happy to have a career that pays the bills.

Ashley’s Success Story

Ashley was homeless, unemployed and had just learned that she was expecting a baby. She was very motivated to find a way to support herself and her child and came to the Young Professionals looking for guidance. She also enlisted the help of a community partner with a transitional program for homeless youth that provided a safe place to live while she formulated a plan to move forward with her life. With the Young Professionals, Ashley developed an educational and employment career plan. She was interested in the medical field with a short-term goal of becoming a Certified Nurse Aide to achieve financial independence, and a long-term goal of becoming a Registered Nurse. Tuition assistance supported Ashley’s enrollment in the Certified Nurse Aide course at the local community college. Supportive service funds available through the Young Professionals further assisted Ashely with bus passes, required uniforms, shoes, and license fees.

Eager to begin a career in healthcare, Ashley needed to find a shortterm job while she attended training. She used the skills she learned in the job-readiness workshops and was hired part-time at Panera Bread, making $10 an hour. Once the training started, Ashley attended class four days per week, worked every weekend, and began saving money to live independently.

Ashley successfully completed training and passed the state licensing exam to become a Certified Nurse Aide. Within nine short months, Ashley moved from being homeless, unemployed, and pregnant, to a hard-working mom, living independently and paying her own bills. With her CNA credential, she is earning $16 per hour.

How do I get started?
Call or text a young professionals recruiter at
(734) 612-9526
or visit www.macomb-stclairworks.org/YP for more info