Kyle first came to Michigan Works (Alpena) in February 2023 needing assistance with paying his 36-day monitoring device fee of $460.00. MWA was able to assist with this expense via the BRES program. His background and lack of education was a barrier to stable employment. By January of 2024, Kyle was working 30-40 hours per week making $10.25/hour while also enrolled in the IRESA Adult Education program to work on completing his GED.
When Kyle was presented with the opportunity to dual enroll in an Integrated Education and Training (IET) program, he was ready. With funding assistance from Michigan Works!, Kyle enrolled in the Utility Arborist program at Alpena Community College, a short term, 15-week certificate program.
The courses were challenging, but Kyle was fueled by a sense of purpose. Every class was an opportunity to prove to himself that he could change his life. Kyle graduated with his GED on 1/23/24 and his Utility Arborist certificate on 5/10/24. Armed with new skills and a determination to succeed, he began applying for jobs. He knew that his criminal background might present a challenge, but he wasn’t afraid to be transparent.
While enrolled in the program Kyle faced some barriers that could have thrown a wrench in his ability to attend school, specifically the ability to get there. Fortunately, Michigan Works! was able to provide mileage reimbursement to help with transportation costs. In addition, steel toe boots and a laptop were required for the program, both of which are expensive (especially when you’re only making $10.25/hour and raising a family). Once again Michigan Works! was able to assist with the purchases of these required items. In June 2024, Kyle accepted a full-time position with Thunder Bay Tree Service making $22.00!
Kyle's success wasn’t just about education or employment—it was about resilience, determination, and believing that it’s never too late to change, plus having a support system to help him get there. His journey proves that with the right mindset, support, and opportunities, anyone can overcome their past and create a brighter future.
Kyle is so very thankful for the assistance and resources he found at Michigan Works!, sharing, “I’m so thankful that I was able to use this avenue to help me with my success and moving forward in life. When I first heard about Michigan Works! or the Utility Arborist program assistance, my impression was that even if I do get a job that they were going to take some money out of my paychecks! But in fact, it was the complete opposite! Not only did I get help on receiving a new laptop to do all of my schoolwork online and to help me write papers and get my resume done professionally, but I also got the program completely paid for which was amazing. Completing a college program is something that I thought I would never find myself doing. Both of my parents never went to college and never graduated high school. They found a way to make a good income in life through hard work and dedication. I started off taking the same path as my parents. By not graduating high school due to unfortunate circumstances, I started work very early in life at the age of 16, doing side jobs with a knowledge that was passed down to me from my dad doing carpentry, labor, construction, and working in the woods, cutting down firewood and selling it around Hubbard Lake. I am so thankful for my Adult Ed coach, Nicole Hatch, for pushing me to get my GED done and out-of-the-way, so that way I could participate in the Utility Arborist college program! I was working at a dead-end job making $10.30 an hour and hardly making ends meet. Once in the program, I was informed that our Instructor took it upon himself to help us get gainfully employed in the industry that we were being taught. Once I had completed the program, I now held in my hand a CDL permit with all the hours I needed to take the road test to get my CDL. I also graduated with a certificate making me a Certified Arborist Climber and received my pesticide and herbicide commercial license. I am very proud of myself for my accomplishments and I am also very thankful for all of the avenues of resources that Michigan Works! and everyone involved have helped me get to acquire everything that I have now - including a very awesome and well-paying job! I do appreciate them giving me this chance to better my life.”
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