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Jesus Uresti, an unemployed construction laborer collecting unemployment benefits, came to SEMCA Michigan Works! Southgate American Job Center in search of assistance with funding for a skill upgrade. Jesus registered for the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) program for Dislocated Workers (DW) in December 2022, the Michigan Learning and Education Advancement program, and Industry Infinity funding in January 2023. Jesus hoped to increase his earning wage, improve his household income, and be employed year-round instead of encountering annual layoffs due to his seasonal work. He felt earning a CDL A license would change everything for him and his family.

Jesus enrolled in CDL A training at Suburban Truck Driving in Romulus, MI in February 2023, co-funded by the Michigan Learning and Education Advancement program and Industry Infinity. He also received gas cards through DW supportive services to assist with transportation costs to and from his training. Jesus did well, completing his CDLA training in March 2023 and earning a skill upgrade credential.

“The Southgate American Job Center was amazing. I give it a 10 out of 10 for service.” states Jesus, “I would not have been able to afford my training without the help of Michigan Works!” Jesus returned to work for his previous employer, Mandarino Construction in Ray, MI, where he earned $28 per hour as a construction laborer. However, with his new training and skills upgrade to CDL A driver, his wages increased to $31 per hour. Jesus is happy and grateful for the assistance, programs, and funding available through SEMCA Michigan Works!.