Northwest Michigan Works

09/04/2026

LABOR DAY CLOSURE

Our Northwest Michigan Works! service centers will be closed Monday, September 7, in observance of Labor Day.

We’ll reopen and return to our normal business hours on Tuesday, September 8.

Have questions or need information about our services? Visit nwmiworks.org anytime.

Wishing everyone a safe and happy Labor Day!

09/03/2026

🚪 WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT IS… OPENING A DOOR.

Not everyone starts their career journey in the same place.

Meet Asia, a 2026 Northwest Michigan Works! Adult Education graduate who earned her GED in just three months—while overcoming a terrifying car accident during pregnancy, postpartum recovery and the demands of raising three children.

She stayed the course. And now, she’s opening the next door: nursing school. 💙

As Asia says:
“It’s never too late to show up for yourself, and it is never ever too late to make yourself proud.”

That’s what workforce development can look like. A credential. A new opportunity. A path forward.

And sometimes, it starts by simply opening a door.

🎓 Ready to open your next door? Learn more about Northwest Michigan Works! Adult Education and how you can get started.

👉 Learn more about Adult Education: nwm.org/learninglabs

09/01/2026

SEPTEMBER IS WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT MONTH.

And workforce development is… MORE THAN TRAINING.

When you hear “workforce development,” what comes to mind?

Maybe job training. A college program. An employer investing in its employees.

But workforce development is so much more.

It’s people finding pathways to careers.

It’s opportunity for people facing barriers to employment.

It’s employers finding and developing the talent they need.

It’s communities becoming stronger and more resilient.

As part of the public workforce development system, Northwest Michigan Works! connects people and employers to resources, support, training and opportunities that lead to real outcomes.

And we’re local — a nonprofit working in your community, for your community.

Throughout Workforce Development Month, we’ll be highlighting what workforce development really looks like across Northwest Michigan—and the people, businesses and communities experiencing the impact.

Because workforce development is…

People. Opportunity. Employers. Community.

Follow along this month as we show you what workforce development looks like in action.

08/28/2026

08/24/2026

08/24/2026

🚲 Community Partnership Creates a Path Forward

For Stephen Duncan, earning his GED through Northwest Michigan Works! Adult Education was an important step toward his future. But without reliable transportation, getting to his new job at Meijer—and saving for college—was a challenge.

Thanks to an incredible network of community partners through the Big Bear Sportsman's Club Bike Program, Stephen now has a custom bicycle designed to meet his needs.

After learning about the Bikes for Education and Employment program through Staircase Youth Project, Adult Education Navigator Maria Turner connected with Bob Schuelke of the Big Bear Sportsman's Club in Kaleva. Bob spent several months searching for the right frame for Stephen, who is 6'3", and worked with partners throughout the process to make sure Stephen received a safe, reliable bike.

The bike was made possible through a true community effort:

🚲 Bay Area Recycling for Community in Kaleva (BARC) provides donated bicycles to the program at no cost. Community members can also donate bikes directly to the program through the club.

🔧 Spindrift Cyclesports in Ludington provides repairs and helps ensure each bicycle meets the program's safety specifications.

💙 Shoreline Cycling Club - West Michigan and Spindrift Cyclesports help support the costs of bicycle repairs.

🪖 A grant from Little River Casino Resort helps provide essential items such as helmets, locks and lights.

🚚 Big Bear Sportsman's Club coordinates transportation, storage and the process of matching participants with a bicycle that meets their needs.

For Stephen, the result is more than a bicycle.

💬 “This bike means having a job. Being able to get to work every day is very important to me right now. For me, this job means being able to save money for college. Without any stable transportation that wouldn’t be possible.”

This is what community partnership looks like—people and organizations coming together to remove barriers, create opportunities and help individuals move forward. ❤️

A special thank you to Big Bear Sportsman's Club, Bay Area Recycling (BARC), Spindrift Cyclesports, Shoreline Cycling Club, Little River Casino and the community members who donate bicycles to make this program possible.

👉 Read the full story: https://www.networksnorthwest.org/.../community...

📚 Learn more about Northwest Michigan Works! nwm.org/learninglabs

🚲 Learn more about the Big Bear Sportsman's Club: https://bigbearsportsmansclub.com/about

Northwest Michigan Works! is a program of Networks Northwest.

08/21/2026

📢 Career Connections Cancellation Notice

Career Connections at our Petoskey Service Center will be canceled on Tuesday, September 15.

We apologize for any inconvenience and encourage you to explore our upcoming workshops and events.

📅 View the full calendar: https://www.nwmiworks.org/job-seeker/workshops-events.html

08/18/2026

Northwest Michigan Works and Petoskey-based Volumes Salon have launched the region’s first U.S. Department of Labor Registered Apprenticeship Program for cosmetologists. The program combines 12 months of hands-on training with 350 hours of online coursework, creating a valuable pathway to professional development and Michigan cosmetology licensure.

This partnership represents an important investment in workforce development, skilled trades, and the next generation of professionals in Northwest Michigan.

Click here to learn more about this opportunity: https://business.traverseconnect.com/news/details/volumes-salon-partners-with-northwest-michigan-works-for-first-cosmetologist-apprenticeship-program-08-14-2026

Interested in more happenings in your community? Discover the latest news and events from a variety of member businesses in the Grand Traverse Region. Click the link for this week's News Releases: https://business.traverseconnect.com/news

08/17/2026

🌟 Celebrating Cathy Schanski! 🌟

Please join us in congratulating Cathy Schanski, JMG Specialist at Petoskey High School, on receiving the Living Our Values Award – Authentic at Youth Solutions’ Statewide Summer Summit!

This award recognizes the honesty, vulnerability, and trust Cathy brings to her work—qualities that help her build genuine relationships and make a meaningful impact on Michigan’s youth. Cathy consistently goes above and beyond to help young people reach their full potential, combining hands-on career preparation with genuine care that makes every student feel valued, supported, and empowered to succeed. 💙

Congratulations, Cathy, and thank you for the heart and authenticity you bring to supporting our youth! 👏

To learn more about Cathy’s recognition and the other Networks Northwest professionals honored at the Youth Solutions Statewide Summer Summit, read our media release:
https://www.networksnorthwest.org/about-us/media/press-releases/networks-northwest-professionals-recognized-at-youth-solutions-statewide-summer-summit.html

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