Job training and placement assistance program to open in Cheboygan County
Photo: Bud Darnell, President of the Cheboygan Communities Foundation presents the first installment support of $5,000 to Linda Nuess, President of the Cheboygan Economic Development Group, who is sponsoring the introduction of Digital Works to the community.
Cheboygan, MI – Through a multi-agency collaboration, the Digital Works job training and placement assistance program will soon be offered in Cheboygan, Michigan, presenting a new option for job seekers. The new facility is located at 504 Division Street in Cheboygan and will begin program orientations on September 22. More than 500 jobs have been secured by graduates of the Digital Works program since it launched in Ohio in 2013.
Digital Works, a program of Connected Nation, connects people to leading-edge customer support and IT jobs for global corporations by providing training, mentorship, and job placement assistance, as well as the opportunity for advanced careers. Many program graduates benefit from the work-at-home opportunities available with the more than 35 Digital Works employer partners. Trainees without Internet access at home or those who prefer a more traditional office environment can choose to work from a Digital Works facility.
“There’s no other workforce training program that offers what we do—it’s really groundbreaking,” said Stu Johnson, Vice President of Digital Works. “We are able to offer employer-customized training to high-quality candidates, job-placement assistance, on-going mentorship, and even advanced training and career development. There is an excessive demand for these types of jobs, and Digital Works is connecting those employers with eager and trained job seekers.”
“This program is a perfect fit for Cheboygan County,” said Linda Neuss, President of the Cheboygan Economic Development Group. “We are excited to be a part of it. Quality employment is very much needed in our community.”
The Digital Works expansion is made possible by a cooperative partnership between AirNorth Communications, Cheboygan Communities Foundation, Cheboygan Economic Development Group, City of Cheboygan, Connect Michigan, Connected Nation, Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), Michigan Works! Northeast Consortium, North Central Michigan College, Northeast Michigan Council of Governments (NEMCOG), and Northern Lakes Economic Alliance. Start-up funding was provided by MEDC and the Cheboygan Communities Foundation, along with free rent and utilities provided by building owners.
“Michigan Works! Northeast Consortium is very excited to be a part of bringing this new job creation program to northern Michigan,” said Marisue Moreau, Michigan Works! Northeast Consortium Director. “Digital Works will be a great community resource for technology and customer support training. This training center opens up a whole new area of employment to local job seekers since program graduates will be able to work from home or right from the Digital Works center.”
NEMCOG Executive Director Diane Rekowski is also excited about the launch, stating, “This is a great opportunity for our region to help get residents trained and employed. The best part about this program is that it is free to anyone, and the success in Ohio has shown a 97% placement rate in a paid job upon completion of the training. Whether you are a recent high school graduate or enjoying your retirement years, this is an opportunity to have a flexible career and potential for earning much more than minimum wage.”
In addition to Michigan, Digital Works operates training centers in Kentucky, Ohio, and Texas. To learn more about Digital Works or to apply for the program, visit www.digitalworksjobs.org. To contact the Cheboygan Digital Works center, call (231) 818-1786.
About Digital Works
Digital Works, a program of Connected Nation, connects people to leading-edge customer support and IT jobs for global corporations. Digital Works offers a technology and client-services training program, along with continued mentorship toward opportunities for advanced IT careers. Graduates of the program can choose to work from home or from a Digital Works center. Since the program launch in Ohio in June 2013, more than 500 people have secured employment. www.digitalworksjobs.org