Michigan Works Southeast presents workforce gains for Livingston County; officials urge employer partnerships

Representatives from Michigan Works Southeast presented an annual report on Aug. 25, detailing the agency’s work in Livingston County during the 2024–25 program year.

Shamar Herron, executive director, and Dawn Aury, service-center manager at the Howell office, told commissioners the agency helped nearly 200 county residents improve their economic standing, recorded an average wage increase of roughly $148 for program participants between intake and exit, and supported 186 upskilling placements. Michigan Works reported $232,000 in on-the-job training funds used in Livingston County, nearly $50,000 in new-hire support and examples of employer successes, including a $10,000 Going Pro Talent Fund award for a local speech therapy business and a marine-services technician apprenticeship registered with the U.S. Department of Labor.

Dawn Aury described career-center services and success stories, including clients who trained for commercial driver licenses and healthcare careers and a youth-focused program that served disengaged young adults. Commissioners asked about recruiting skilled tradespeople and were directed to Michigan Works’ Career Education Advisory Committee as a venue for private-sector involvement. Herron said the agency has experienced funding cuts in recent years and is working to become more efficient while preparing for possible federal and state changes that could shift adult-education responsibilities among agencies.

Commissioners thanked Michigan Works representatives and encouraged outreach to local employers and schools to strengthen workforce pipelines.