How to get free schooling in michigan!

Ok guys. Here it is. In my last thread i said once i found out all the requirements, I'd post it.

This is what to expect when trying to get funding through Michigan Works. Keep in mind, these are the requirements for Kent and Ottawa counties, though it shouldnt be *much* different in the other counties, don't expect this to be an exact thing for you. So, step by step.

First you have to sign up for an account on MiTalent.com and create and post a resume. Also print out a copy, you'll need to bring it to sign up for orientation. Make sure the resume is updated *atleast* every 30 days, or it may disqualify you. You must keep it updated through the whole process. Next, call up your local Michigan Works and sign up for the orientation. (In my county, you have to sign up in person with a copy of your resume in hand)

Ok now this is where it gets fun. Theres 2 different paths to go. 1 path for people who have a job and1 for people that don't. Personally I have a current job, i can only explain the beginning process for those that dont have a job. So ill start with that path.

FOR THOSE THAT DON'T HAVE A JOB

While your on the phone with them signing up for orientation, also find out when the next "interview skills" and "
professional looking resume" classes are and save the dates, your going to have to take them also. They should be fairly short classes. In addition to your resume on the mitalent site, your also going to need to make and print a "professional resume", and keep a digital copy also, as you will need to e-mail it to your case worker at a later date when you find out who it is. (MAKE SURE TO SAVE IT AS A .RTF file). Next step is to find 3 current job postings in your area. Simple task, the specifics will be explained in orientation. When you've done all that you call and set up an appointment with your case worker. this is where you e-mail your resume to him/her. After this point I'm not sure if it's different or the same for the 2 paths.

FOR THOSE THAT HAVE A JOB

This is the exact process I just went through. So, after you go to orientation, you also need to take a class called "career exploration and choosing a vocational school". I was lucky enough to do them both 1 right after the other. During orientation, your going to get something called an o*net booklet. That *must* be filled out completely before you meet your case worker. Next you must obtain 3 current job postings in your area and print them off. During you'll also get a paper explaining projected job growth for different fields. on that paper, find "trucking" and highlight it. That's all for that page. You'll also need to make a "professional resume" and print it. You'll also need a digital copy of this to send to your case worker later (SAVE IT AS A .RTF FILE). They will also give you a website to go to (www.mycareereducation.org). All you have to do there is search for CDL or Trucking, click on it and print it. Then the last thing you need to do is find out if the school you want to go to accepts FAFSA and apply for it. Your going to need either the acceptance or denial page, OR (as is the case with me) IF your school doesn't accept FAFSA, you will need a letter from the stating that. THEN Finally, you call your case worker and send her an e-mail of your resume


So that's it for the first part. Sounds like alot, but in reality, it took me a total of 2 days to get this stuff done.

Ready for part 2? Here goes. (again I'm not sure if it's different or the same for people with and without a job)

PART 2

You will need to bring a few things to your first meeting with your case worker. They are: Drivers License with correct address, Social Security Card, Birth Certificate, 2 *most recent* pay stubs, and all the paperwork from part 1. At this point, you will get another paper stating some more requirements. Basically, you need 3 pre-hire letters (surprisingly easy to come by, don't let that scare you). If you have a disability or work restrictions, your going to need to get documentation. That's it for the hard part.

The final step is to sign up (usually done at your first meeting) for 2 tests. The CASAS and the Work Keys test (again, surprisingly easy). This is currently where I'm at. When all that's done, call up your case worker and get that paperwork for school done and your on your way in no time!


A FEW NOTES

It may be a good idea to also study the commercial drivers license manual and take the written CDL tests at the secretary of state WHILE going through this process, it will do a lot to speed up the process. Also, find out from your school if the funding will pay for your DOT physical to get your permit. (some school are able to write it in the cost of school, thereby getting it paid for when your funding comes through, but some are unable to do this.) And a final note. If you are single and have a job, the income requirement (in my county) is 22k a year or under.



Well there it is. I hope you all enjoy my novel.

 

Nice, I heard about them doing funding too. I should be attending West Michigan CDL in about 2 weeks.