New Advisor Focuses on Work-Based Learning Experiences for Local Youth

A new Youth Career Technical Education Placement Advisor will help young people in Wexford and Missaukee counties gain work-based learning experience. Northwest Michigan Works! and the Wexford-Missaukee ISD recently created the position through an innovative job-sharing agreement. The joint effort will allow both the ISD and Michigan Works to continue to provide high quality work-based learning placements and school-to-work training for the youth who attend the ISD’s Career Tech Center (CTC) and any other out of work youth aged 16 to 21 in the two counties.

Cadillac resident LeAnne Bush has been hired as the new advisor. She has experience in both the human services and business fields. Bush will be focusing on work-based learning placements for both counties and screening for eligible Michigan Works Youth Program participants.

"Wexford-Missaukee ISD is very excited about this partnership,” said Jeff Jennette, Wexford-Missaukee ISD Superintendent. “Our goals are very similar for this position and in the age of collaboration, we are excited to have Leanne working with our students in preparing them for the workforce."

Northwest Michigan Works! Youth Services Coordinator Lisa Anderson said there is a lot of compatibility between the mission of Michigan Works Youth Education and Employment Service (YES) and the Wexford-Missaukee CTC. She said in a time of shrinking education and employment and training budgets the shared position makes sense.

“As the demand for high-skilled workers in the trades continues, it is our hope that LeAnne will increase the opportunities for work-based learning placements by establishing on-going relationships with area employers,” said Anderson.

Along with work-based learning placements Bush will also help teach young people employability skills. The Wexford-Missaukee Career Tech Center would eventually like to have all of their students go through some kind of work-based learning experience before they graduate. Companies who are interested in sponsoring a young person in a work experience opportunity should contact LeAnne Bush at: leannebush@nwm.cog.mi.us or 231-620-5102.

Our Township greatly benefits from Network Northwest's experience, depth of knowledge and understanding. Because they work with so many diverse communities in our ten-county region they understand the local land-use issues and are already working on solutions by the time we realize we need some help.
- Susan Odom, Chair, Suttons Bay Township Planning Commission