Veteran Benefits from Training Grant Following a Thirty-two Year Detour
Warren Career Center
Submitted by Erica Clifford
Matthew served in the United States Army and was stationed in Germany from 1988 – 1992 where he met his wife. They remained in Germany to raise their family after being discharged from the Army. Thirty-two years later, he decided to make his way back to the United States and investigated a career as a truck driver.
While researching schools Matthew found the heavy price tag to attend training a big obstacle. He was referred to Michigan Works! and as Matthew recalls, “So, I decided to go visit them and that is where I met my Career Planner, Erica. She took as much time needed for me, was very friendly, understanding, and human like (not rush – rush to get me back out the door) to explain how it works and that there was an Infinity Grant that could help me out.”
Matthew was, indeed, eligible for 100% tuition assistance through the Industry Infinity Grant. He enrolled in CDL-A training with 160 Driving Academy and was employed as a full-time truck driver shortly after completing the course in October 2022.
According to Matthew, “I can only say positive things about how Michigan Works! (and Erica) helped me out in getting a new start and I am also thankful for the Infinity Grant for the finan- cial help. Because with that price tag I do not know if I would have put out so much money to proceed in such a career field not knowing 100% if it was the right thing for me. End of story is….it was!”
