Success for Brandon Nowak came later in life than expected. In his mid-30s, Brandon Nowak came to the very hard realization his life was not where he wanted it to be. He never completed his high school education, had limited skills and was incarcerated for 18 months. 

“Everything that’s happened to me, I’ve done to myself. I always remember that,” Brandon said. “I’m doing what I’m supposed to do, I just did it later on in life. … I’m here because I made my bed, but places like Michigan Works! West Central, they give you a second chance.”

After exiting incarceration, Brandon’s parole officer referred him to Michigan Works! West Central. Working with a Talent Specialist, he was able to set short-term and realistic goals. 

Earning his GED was the first on the list. Through adult-education provider Quest High School, which co-located in three of Michigan Works! West Central’s six service centers, he was able to finish his high school education. 

“I studied every night; I really wanted to get it done as quickly as possible,” Brandon said. “The program fit with my schedule. They would give me packets to study, which made it a lot easier. … After learning I passed, I was excited, but still focused on what I had to do next. So, I couldn’t get too excited because I wasn’t at my end goal.”

Michigan Work! West Central enrolled Brandon into WIOA Adult and MiLEAP programs, which were able to pay for training at FCG Truck Driver Training in Byron Center. Within six weeks, he earned his Class-A commercial driver’s license (CDL), achieving his next goal. 

“Brandon, being a hard worker and fast learner, was an excellent candidate for the CDL truck driver training program. It was obvious that he wanted success,” said Bill Baareman, owner of FCG Truck Driver Training. “Partnering with Michigan Works! West Central is the perfect match for a new and challenging career path in a field that’s in high demand. This partnership is opening new doors and opportunities for anyone with a desire to obtain a Michigan CDL.”

It didn’t take long for Brandon to reach his final goal of obtaining a job as a full-time over-the-road driver. He was hired at Coopersville-based Foreway Transportation in July 2023, and began driving across the U.S. His personal outlook is miles away from where he was just over a year ago.

“My life has changed quite a bit. I’ve got a new outlook on everything. I’m healthier and I’ve got a new set of goals. (My life) is nothing like it was five years ago,” Brandon said. “I never thought I’d go to prison, but I did, and that’s what needed to happen in my life to get me on the right path. … The only reason I was able to do all of this is because I was realistic about little goals. Michigan Works! makes it really easy. I was surprised at how involved they were, and I never felt like I was judged while I was there. I definitely wouldn’t be where I am today and as happy as I am, without Michigan Works! I’m very grateful for this place.”