Northwest Talent Development Successes Honored by State Leaders, Workforce Experts

LANSING, MI (March 31, 2021)— Northwest Michigan talent development and employment successes were among those celebrated by state leaders at the Michigan Works! Association Impact Awards this week. 

Local lawmakers and statewide talent development officials gathered virtually on Wednesday, March 31 to recognize John Mistura, Boyne Resorts, and Northwest Michigan Works! for developing a comprehensive apprenticeship program to help prepare individuals for successful careers.  

Boyne Resorts, North Central Michigan College, the American Culinary Federation (ACF), and Northwest Michigan Works! partnered to develop a culinary apprenticeship program offering a unique interactive learning experience with executive chef mentors.  The apprentices will achieve their Sous Chef certification along with a Department of Labor National Credential and a Hospitality Certificate. 

“Boyne Resorts is proud to partner with Northwest Michigan Works! as we provide unique services for our team members including registered apprenticeship and Business Resource Network programs,” said Amanda Bomers, human resources director at Boyne Highlands. “Our organizations share similar goals with a focus on demand-driven services for our workforce and the entire community.” 

The culinary apprenticeship includes 4,000 hours of comprehensive On-the-Job Training along with 525 hours of related technical instruction.  There are currently seven apprentices in the program and Boyne Resorts is currently recruiting a second cohort. 

One of the current apprentices is John Mistura.  His career at Boyne started in 2015 as a line cook.  When Boyne initiated the Sous Chef Apprenticeship recruitment process, Mistura saw it as an opportunity to upskill and launch his career pathway in the culinary field.  He had never really considered this type of career yet was drawn to the education and mentoring the apprenticeship offered. 

As Mistura progressed through the program, he realized the many benefits of the apprenticeship including his new network of contacts and friends while learning about food.  

“Learning about the nutritional value of food was life changing,” said Mistura. “How to cook it appropriately while maintaining the flavor and nutritional value is interesting.” 

As Mistura continues his success, he is enthusiastic to mentor a new cohort of apprentices and is Boyne’s most influential spokesperson for the benefits of the training. 

“Seeing my progress from where I started to where I am now is my favorite part of the program,” said Mistura. 

The Impact Awards, hosted by the Michigan Works! Association, recognize the economic development success being achieved in communities across Michigan. During the event, local lawmakers present tributes to dozens of honorees from across the state.   

“Northwest Michigan Works! continues to show time and again that they are committed to understanding the unique needs of our region and then using that knowledge in ways that help employers and job seekers alike succeed,” said state Sen. Wayne Schmidt (R-Traverse City). “Their dedication to working closely with community partners is key to ensuring the economic success of our region.” 

Award winners included employers, workers, Michigan Works! organizations, and partners from across the state. 

“I commend Boyne Resorts, North Central Michigan College, the American Culinary Federation, and Northwest Michigan Works! for their partnership on this great program that helps fill the need for high-demand jobs in our region,” said state Rep. John Damoose (R-Harbor Springs). “Congratulations to John on accomplishing his goals and to the team at Northwest Michigan Works! for all they do to assist the residents in our community with their needs and career goals.”  

The Michigan Works! Association is a non-profit membership organization that provides services and support to Michigan’s talent eco-system. For over 30 years, the Association has been the go-to resource for federal, state and local workforce initiatives.  

The Association’s work ensures top-quality services and support for Michigan’s talent pipeline. For more information, please visit michiganworks.org.  

Find the nearest Michigan Works! American Job Center by visiting https://www.michiganworks.org/michigan-works-network or by calling (1-800) 285-WORKS (9675). 

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