The awards ceremony took place in Lansing.
(Photo courtesy of Michigan Works!)
State officials joined Oakland County Michigan Works! in presenting 2026 Michigan Works! Impact Awards to Eaton Steel Corporation of Oak Park and mechatronics apprentice Isaac Reifschneider. Theirs is a story that spans 61 years of Michigan manufacturing and the 18-year-old who may represent its next chapter.
"Eaton Steel and Isaac Reifschneider show exactly how this system is supposed to work: ambition meets opportunity, and the results follow," said Ryan Hundt, CEO of the Michigan Works! Association. "Oakland County Michigan Works! has been the constant thread in this partnership for over a decade."
Eaton Steel Corporation, a third-generation, family-owned company based in Oak Park, has partnered with Oakland County Michigan Works! for more than a decade to strengthen its workforce. Through that partnership, Eaton has accessed over $170,000 in training support, including Going PRO Talent Fund awards, On-the-Job Training and CDL-A training for new hires.
"Our success is a direct reflection of the incredible support we've received from Oakland County Michigan Works!," said Carmen Patterson, payroll and benefits manager at Eaton Steel. "Their guidance, resources and genuine commitment to our growth have been instrumental every step of the way. Sherry Kless and Lisa Wilson have been absolutely amazing — their dedication and responsiveness truly made a difference."
Isaac Reifschneider, a 2025 high school graduate, connected with Eaton Steel through Michigan Works! and quickly advanced from entry-level tasks into a mechatronics training role. He is now enrolled at Oakland Community College and working toward a registered apprenticeship in advanced manufacturing.
"Working with Oakland County Michigan Works! has been a game changer for my professional growth," said Reifschneider. "The opportunities and guidance provided have significantly impacted my career trajectory."
“What's not to love about this story? Eaton Steel has been a pillar in our state for 61 years, and they're betting on an 18-year-old who's ready to do the work to carry that legacy forward,” said Sen. Mallory McMorrow (D-Royal Oak). “That's Michigan manufacturing at its best — harnessing experience to invest in the next generation.”
“Isaac started by sweeping floors and is now on his way to a mechatronics apprenticeship — that’s the career ladder working exactly as it should,” said Rep. Regina Weiss (D-Oak Park). “When we invest in workforce development and create real pathways for young people, we see results like this — growth, stability and long-term opportunity.”
Rep. Jason Woolford (R-Howell) added, “This is exactly the kind of partnership we need more of — connecting young people to good-paying careers right in their communities and giving employers the talent they need to grow.”
Sen. Lana Theis (R-Brighton) said, “Stories like Isaac’s show how effective workforce programs can be when they’re aligned with employer needs. This is about building a strong pipeline of skilled workers and keeping talent here in Michigan.”
The Michigan Works! Impact Awards bring lawmakers together with talent development leaders to recognize individuals and organizations from across the state who have overcome adversity or helped others achieve career success through involvement with the Michigan Works! network.
Employers and job seekers can find their nearest Michigan Works! service center by visiting www.michiganworks.org/michigan-works-network or by calling (800) 285-WORKS (9675).
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