Vocational training positions will open up in Hillman at a new facility owned by North Eastern Michigan Rehabilitation and Opportunity Center.
Previously owned by Precision Millworks, the facility has two lumber drying kilns on which two employees will be trained. As the business develops, NEMROC will hire four or more labor production workers, said Dave Szydlowski, CEO of NEMROC.
"The primary use will be for providing vocational training for people with disabilities," he said. "We're tooling them for employment elsewhere in the community."
Szydlowski said several people who come to work at the facility in Alpena are from Hillman. Expanding the organization to a neighboring county will be more convenient for them, he said.
"We bring years of experience. We're going to be a very good partner for the Montmorency and Hillman Communites," Szydlowski said.
The organization gives unique hands-on experience to workers and tries to fit an individual to a position in which they will thrive.
"Our mission is to provide vocational training and increase the individual's competencies," Szydlowski said.
NEMROC employs workers with social, physical and mental disabilities. They receive referrals from several agencies in the area including Michigan Works!, Catholic Human Services, Community Mental Heath and several others.
Erika Fifelski can be reached via e-mail at efifelski@thealpenanews.com or by phone at 358-5688.