State Leaders Recognize Brighton Employee Phillip Wenzel at 2025 Impact Awards

Water treatment apprentice honored for career growth and hands-on training with support from Michigan Works! Southeast and Beauchamp Water Treatment Solutions.

State officials joined Michigan Works! Southeast in recognizing Phillip Wenzel, a promising apprentice at Beauchamp Water Treatment Solutions in Brighton, for his career advancement and commitment to skilled trades, with a 2025 Michigan Works! Impact Award.

Wenzel joined Beauchamp Water Treatment Solutions,

through an innovative apprenticeship program launched in partnership with Michigan Works! Southeast. The program provides structured, hands-on training that allows participants to earn while they learn, developing valuable technical and professional skills in a high-demand industry.

Phillip quickly became a standout apprentice, embracing the challenges of the role and positioning himself for long-term success in the water treatment field.

“Our partnership with Michigan Works! has been an invaluable tool in supporting our employees, customers, and community,” said Brian Purdy, COO of Beauchamp Water Treatment Solutions. “From providing on-the-job training to the implementation of a complete Apprenticeship Program, Michigan Works! has been crucial in our Growth Roadmap.”

“Phillip’s drive to grow his skills and build a stable career is exactly the kind of success story Michigan needs more of,” said Senator Jim Runestad (R-White Lake). “He’s proving that apprenticeship programs work—for workers, for employers, and for the communities they serve.”

Ryan Hundt, CEO of the Michigan Works!

Association, praised the apprenticeship model and Phillip’s dedication:

“Phillip Wenzel is a great example of what’s possible when workforce systems and employers collaborate to create real opportunities. He’s earning skills that will last a lifetime and make a real impact in Michigan’s economy.”

The Michigan Works! Impact Awards bring lawmakers together with talent development leaders to recognize individuals 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).

About Michigan Works!:

Established in 1987, the Michigan Works! Association fosters high-quality employment and training programs serving employers and workers by providing support activities and a forum for information exchange for Michigan’s workforce development system.  For more information, please visit www.michiganworks.org.