Ivette Mendoza has been a client of UCAN since August 22, 2022. Career Specialist Lionel Carter has assisted the client with job readiness skills and placement for the IYIP program. Ms. Mendoza has a kind spirit and continues progressing as she recently gained permanent employment within four weeks of working at the worksite. She shows great initiative and continues to flourish as she follows her future goals.

Ivette had a short-term goal of getting a job which she has done through the IYIP. She plans to save money for her return to college next year. Now that Ivette has permanent employment, she has more resources to benefit her future. Ms. Mendoza's long-term goal is to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree in Computer Science. Her dream is to participate in Game Development and Coding.

When asked what inspires her the most? Ms. Mendoza replied, "Her family and earning a stable income. Being able to afford necessities and to pay for hobbies on my own to become self-sufficient." It is truly a pleasure to work with youth Ivette Mendoza. Walgreens has become her permanent place of employment. She is genuinely excited to grow, learn, and build a foundation for her future.

During the Fall 2022 semester, Rend Lake College hosted a large Industrial Maintenance Apprenticeship group from the biggest employer in the area, Continental Tire. For the Fall 2022 term, Continental Tire has hired 15 new Industrial Maintenance Apprentices.

Continental Tire expanded its footprint in Southern Illinois to attract talent. Through the Illinois Apprenticeship Expansion Grant, Rend Lake College and Kaskaskia College have blurred the community college district lines to help employers in Southern Illinois. With Continental Tire, for example, college professors and staff from Rend Lake College and Kaskaskia College worked together to align and ensure the curriculum in the Industrial Maintenance program at both institutions is identical and interchangeable. Timelines and student outcomes are matched so Student-Apprentices can take what they learn in the classroom to the job site regardless of the classroom location. This alliance allows students from both college districts to be in the same cohort group at Continental Tire as both colleges are giving the same experience at the same time. Students from both colleges are able to work alongside one another to ensure that they have similar experiences in the classroom and bring similar knowledge to the job site.

Continental Tire is reaching an even larger workforce area and talent pool. The Illinois Apprenticeship Expansion Grant touches the lives of many students enrolled in the Apprenticeship Program allowing for gainful employment while learning a trade. Forecasts continually show that skilled labor and trade jobs will be in demand in the coming years. Continental Tire is blazing a trail for other businesses to follow by offering this apprenticeship opportunity and providing these individuals the chance to receive a quality education from one of two institutions that are making strides in ensuring the education they provide is both relevant and invaluable in a job market that struggles to maintain a steady flow of talent.

Rend Lake College has named alumnus, Brody Wilson the new Apprenticeship Coordinator.  Brody started his new post effective May 1, 2022. 

After graduating from Rend Lake College he completed a BA in English from Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville.  Brody returned to Rend Lake College in 2020 working in the Student Records Department as a Records Specialist before making the move to Apprenticeship Coordinator this May.

Brody jumped right into his new role as Apprenticeship Coordinator by registering returning and current Apprentices for their degree path coursework for the Fall 2022 term.  Brody is looking forward to learning more about how Apprenticeships can provide a pipeline of talent to our area employers.  So far, he enjoys interacting and meeting the needs of the Apprentice-Student, helping them navigate and balance college life and work life and promoting registered Apprenticeship opportunities at Rend Lake College.

Amber came to us looking for assistance with obtaining her GED and continuing to become a Physical Therapist Assistant. She was a single mother who was working and receiving SNAP benefits. Within a few months of enrolling in Adult Education services, Amber passed the final portion of her GED and earned her High School Equivalency. The following semester, Amber enrolled in general education courses at Heartland Community College to pursue their Physical Therapist Assistant program. She was able to receive enough PELL and MAP to cover the tuition and books required for her classes, however, she needed assistance with gas to get to her classes in Normal. She progressed well through her general studies and took a semester off to have a baby. Last summer, she realized it was taking longer than she anticipated to complete the Physical Therapist Assistant program, so she decided to change her area of study to Medical Assistant. With the approval of the change in programs, we were able to continue to reimburse Amber's gas to class, pay for supplies needed for her clinical class, and also helped pay a portion of a utility bill as an emergency supportive service. Doing so helped her stay afloat until she could start earning a self-sufficient wage. In May 2022, she earned her Medical Assistant Certificate. Within a couple of weeks, she applied and accepted a CMA position at an area hospital. Amber has expressed her appreciation for the opportunity: “Everyone was kind and very prompt to help guide me through this whole process. This program was a blessing. Thank you so much for everything you have done for me.”

My name is Lillian Fulgencio and I recently graduated from Kishwaukee College with my Associates in Radiologic Technology and am a registered Radiologic Technologist working at the Rochelle Hospital. The Radiology program interested me because I love being able to help people by identifying their problems through X-Ray. I had been paying my way through college and wasn’t receiving financial aid, I was in my second semester in the radiology program when I hit a roadblock and was not sure if I would be able to pay or continue in the program. That’s when my TRIO advisor Kim connected me with WIOA and had me work with the Career planner Deja. I ended up getting approved and not only were they able to provide me with financial support for my classes, but it was also able to cover my books and program materials. They were also able to help me manage my financial aid to where I ended up receiving some and helped me gain additional scholarships.

WIOA also helped me with supportive services such as mileage reimbursement, this was a huge help for me when I did my clinical as we are not given a choice of where we are placed, and I had to drive to Aurora all the way from Rochelle. So, the mileage reimbursement helped pay for the gas for me to get there. Aside from the financial help WIOA gave me, they also provided me with emotional support. My career planner was there to help me while I was in the program, gave me career advice, post-graduation requirements, and job searching. She also kept motivating me to keep going and that it would be worth it in the end, even if at the time it didn’t. WIOA provides support of all kinds that a student needs to graduate from the moment they join till their dream job is attained. WIOA went above and beyond in many, many ways to help me graduate and get a job. If it were not for the immense support and guidance from my career planner and program, I have no idea where I would be today.

Jacob Thomsen finished high school years ago, but faced many challenges, impacting his housing, and other basic needs.  He lacked the drive and initiative to find and keep employment with a defined career path.  He was employed at several different jobs but didn't feel he would ever get his life, or his world, on track.  “I had confidence in myself, but lacked the skills needed to get a really good job. I was afraid I’d end up in a low-skill job forever – without a future.”

Although his previous work history included work at Domino’s Pizza, in a warehouse and working on a production line, he had no post-secondary education or specialized skills.  He just couldn’t seem to find the right opportunity to build a successful career.

Enter the Kane County Manufacturing Careers Internship Program (MCIP).  Although Jacob was initially skeptical of the program, he decided to give it a try.  “Just the fact that I was getting paid to go to this career boot camp, Monday through Friday, it just seemed too good to be true.  So even with a rough childhood, or life mistakes, this program gave me a chance to restart my career path.”

The MCIP, run by Business and Career Services Inc., is more than a job placement program; it’s designed to prepare participants to build a successful career. Before starting an internship, all participants upgrade work-readiness skills through a career boot camp. One aspect that Jacob learned was the importance of attendance, attitude and asking questions. He also completed an 8-week internship at TOX Pressotechnik, which engineers and makes high-precision machines for the automotive industry.  

While at TOX, Jacob worked on taking initiative and his work ethic.  During the internship he made a positive impression on the plant manager. In fact, because Jacob lacked reliable transportation, the plant manager offered to pick him up and drop him off at the end of the day. “I was intimidated at first,” relates Jacob, “but it gave me a great opportunity to ask questions and learn more about the types of things a plant manager deals with on a daily basis.”

Jacob added, “I never realized how inter-dependent and complex the manufacturing process can be. Working there helped build my confidence so much.” 

Then the internship ended. And unfortunately, the company did not have a budgeted position open.

Now Jacob had to search for a new job, get a car and find a place to live.

However, armed with his new-found motivation and experience, he reached out to Business and Career Services for help. He immediately registered for an upcoming, large job fair and identified several potential manufacturing companies. Even though the job fair was 30 miles away, Jacob was determined to attend. He met with ITW Shakeproof representatives and was immediately impressed by how they talked about “building a career with the company” – exactly what he was looking for. He was offered a job as a Machine Operator and started immediately. He has learned how to setup and operate multiple types of machines. And now Jacob feels like he is a valuable, team player.

When asked what he likes about working there? He replied, “It’s great. They treat me like family; I’m making good money and learning so much. The MCIP program made a huge difference in my outlook on life. Not only do I like it here, but I finally feel like I have a future.”

Dasheka began her journey long before she arrived at the Kankakee Workforce Service office, working as a CNA at Healthcare Nursing Facilities. She was working for minimum to midrange wages, and at that time a desire began within her to make a change. She knew that the challenge would feel like climbing a mountain, but she was committed to making a better life.  During this time Dasheka cared for her patients and was privy to a lot of injustice, neglect, and abuse. She felt hopeless in her current position and so decided to become an agent of change. She enrolled in Joliet Junior College and received her Licensed Practical Nursing certificate and Associate Degree. As she began to leap one hurdle, another one would take its place. She recalled redirecting her focus, setting her vision on higher goals. She needed assistance to acquire the skills and tools to reach her goal of becoming a Healthcare Administrator, which brought her to the WIOA office.  Since that time, Dasheka has accomplished many goals and honors along her journey.  She was asked to share her experience and give an update of where she is today:

I was awarded by Envision Employee of the Year as an LPN, then I graduated with my BHA Health Administration from Governors State University. I was hired by Envision Unlimited with a starting salary of $62,000 as the Health Services Administrator. Due to the pandemic and increase in responsibility in duties my salary increased to $78,000. I was recently promoted, and though my title remained the same my responsibilities changed. I am the head of the nursing department and my salary has increased to $96,000. The nursing staff and the nursing support staff report to me.  A few of my duties include implementing new health practices within the IDD-Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities division, maintaining operations of the nursing department, coordination of care for members and providing training in health and safety related subjects. A typical day for me consists of checking in with the staff at all locations to identify and address any concerns or ongoing issues logistically or clinically. Attending meetings to discuss potential intakes/discharges, staff retention and recruitment strategies, COVID testing and reporting to IDPH as appropriate. I write and review medical policies as it relates to our division as well.

I am really grateful for the WIOA grant. It has enabled me to further my education and expand my horizons. I have been granted opportunities that may have never been awarded to me as an LPN. My LPN license along with my BHA has increased my ability to provide for my children.

I began the program as a single mother of 4 children with an associate degree and a Practical Nursing diploma. I was living in a rental property. This year, I am the head of the Nursing Department for one of the largest IDD/MH providers in Illinois. I have the autonomy of creating my own work schedule so I can adequately support my children financially, while being physically present. I am a homeowner preparing to purchase my second home. The home I purchased is in a neighborhood that has allowed my teenagers to attend college tours out of state and begin preparation for advanced education opportunities. 

The WIOA grant has been a key component to my successes. I will always be grateful for the impact it has had on not only my life, but my children's lives. Thank you!

Brandon learned about the Future Workforce Leaders program at Elgin Community College while he was a senior in high school in 2019. He was particularly interested in the training services available to youth. After he graduated, he contacted one of the FWL coordinators to find out more about the eligibility process. He stated he was enrolled in ESL classes during high school and preferred to communicate with someone who was bilingual. His main priority at the time was to improve his English skills in order to gain better employment and possibly start general education classes at ECC.

Brandon qualified as an out-of-school youth with an automatic qualifier as an English Learner. Shortly after starting the program, he enrolled in the Intensive English Program at ECC funded via an ITA. In 2020 he passed the required college placement tests and began college level courses. His first semester at ECC was challenging for him and many college students. COVID-19 challenged both teachers and students to successfully provide online instruction and for students to learn independently. Despite these challenges, Brandon completed his first semester with a 3.0 GPA. Brandon was also assisted with Supportive Services involving gas cards to be able to attend in-person classes, his Paid Work Experience, and other events at ECC.

Due to COVID-19, Brandon also experienced other challenges. The restaurant where he worked as a dish washer was limited in services and was not giving him enough hours. He reached out to the job developer to discuss paid work experience to supplement to his wages at the restaurant, and provide much needed financial support to his mother and younger siblings. First, the job developer assisted him with creating a resume because at the time he did not have one. After his resume was created with the assistance of the job developer, because of Brandon’s interests and career pathway, he was placed at ECC’s Early Childhood Education Center. He worked as a teacher assistant during the day before or after his classes at ECC. After successfully completing 12 weeks of paid work experience, the Early Childhood Education Center hired Brandon as a student worker. He has worked for the college since August of 2021.

Brandon is a hard worker and determined young man. His goal is to become a high school Spanish teacher. He has completed 50 credit hours and currently holds a 3.0 GPA. He is on track to graduating in May of 2023 and hopes to transfer to NIU’s College of Education. He is also working at two different establishments. In addition to working at ECC as a teacher assistant, he works 20 hours a week at the Hanover Township as an after-school care attendant. As a care assistant, he assists children with afterschool activities such as homework, crafts, games, snacks, outdoor play. He really loves both his jobs and is grateful to be working with children. Brandon has grown since starting the program. He is more confident in his abilities, participates in volunteer activities, and puts 110% effort into everything he does. Our ECC team is honored to have Brandon as a participant in the program.

Chevannese stayed employed during 2020-2021 by taking multiple jobs as they were available including working at a local laboratory making COVID test kits. It was here that a co-worker shared that she was pursuing medical training thanks to the Job Center of Lake County. Chevannese received career coaching and guidance as she learned about different healthcare jobs requiring certifications and available training programs.  She selected a medical assistant program at State Career College with the goal of becoming a Certified Medical Assistant and started her coursework in March 2021.

Chevannese was in the top of her class at State Career College. She was hired as a Medical/Patient Support Assistant at Northshore University Health System in May 2022. Chevannese is grateful that Workforce Development made it financially possible for her to achieve her career dream and that her Career Specialist supported her throughout the journey. She advises other job seekers to pursue career coaching through the Job Center and Workforce Development training. “You never know what will come out of the program until you enroll.”

Land of Lincoln Workforce Alliance began an Apprenticeship program with the Illinois Rural Water Association after a referral from Illinois Department of Human Services – Rehabilitation Services. This project helped start a Water Systems Operation Specialist Apprenticeship with five water districts in Central Illinois. The water industry is unique in that it involves the daily responsibilities of public health protection, technical operations, and maintenance of critical but unseen infrastructure. 

It takes more than 380,000 highly skilled water and wastewater personnel to ensure the public supply of safe drinking water and to protect our lakes, streams, and groundwater. Advancements in water treatment and supply technology have increased the skills and training required of individuals in this industry.  Water professionals are ultimately responsible for meeting stringent regulatory standards, replacing aging infrastructure, recruiting and training new operations specialists, and responding to and recovering from disaster.  Jeff Tumiati, the Apprenticeship Coordinator for the Illinois Water Association said, “There is such a workforce shortage and this program has impacted each local community greatly because in two and half years each community will have a Water/Wastewater Specialist that can handle the operations of water facilities and support their infrastructure.

In addition to increasing professional demands, utilities will soon be forced to replace many of their most experienced employees. Over the next decade, the water sector is expected to lose between 30 and 50 percent of the workforce due to retirement.  Many of these employees have worked at the same facility for the majority of their careers and they will depart with decades of valuable institutional knowledge. Due to these issues, Tumiati stated, “Partnering with the workforce system is overall a great deal. This project impacted the apprentices in each community with financial help and resources that we did not otherwise know about. Also, Land of Lincoln Workforce Alliance was very easy to work with and helped whenever we needed assistance.”

This innovative project is the perfect example of what the local workforce areas do throughout the State. This apprenticeship has led to the training and employment of five full-time Water Systems Operation Specialists. Their training and education, all due to partnering with Land of Lincoln Workforce Alliance, will impact communities in Central Illinois for many years to come.

 

 

Nineteen year-old Abigail White was expecting her first child when she enrolled in the WIOA program.  She was a high school graduate, enlisted member of the Army National Guard, and had her nurse assistant certification. She was employed on a very part-time basis at a nursing home in Virginia, Illinois.

She applied for WIOA funding assistance to help her complete LPN training at the Capital Area School of Practical Nursing in Springfield.  She knew that support services would also be quite helpful as she had to travel approximately 94 miles each day from Virginia, Illinois to the Capital Area School of Practical Nursing in Springfield.  Expecting a child in the near future would also require that she have childcare assistance. 

Abigail was driven to advance in her nursing career due to previously struggling financially with lower wages, always dreaming of becoming a nurse, and she wanted to have a stable career so that she could sufficiently support herself and her family.

CASPN was experiencing many changes due to the pandemic.  Students were adjusting to hybrid schedules and platforms of learning.  A few months down the road Abigail ended up having to take a leave of absence from school due to her pregnancy.  She gave birth to a healthy baby girl, secured a childcare provider, and restarted her training in February of 2021. Abby was so glad to finally be back in class in-person.  However, her return was short lived as less than two weeks later she was in a car accident and broke her hand which forced her to have to take another leave of absence because with this type of injury she could not be allowed to perform necessary duties in a clinical setting.

Although discouraged, Abby took the time necessary to heal, continue to study, and spend more time with her daughter.  She restarted training for the second time in August 2021.

While being a new mom, having a few bumps in the road, and having to travel almost 100 miles five days each week, Abby maintained above average grades and finally completed her training in December of 2021.  She also got married. 

Abby passed her State Board exam on her first attempt and attained her LPN license in February of 2022.  She also started working as a nurse in a State correctional facility earning more than double her program entry level rate of pay, and a sign-on bonus.  She is grateful for the assistance and continuous encouragement she received, and very excited for the next chapter of her life.

Raised in Kyiv, Ukraine, Nataliya often had to make meals for herself while her mother traveled for work. Back then, food was just something you appreciated having. She never thought it was something she could make her career. Today, at 26 years old, Nataliya has gone from cooking meals at home to working as one of the youngest cooks at the Ritz-Carlton, Chicago. When Nataliya first came to the United States at 19, she didn’t have any professional culinary experience. She found herself working a variety of jobs including as a lifeguard and at a gas station to make rent. With encouragement from her wife, Nataliya decided to take the leap and search for a job in the industry she loved. But it was difficult - it was March 2020 and the COVID-19 pandemic made finding a culinary job difficult. She found a position at a neighborhood restaurant. Soon after she heard about the UHCHI Culinary Apprenticeship program from a friend. Despite the hesitation of balancing the apprenticeship with a full-time job – Nataliya signed up in a heartbeat. “Every day I would come after program, I would do my homework, and I would practice chopping onions and pears at home … It was very challenging, but I felt very supported throughout.” After the 8-weeks were up, Nataliya’s hard work paid off. UHCHI connected her with the RitzCarlton Chicago to apply for a unionized culinary position. After an interview and a tour of the kitchen, Nataliya was offered the line cook position on the spot. Now at the Ritz for three months, is making $24.06 per hour – up from $17 before her UHCHI training. She will soon be eligible for health insurance that covers herself and her wife. According to Nataliya, one of the best things about her UHCHI experience was the ability to enter the workforce trained and debt free. Looking forward, Nataliya has high hopes for her career. With plans to eventually move to Denver and follow her wife to a new job, Nataliya feels confident she can apply to “just about anywhere” that has a kitchen. In time, she plans to use her newfound skills to transition from food service to social service. “Who knows?” Nataliya says. “Maybe one day, I can even be a chef instructor [too].”

Marquises' story is a story of true triumph and dedication. From losing his parents at an early age to the barriers he faced in his neighborhood growing up, he decided to take the best route he could, success. Knowing it wouldn't be easy, Marquise pushed away his barriers and continued to prosper. From being 30 minutes early to training every day to taking extra time at the end of his days to practice more on the forklift, Marquise stayed determined and led the class as an example. Marquise graduate with his OSHA10 and forklift license and he knows that was just the start. Marquise was a blessing to have in the program and reiterated why these types of resources are well needed in the community. With the help of his instructors and GWTP staff, we were also able to help Marquise obtain his driver's permit as well. Marquise has emphasized how important we are as an organization to him and his story is one of the reasons why we continue to come to work every day and serve our community!

Discovery Partners Institute partnered with Cognizant, a Fortune 200 company, and City Colleges of Chicago to create a pre-apprenticeship program, heavily focused on Java, which would lead to an opportunity to interview for a Full Stack Developer Apprenticeship position at Cognizant. Fifteen people, who met the criteria, were selected and started the program. This past quarter, thirteen of the original fifteen selected successfully completed the program, making them eligible for the apprenticeship opportunity.