Chance Fisher participated in the Job Training Economic Development (JTED) program at Nicor Gas, a rigorous work-based learning experience. Throughout the program, Chance showed remarkable growth and strength of character despite being new to the company culture and the nature of work. He worked tirelessly to understand the reading material, collaborate with his peers, and deliver his best performance.

As part of his assignments, Chance was required to complete homework, create elevated pitches, and participate in projects each week. These tasks allowed him to develop his public speaking skills by presenting to his classmates and company partners. The exposure to different audiences helped him to build his confidence and learn how to engage effectively with others.

Through trials and tribulations, Chance completed his work-based learning and graduated from the academy. His hard work and dedication paid off when he was offered a job with Nicor Gas as a Customer Service Representative. This is a testament to how far perseverance and determination can take you.

Chance's story inspires others who may be facing similar challenges. His remarkable growth and determination to succeed demonstrate that you can overcome any obstacle with hard work and faith in yourself. Nicor Gas and the JTED program provided Chance with the tools and resources he needed to succeed, and he made the most of these opportunities. His success is a testament to the power of work-based learning programs and their benefits to individuals looking to develop their skills and advance their careers.

Ashton Velicheti has been a dedicated participant in the Job Training Economic Development (JTED) program offered by the Quad County Urban League. The program is designed to provide individuals like Ashton with the necessary tools and resources to build a strong professional skill set, boost their confidence, and cultivate a great work ethic. Over the years, Ashton has worked hard and demonstrated his dedication to the program, and his efforts have paid off.

Recently, Ashton landed a customer service representative position at Nicor Gas, and he credits his success to the JTED program. The program has enabled him to develop exceptional communication skills, perform well under pressure, and a strong customer-centric approach to his work. Ashton's training has equipped him with the skills to provide excellent customer service and resolve any issues that arise efficiently. He has also gained valuable experience handling complex customer inquiries, managing customer complaints, and building positive customer relationships.

Moreover, the JTED program has enabled Ashton to build meaningful relationships with his teachers and colleagues. Through the program, he has had the opportunity to connect with other like-minded individuals, share ideas, and collaborate on projects. His dedication and positive attitude have made him a valuable member of the Nicor Gas team, and he is grateful for the opportunity to continue growing and developing his skills in this role.

Ashton's success is a testament to the effectiveness of the JTED program. Through our partnership with Nicor Gas, Ashton received weeks of intensive training for his work-based learning. During this period, he learned the nature of customer service work, how to treat each customer with the utmost respect, understand their needs, and resolve their problems. Ashton's training made him the perfect candidate for the job, and he is thrilled to be part of the Nicor Gas team.

In summary, Ashton's story is an inspiring example of how hard work, dedication, and proper training can lead to success. He is proof that programs like JTED can make a significant difference in the lives of individuals looking to build a successful career.

Fifteen West Frankfort High School students toured the Continental Tire plant in Mt. Vernon, Illinois, on Wednesday, February 28, 2024. Man-Tra-Con sponsored the 2-hour tour with grant funding from the Local Works Program. Currently celebrating its 50th Anniversary, Continental Tire led a full tour of all departments. Continental staff also discussed apprenticeship opportunities, training programs, and career paths with the students. The tour began at 8:30am and ended at 10:30am. The Local Works program, developed from supplemental grant funding, was designed to connect young adults with local employers in the area and raise awareness about potential job and apprenticeship opportunities available after graduation. This tour was the second of several future tours planned for high school students within Local Workforce Area 25, which includes Franklin, Jackson, Jefferson, Perry, and Williamson Counties. For more information about our services and programs for employers, adult job seekers, dislocated workers, and youth, visit our website at https://mantracon.org.

Madison Sturgeon, at 20, graduated from Shawnee Community College in Spring 2023 and chose the Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) career path. She had a family member experience an accident, which resulted in an SCI. Occupational therapy helped that family member gain a lot of ability to complete daily tasks many people take for granted, such as bathing, toileting, dressing, etc. Madison states that the WIOA program helped her tremendously. I went to clinicals or classes for 40 hours per week during the program, which made it hard to work. WIOA allowed me to focus on school by relieving some financial stress as they assisted me with books, fees, tuition, travel expenses, and clinical equipment. Madison says that at her current job, she works with individuals with various diagnoses in the geriatric population. Part of my job duties is to help these individuals regain strength and restore their profile levels of function while working with the rehab team to the best of my ability. Many people think Occupational Therapy has something to do with people who get hurt on the job, and while this is true, we do work with that population. According to the Occupational Therapy field, Occupation is a term used for daily activities such as bathing, dressing, eating, etc. Occupational Therapists work to promote health, well-being, and your ability to participate in the essential activities in your life. Madison feels that the WIOA program helped her achieve her goal of becoming an OTA by motivating her to stay on track. WIOA assisted her with financial stress so she could maintain focus on schoolwork. Madison also wants to extend her appreciation to the SDC WIOA Program by saying, “Thank you.”

Twila Green has taken advantage of all the opportunities the Lighthouse has provided her since walking in the door. She started as an intern in our Low Vision Call Center while completing the certified medical administrative assistant cohort. After her internship, she became a full-time UI Health Call Center employee and has just celebrated her year-long anniversary working in the center.

In DuPage County, many are turning to apprenticeships to solve staffing shortages. When the Early Childhood Access Consortium for Equity (ECACE) Scholarship Program was announced, Jean Zaar, director of Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) at the College of DuPage (COD), knew the time was ripe for her field to enter the apprenticeship game. “This program is something I always wanted to do. We began discussing how we could participate in apprenticeship pre-COVID. The ECACE scholarship program was a blessing that gave us the means to implement the program we had been wanting to develop for a few years.”

With funding from the ECACE Scholarship Program, employers who might otherwise not be able to support apprentices could support their incumbent workers in growing their skill set by providing on-the-job training opportunities. The ECACE scholarship program is available to current and past employees of childcare facilities in Illinois to help them seek further education and credentials to address the shortage of qualified early childhood educators. Members of the ECEC and Project Hire-Ed apprenticeship office at the College of DuPage began meeting in the winter of 2023 to develop a U.S. Department of Labor Registered Apprenticeship Program that would be student-centered and advantageous to area employers.

Last fall, the first cohort of apprentices began their coursework and on-the-job training. Ten employees from Educare in West Chicago were welcomed, introduced to the support the College of DuPage provides apprentices, and presented with laptops to help them start their journey strong. According to one apprentice in the program, the support provided by the College of DuPage staff helped her find her groove in the program. “When I started the apprenticeship program, I had many doubts and fears (I didn’t know if my English was good enough to study here), but the entire COD team has accompanied me along this path, filling me with words of encouragement.” Now in its second semester, the College of DuPage is excited to announce a 100% success and retention rate achieved through the intentional design of the program.

A cohort model was used to help develop connections and support for the participants. The program also includes on-site mentors who received training to support these apprentices, regular site visits with the apprentices to provide individualized support, and assistance with registration and campus needs. Most significantly, Zaar considered the apprentices' current knowledge, experience, and work schedules when designing the related technical instruction. The program improves accessibility for degree completion by creating a pathway for upskilling the incumbent workforce, acknowledging current and past experience in the childcare field, and recognizing the need for convenience for those trying to balance work, life, and school. The ECEC team developed prior learning assessments and moved courses online to support the schedules of incumbent workers, who previously may not have been available to attend in-person classes.

Zaar is proud of what they were able to accomplish this past semester. “I wanted the apprentices to feel like they were part of COD, even though they weren’t taking classes here on campus. Being present was important so that they knew that we were there. They never felt like they were just left to do anything alone. We helped the apprentices build their confidence, and they all felt like, ‘I can do this.’ And to make someone have those feelings about themselves makes me happy.”

One apprentice sums up how this program has impacted her career, “This apprenticeship program has brought back my spark. It has helped me prove that pursuing a career is never too late. I have become more confident in my work abilities and improved during my teaching.”

In addition to changing the lives of the ten apprentices in the cohort, it produced positive outcomes for the employer and the community.  According to the employer, this program has impacted the community and the families at their school. “It has helped to improve the quality of education provided to children. Staff are better equipped to meet the needs of individual children and families and are more likely to stay up-to-date on the latest research and best practices in early childhood education. This has led to better outcomes for children, families, and the community.”

Big 3 Precision, a leading manufacturer renowned for its diverse range of products, faced a pivotal challenge: an aging workforce and the impending departure of a seasoned machinist. Recognizing the critical need for continuity in their operations, the company embarked on a forward-thinking initiative to address this gap. Amidst the bustling warehouse floors, they spotted a promising candidate – a dedicated employee with a passion for learning and a willingness to embrace new opportunities. Rather than seeking external hires, Big 3 Precision saw potential within their ranks. This proposition wasn't just a career shift but a strategic investment in talent. The employee, eager to seize this chance for personal and professional growth, embraced the challenge wholeheartedly. With the company's support, they enrolled in a rigorous college program complemented by hands-on apprenticeship training. The impending retirement of the seasoned machinist no longer casts a shadow of uncertainty. Instead, there was a palpable sense of readiness, fueled by the knowledge that the warehouse apprentice was diligently preparing to step into those shoes. With the machinist's apprentice transitioning roles, a new opportunity emerged for another eager employee to step into their shoes. The cycle of growth and advancement continued, propelling Big 3 Precision forward on a trajectory of success.

Lloyd Griggs applied for assistance with employment on 7/26/23. I continued coaching Mr. Griggs at an appointment on 8/2/23. We discussed possible job opportunities at this appointment and did the cluster survey and Employment 101. I mentioned a potential job opportunity with a janitorial service company. Mr. Griggs left our appointment and drove immediately to America's Hometown Services to see about the job. Mr. Grigg's was hired immediately and started the job the next day. We set up an email account and an Indeed account at the next appointment. Mr. Griggs continues to work for America's Hometown Services. He has continued to be an active participant in the JTED program. Mr. Griggs continues to apply for other jobs that pay better and offer more hours to either replace or supplement his current job. In mid-September of 2023, Mr. Griggs started applying for an apartment. He has been living in a Christian-based group home for men for the last year. He feels ready to get his own place and has diligently kept his appointments with Bella Ease. He played a very active role in finding an apartment. We have worked on a budget so that he will be prepared and aware of the expenses of renting an apartment. Bella Ease assisted Mr. Griggs with the application fees made possible with the JTED grant monies when applying for apartments. He eventually found a good place with reasonable rent that would be affordable and within his budget. We obtained a copy of the lease and read it together before he signed it. Bella Ease was also able to pay the deposit and first month's rent from the JTED grant monies. He was able to move into the apartment in mid-October. I assisted him with setting up automatic payments from his checking account to the property manager each month. Mr. Griggs continues to work and checks in with Bella Ease regularly. He was very proud to be able to make these accomplishments. His confidence has increased, and he appears settled and content - at peace.

Mariana Guzman was born and raised in Chicago. Growing up in a Catholic household, Mariana developed a strong foundation in faith. However, her journey and experiences ingrained her dedication to being a good person. Mariana stated, “I believe good follows those who do good, and most importantly, I believe in myself.” Mariana decided she needed a change from the office-based jobs - she wanted to follow her childhood dream to become a welder, have a better life, and have a more stable career with better pay. Mariana talked to her dad and friends who are certified welders, and they encouraged Mariana to pursue her dreams. After those conversations, she took a leap of faith and applied to the Chicago Women in Trades’ Women in Welding program. She impressed the staff with her serious work ethic and calm, positive attitude during enrollment. Mariana joined the Welding program’s Spring of 2023 class and excelled throughout. In June of 2023, before the end of the program, Mariana applied and was chosen to participate in the first All-Women’s Ironworker Pre-Apprenticeship 3-week pilot training program coordinated by Local 1, Local 63, and Local 444. Ten candidates were admitted. Only six people were going to receive direct entry. With three weeks remaining before her official graduation in August of 2023, Mariana was selected as one of the ten candidates. She left the Women in Welding program in good standing to enter another intensive training program. Mariana continued in her path of excellence. She completed her pre-apprenticeship training program and was one of the six selected for direct entry into a Trades Union – one of the most competitive Ironworkers Local 1. She has since been working through her apprenticeship period and has made great strides in skills and wages. By October 2023, Mariana landed a job working through Local 1 at Metropolitan Steel, with hourly starting wages of $34.00.

Kierson came to The Workforce Connection after learning he qualified for the Trade program due to being a dislocated worker from Chrysler. At the time, Kierson was unemployed and unsure what his next step would be. Once learning he could attend training leading to a career, he decided to invest in his education and work towards learning skills that lead to a career. Kierson explained he was apprehensive about returning to school after graduating high school 20 years earlier. However, he wanted to do this for himself and his daughter's future. He knew it would be difficult as a single father of a daughter with special needs, but he was ready and motivated to accomplish his career goals. With assistance from his Career Planner, Kierson enrolled in the Welding program at Rockford Career College. After the 8-month program, he earned his Diploma in Welding! Two weeks after graduating, he obtained a position at Hennig Inc. as a Welder. Kierson enjoys his new job and says he enjoys utilizing his new skills. His latest employment provides a livable wage and benefits, including health insurance, which is particularly important to him and his daughter. He stated, “Without the opportunity of this program, there was no option for me to go to school. I would have had to find another job; now I have something to build from.” Kierson is continuing to add career goals and is preparing to take his aptitude test for the Local 23 Plumbers and Pipefitters Apprenticeship program! When asked if he wanted to share anything about his success and the program, he said, “He highly recommends the program to anyone eligible and that they would be a fool not to take advantage of it!”

Congratulations Kierson! We are so proud of your accomplishments and look forward to seeing you continue to succeed in your new career!

Jayce Sampson became a participant in the YouthBuild of South-Central Illinois program on March 6, 2023. Jayce voiced in his interview with staff that he had endured abusive treatment under the care of his adoptive parents, which caused him to get a court case because he broke into their shop. In Jayce’s case, this all changed for him after he started accomplishing the goals he established at the beginning of the program. Jayce struggled with attendance until one day, Jayce had to go to court. The judge told Jayce to prove him wrong, not to follow his in-dad’s footprints, and end up in jail. After that court appearance, Jayce did a complete 360-degree turn. Jayce was one of the first participants in his Cohort to obtain his State of Illinois High School diploma. His girlfriend gave birth to their baby girl on the same day he took his last test. He immediately started working with the Job Developer in applying for jobs. Jayce got hired at Casey’s General Store. Even though Jayce had this job, he continued to apply for better-paying jobs. He got a job at North American Lighting (NAL), a car part manufacturing company. Jayce has restored his relationship with his adoptive parents. They have let Jayce and his family move in with them and are helping them get on their feet.

District 214 apprenticeships have benefited many students and, in some cases, the businesses we partner with. An apprenticeship with Keats Manufacturing helped Joe Grzelak, a senior at Prospect High School, shape his aspirations for college and beyond while helping the company build toward its future.

Watch this Success Story video on YouTube!

Emily Munoz has always had a passion for nursing since she was little. With a strong desire to help people and support them during times of sickness and pain, she knew she wanted to be a nurse. Due to barriers, she could not begin nursing school immediately after high school. To get work experience, Emily first connected with Elgin Community College (ECC) through the Future Workforce Leaders Program (FWLP), which connects area youth ages 16-24 with opportunities to explore different career paths through paid work experiences and job shadowing.

Through FWLP, Emily was connected with Hanover Township, completing a paid work experience with their Community Health Department. As her paid work experience ended, her WIOA Navigator suggested she explore the CNA Apprenticeship through ECC. In December 2023, Emily completed her CNA course with AVID CNA School, ECC’s RTI vendor, and passed her state exam.

Now a licensed CNA, Emily is completing her on-the-job training with The Vines, a senior care center in Elgin. She loves working with patients and has developed a strong sense of the kind of healthcare worker she aspires to be. As she completes her apprenticeship, Emily takes the necessary prerequisites to enter ECC’s nursing program. Her experience as a CNA apprentice gives her insight into current issues with health care and a chance to refine her basic skills, making her an excellent candidate for the nursing program.

Salim Medjdouba immigrated to the United States from Algeria in 2022. With a degree in commercial and management sciences from the University of Boumerdes, he set out to establish his life in a new country. Thanks to family connections, he settled in the Elgin region. With experience as a machine operator, he found employment at a local manufacturer working as a materials handler, moving on to roles in production assembly as he worked to find his fit in the workplace.

Fluent in three languages, Salim knew he needed to master a fourth, English, for his career to flourish truly. In September 2023, he enrolled in Elgin Community College’s (ECC) English as a Second Language (ESL) Program, hoping to become proficient enough to enroll in the college’s technical courses. While in the ECC ESL program, Salim heard about ECC’s free Pre-Apprenticeship in Manufacturing. He and a family friend signed up to take the course together. Salim began the program eager to learn how to translate his technical knowledge into English, finding a common language on the machine floor. Salim passed all pre-apprenticeship classes, earning his OSHA-10 card and Forklift Driver certification. He then successfully interviewed for a materials handler job with a well-known local manufacturing company. As he began his new job, Salim was grateful for the chance to upskill and get into a company with upward mobility and opportunities. His new employer, Elgin Sweeper, is also on ECC’s target list to develop registered apprenticeships; hiring one of our pre-apprentices opened the door for those discussions in 2024.