Program Details

Corey had never heard of the Calumet Area Industrial Commission (CAIC) until they came out to his former employer, Cleveland-Cliffs (CC), in Riverdale, IL, for a Rapid Response event. This event is a proactive WIOA-funded strategy that helps businesses and workers prepare for layoffs and closures. At the time, they were preparing to close their plant and invited CAIC to speak with employees about available resources.
That presentation changed everything for Corey.
He is a 32-year-old single dad raising five-year-old twin boys. Hearing the news that he was going to lose his job was a reality check. He had worked at CC for seven years as a Process Control Engineer, basically the IT guy, always working on computers. He loved his job and the friendships he had built over the years, so starting over was not something he had planned.
After the presentation, Corey decided to learn more about CAIC and explore his options. He was introduced to the JTED Pre-Apprenticeship program, designed to lead to employment in high-demand fields, such as CNC, in partnership with Governors State University and Prairie State College. It sounded exciting—but also a little scary. Starting something completely new made him nervous, but having a colleague join him in the program made a big difference.
Corey began his journey by enrolling in the JTED program, which began with a bridge program focused on job readiness, leading into a trades preparation segment that included blueprint reading, designed to prepare participants for the demands of working in an industrial environment.
During the bridge, Corey explored different resume-writing styles to better present his experience and skills in a competitive job market. He also strengthened key soft skills, including interviewing techniques - an area he needed to focus on, having been with his previous employer for years. Plus, he received additional tutoring in math, which proved especially helpful after being out of the classroom  for some time.
Throughout the ten-week program, CAIC staff stayed connected with participants by regularly checking in by phone/email/text. Corey built a strong relationship with his case manager and leaned on that support system, along with his colleague and instructors, to get through the tougher moments. There were times when it would have been easier to quit—but the support around him kept him going.
By the end of the program, Corey had earned multiple credentials, including OSHA 10, Blueprint Reading, Trade-Related Prep, SCPro, and CNC Fundamentals, as well as a Certificate of Completion.
The program also provided supportive services, such as gas cards, which helped Corey manage the constant travel between classes, daycare, preschool, and home. He also received help updating his resume to reflect his new skills and credentials. One of his favorite experiences was attending the FABTECH industry trade show at McCormick Place, where he saw the latest in manufacturing, welding, and metal fabrication. It opened his eyes to the many opportunities in the field.
After completing the program, Corey began applying for jobs and came across HAAS, part of the Morris Group, a well-known company in the CNC industry. He applied, interviewed, and was hired as a Field Service Technician working on CNC machinery.
Today, Corey is building a new career. Through his role at HAAS, he has been provided with a laptop and a work truck, allowing him to be dispatched from home. No two days are the same—some days he’s working in Illinois, other days in Indiana. He continues to learn and grow, gaining hands-on experience with various machines and systems, including lathe and mill alignments, DS-30Y machines, coolant tank repairs and installations, mid-tool arm replacements, and brake line tubing.
Corey credits the JTED program and CAIC's support for helping him take that next step. His journey is a reminder that even when things feel uncertain, new opportunities can arise. Today, Corey is not only creating a stable future for himself, but for his two boys. His story shows that with support, determination, and a willingness to try something new, you can turn a setback into a success.