Program Details

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.”