Anne came to the workNet DuPage Career Center in July of 2018 seeking a career after nearly two decades of working dead-end jobs and living paycheck to paycheck. After doing research into various occupations and speaking with subject-matter experts, she enrolled in the Welding Certificate program at College of DuPage (COD) with the assistance of a WIOA training grant. Anne was not intimidated by the fact that welding is traditionally a male-dominated occupation. She pursued the career track because she enjoys working with her hands and being creative. What’s more, she knew the occupation would provide her with a high-paying career, job security and satisfaction.
After working a series of dead-end jobs for nearly twenty years, Anne is happier and well on her way to providing for her son.
Anne started the Welding Certificate program in the Fall of 2018. Shortly thereafter, she was hired by one of her professors as a Machinist Apprentice in his tool and die company. This provided Anne with the extra income she needed to meet her financial obligations and the opportunity to gain the hands-on skills necessary in the field. Since being hired in January of 2019, Anne has taken over the welding for the company and they have offered to pay for additional schooling to get a tool and die maker certificate next fall, along with a promotion to a Tool and Die Apprentice.
“I went from being in customer service for 17 years stuck in a dead-end job, to losing my most recent job due to medical reasons. I received a chance to get a grant from workNet to pursue a new career, took it, got past my medical issues and have worked my butt off to succeed despite numerous issues in my personal life. I’m using this opportunity to its fullest potential to make a better life for myself and my son.” ~ Anne Lesko
Since enrolling in the program at COD, Anne’s career goals have expanded. When she came to workNet DuPage, she was focused solely on welding, but her employment has exposed her to other areas; she is now interested in fabrication, machining as well as tool and die. Anne has realized just how many opportunities the training has opened up for her and is excited about the possibilities; possibilities that did not exist prior to receiving the WIOA training grant.
Anne has managed to maintain a GPA of 3.8 despite facing obstacles life has thrown at her along the way. She has moved twice, was forced to purchase a new car after someone totaled her car and has dealt with significant medical issues. Despite these obstacles, Anne remains focused on completing her training and advancing her career.
Anne has described the impact of the WIOA training grant: “I went from being in customer service for 17 years stuck in a dead-end job, to losing my most recent job due to medical reasons. I got a chance to get a grant from workNet to pursue a new career, took it, got past my medical issues and have worked my butt off to succeed despite numerous issues in my personal life. I’m using this opportunity to its fullest potential to make a better life for myself and my son.”
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FEATURED ORGANIZATION:
Company Name: Fusion OEM
DuPage Location: Burr Ridge, IL
Total number of employees in DuPage: 44
Peek Inside: At this location, we offer our customers a wide range of manufacturing capabilities, from CNC machining all the way to complete product assembly and fulfillment.
Fun fact about our company: a robot works right alongside our machinists to produce parts with quality and efficiency!
You would like to work at our company if
you are interested in the wide range of evolving technologies, processes and creativity that go into the world of modern manufacturing.
In the next year, we expect to hire CNC machinists
To get that job, you typically need a high school diploma and vocational or technical training in machining. We offer additional on-the-job training once a new machinist with the foundational skills and experience joins the team so they can continue to master their craft.
Our best machinists have: a passion about the art and science that goes into taking a raw piece of metal or plastic and forming it into a high-precision design.
CNC Machinists From this position, you could grow into
Master Machinist
Machining Business Manager
Owner of your own machining business
In the next year, we expect to hire Assembly Operators
To get that job, you typically need a high school diploma, a mechanical aptitude and a willingness to learn and closely follow processes and work instructions.
Our best assembly operators are eager learners and pay attention to details. They enjoy working on different types of mechanical work every day.
Assembly Operators From this position, you could grow into
lead operator
supervisor
manufacturing manager
FEATURED ORGANIZATION:
Company Name: The Jel Sert Company
DuPage Location: West Chicago, IL
Total number of employees in DuPage: 900 during peak season
Peek Inside
The Jel Sert Company is a leading manufacturer of food and beverage products. For the past 20 years, our team has been dedicated to establishing an exemplary manufacturing infrastructure that supports the needs of some of the world’s largest Consumer Packaged Goods and pharmaceutical companies.
Jel Sert is committed to providing employees with development opportunities as we are invested in their long term success and advancement within the organization. An individual development plan assists employees in career and personal development and allows employees to reach short and long term career goals.
You would like to work at our company because
We are committed to attracting the best talent and developing our employees to exceed their potential. Our employees take pride in their work and are always looking for ways to contribute their ideas, skills, experience, and passion. We reward and value creativity, professionalism, teamwork, honesty, and longevity.
In the next year, we expect to hire 2-3 technicians
To get this job, you typically need a Minimum of 3 years’ experience working with electrical, hydraulics, programming, and mechanical PLCs is required.
We pay $2.00 per hour shift differential for all time worked on 3rd shift. *Rate of pay depends on one’s experience, education, and skills.
Our best technicians have: Strong mechanical and electrical skills Additionally, someone that takes pride in their work, is honest, creative in their ideas, and works as a professional in a team environment.
All Technicians are sent to College of DuPage for classes. Technicians are scheduled for a series of six mechanical and six electrical classes. Classes are during work hours, so Technicians are paid for their time in class. We adjust their hours to spend half their shift on the floor and the balance in the class. Jel Sert pays for this training which includes classroom and lab work. All Technicians are involved in this training despite their experience level.
TECHNICIAN
From this position, you could grow into
A Lead Technician role
Potentially up to a Maintenance Supervisor role
I’m interested in FREE Training with Job Placement Assistance!
