Changes in the economy force Myles to rethink his job search strategy
workNet DuPage funded Myles to earn CISCO certification and gain in-demand skills
“I’m not sure how many people like looking for a job – I don’t,” said Myles.
After 7 layoffs since 2004, Myles reached a tipping point. For decades he had a successful career in mainframe IT, but with changes in the economy, jobs in the subfield were increasingly rare. Last July, just three months after a new mainframe job, the company moved a project offshore and Myles was let go again.
Not yet able to retire and tired of always having to look for the next job, Myles knew he needed to do something different. “There are still mainframe jobs, but they are almost all consulting. I turned 65 last October and I’m like, I have to do something different. I have to do something for probably 10 more years,” said Myles.
"The training absolutely helped me get this job,” Myles says. “I had a great experience with the center. My career counselor Marianne Eisley was phenomenal. She made a real difference in my life.”
With Networking Administrator jobs in-demand, Myles obtained a workNet DuPage WIOA grant to get certified in CISCO Academy at the IT Career Lab. He passed his CCNA exam on the first try. That’s when things started to come together. Myles received callbacks, multiple interviews, and accepted a job this summer. His new title: Network Administrator.
“The training absolutely helped me get this job,” Myles says. “I had a great experience with the center. My career counselor Marianne Eisley was phenomenal. She made a real difference in my life.”
In addition to funding for training, Myles benefited from job coaching and workNet DuPage’s employer connections. “I attended the Building Blocks workshop which helped me feel more confident during interviews. It was important in receiving an offer for the job I really wanted,” said Myles. "I also utilized workNet DuPage Business Services when I applied to jobs from the workNet DuPage website. I gained interviews directly because of that help.”
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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
