In just six weeks, DaShaun earned his CDL with a workNet DuPage training grant
In the span of his furlough, in under two months, DaShaun earned a CDL class A license and Haz Mat and Tanker endorsements.
DaShaun doesn’t waste time – a helpful quality for his new career in commercial trucking.
Last July, when a fiber optics company furloughed the Lombard resident from his field surveyor job, he immediately signed up for workNet DuPage’s WIOA program. He heard about the program from his grandfather who suggested it might pave the way forward and allow him to earn a certificate.
DaShaun explored in-demand careers in DuPage County. Knowing there is a shortage of skilled commercial drivers, he decided to attend a trucking program to earn a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL).
His hustle paid off. In the span of his furlough, in under two months, DaShaun attended the 160 Driving Academy and earned a class CDL-A license and Haz Mat and Tanker endorsements - permissions allowing him to transport liquids and dangerous materials.Such perks make him a highly marketable job candidate.
As he ended the program, DaShaun received important news. His employer notified him that he and his crew members would be permanently laid off. He wasn’t upset because he knew he had a new path forward.
With the Class A CDL now in my pocket, i have options...having that CDL is sort of like having a golden ticket,” said DaShaun.
The call of the endless highway
DaShaun is looking forward to the open road. “I like being out in the elements. I love to tune into my own music, travel, and see the surrounding area. Plus, trucking jobs pay well.”
workNet DuPage hosts a weekly From Layoff to Launch webinar to connect laid-off and furloughed workers with no-cost career services. “It’s not just laid off workers that can benefit from workNet DuPage,” says Susi Pihera, co-moderator. “Furloughed workers are welcome and encouraged to join. A potential return date is no guarantee, and if your employer calls you back to work you’ll re-enter the workforce with new credentials.”
Finding job listings on Indeed has been easy for DaShaun who is currently in talks with a company that needs a driver to handle cargo and equipment for regional work.
“With the Class A CDL now in my pocket, I have options. Obtaining the workNet DuPage grant during the pandemic has absolutely made a difference in my employment outlook. Having that CDL is sort of like having a golden ticket,” says DaShaun.
The steady support from his career counselor Katrina Savaglio was a great benefit. “I think she is really great. I guess it’s just a random pick for a career counselor, but I think I’m one of the lucky ones,” DaShaun says. “Katrina’s been able to help me with all my questions, is very communicative, and gets back to me in a timely manner.”
DaShaun only wishes he knew about the program sooner.
This article was featured in workNet DuPage'sYear in Review. Learn more about how workNet DuPage steps up to help local businesses during this historic time. Read the entire report here.
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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