Stephanie first came into the Iroquois County, East Central Illinois Worknet office in May of 2021. Stephanie had been working for T&D Metal Products and was given the chance to be promoted within the company to be an Estimator. The position required computer graphic knowledge and certification to design metal fabricated parts for the company.
Brittan was a 21-year-old single mother of an infant when she came to Vermilion County Works in 2020. At the time of her enrollment, she was working part-time as a food server, earning $5.75 per hour. She knew that she wanted a change and the opportunity to provide a better life for her son.
“Workforce Investment Solutions was an opportunity that has changed my life for the good. It opened doors for a second chance at life. I have faced so many obstacles, trials and tribulations, things that you do not think you will overcome,” Marquevin says.
Danielle, age 22, was unable to find a good paying job through career services alone. She was underemployed — averaging 20-22 hours per week as a cashier earning $17.00 per hour. In the 24 months prior to her training, her part-time employment with Orpheum Theatre also ended more than once due to COVID.
Kallie was a 25-year-old single mother with a young son. She was making less than $15.00 per hour and had been accepted into the License Practical Nurse (LPN) program at Lake Land College and the school recommended that she contact the Shelbyville Job Center.