Aaron personifies what can happen when you seize opportunity, work hard and follow your dream. A resident of Chicago Heights, Aaron formerly worked part-time at a local retailer stocking shelves, sweeping floors/trash, and cleaning bathrooms. He had limited, low-level work experience prior to entering the Manufacturing Career Internship Program (MCIP).
Krzysztof (Chris) was laid off after 14 years with his company, and came to Workforce Services Division of Will County for training assistance through the Trade program. Holding several technical roles throughout his many years of employment, he felt that his options were limited due to his lack of formal education.
Leon had been incarcerated as a youth and sentenced to 23 years at Joliet Correctional Center and other facilities. After paying his debt to society, Leon visited the Workforce Services office seeking assistance from the WIOA program.
Bruce attended an informational session at the American Job Center® in Rock Island. He was seeking funding assistance for truck driver training at Scott Community College to acquire his Commercial Drivers’ License (CDL Class A Drivers’ License).
Ryan came to the Quincy Workforce Center as a dislocated worker interested in the John Wood Community College (JWCC) Industrial Welding program. Before his training was completed, Ryan was asked by a current instructor to teach one of the welding classes a few nights a week at JWCC.
At age twenty, Emily faced many overwhelming barriers, including grave medical problems, family dysfunction and debt. Emily surmounted these obstacles with courage, grace, and hard work, making her an excellent example for all.