Robert reports on his employment journey at the Will County Workforce Center — in his own words. “I had the privilege of working with Andrew Pajak, a career planner at the Will County Workforce Center, and his assistance was instrumental in helping me navigate the path to employment and educational resources. Andrew’s expertise and dedication truly stood out throughout the process,” Robert says.
In fall 2022, Marialila entered a secondary education program called “Black Hawk College TEAMS.” She completed her GED test requirements by spring 2023, despite having issues with transportation and her home life.
Kaylee began her career as a CNA and then found it wasn’t challenging enough for her. She wanted to do more and help more. Kaylee then worked as a medical assistant, still wanting more, but she also loved the job. She obtained her LPN in July of 2023, and then started her RN in August 2023. It took Kaylee some time to gain the courage to go back to school. She wondered how she was going to pay for school and raise her children. Kaylee’s biggest barriers were money and time.
In 2013, Ashley completed her Associate of Arts degree at Lincoln College. She wanted a career in the medical field and worked on her own to earn her Certified Medical Assistant credentials at Midwest Technical Institute in 2015. Ashley continued to work as a Medical Assistant for the next 5 years. Being a single mom of 3 children, Ashley realized she wasn’t earning a living wage working as a Certified Medical Assistant.
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.