Liane Pinkos & Iris Herrara
SAI Infusion Technologies
Manufacturing is one of the top three industries in Lake County. Many manufacturers continued operations throughout the pandemic. One of those was SAI Infusion Technologies, a manufacturer in Lake Villa, IL. SAI was founded in 1995 with the goal of helping researchers develop and implement reliable infusion techniques.
SAI’s Founder has over 30 years of experience in developing and implementing infusion studies. While working in pharmaceutical development, the Founder helped create, improve, and share one of the first successful models for continuous infusion studies. SAI is staffed by scientists and surgeons who have performed complex infusion and sampling studies in the lab.
SAI, recruits, and trains their staff that can actually help their customers; suggesting products that make their work easier. SAI’s partnership with Workforce Development began in September 2020 in response to the pandemic and in need to fulfill orders. Liane Pinkos, Executive of the company, contacted Workforce Development for assistance. Working closely with the Business Services Manager and the Account Executive, over the past two years, SAI has trained and upskilled 9 individuals through paid Work Experiences and On-the-Job Training programs funded through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, along with other grants that were available at the time. During the 6-month Work Experience individuals learned essential skills and was exposed to the culture of the industry and organization. Through the success of this program, SAI has also retained employees after the completion of the work experience training.
Iris Herrera wanted to be exposed to the manufacturing industry and was looking to gain the skills to secure full-time employment. SAI provided extensive training and exposed Ms. Herrera to a new industry. After completion of the Work Experience program, Ms. Herrera continued to expand and gain new skills with the On-the-Job Training program. After successfully completing both programs, SAI Infusion Technologies made an offer to hire Ms. Herrera as a full-time employee.
SAI has benefited from the program with less out-of-pocket expenses and more time to focus time on training and development. The Work Experience Internship program has relieved pressure on current employees and was able to spread the workflow needs for the day-to-day operations. The program has also allowed SAI to be able to bring in employees and expose them to the industry. This allows both parties to have the time to complete training and observe without any financial stressors.
“I recommend the Work Experience Program because it’s a great way to help relieve pressure from hiring requirements and alleviates the onboarding expenses to the employer and the employee,” says Liane Pinkos, Vice President of HR, LVT, LATAG, SRS*