Korina
Korina, a Kane County resident, felt not only like a person without a job, but like a person without a future. She had been unemployed for several months and didn’t feel she could get her life, or her work world, back on track. “I had a rough childhood and have always lacked confidence. I didn’t think I could ever get a really good job and was afraid I’d end up in a low-skill job without potential.”
Although her previous work history included work as a waitress, childcare assistant and account clerk, she had no post-secondary education or management experience. She also needed skills building in math and reading. “I was full of doubt. I didn’t see myself going anywhere.”
Enter the Manufacturing Careers Internship Program. Although Korina was initially skeptical, she gave it a try. “Just the fact that I was getting paid to go to this boot camp, it seemed too good to be true. There were milestones at the boot camp that helped me build my confidence so much. If you had it rough growing up, or made some mistakes or whatever — this program is the route to go.”
In boot camp, Korina learned the basics of manufacturing, including OSHA safety, shop math and forklift operation. Korina completed an internship at B-O-F, an Aurora manufacturer that produces gravity-based shelving for grocery stores and other food operations. Korina’s learning included how to schedule orders via common carriers, creating a bill of lading, and preparing invoices.
Doors opened further when she was offered full-time position at B-O-F as Transportation Management. Her responsibilities included managing in-bound freight, scheduling deliveries, and identifying damages. This opportunity was further enhanced with a 1,040-hour “On-the-Job” training program designed to bolster Korina’s math and reading skills. Training included the basics of maintaining a cost-analysis spreadsheet, foundational to all planning and financial functions within B-O-F.
After some initial struggles with identifying priorities and becoming more proactive in her communications, Korina reached out to her supervisor. Her supervisor intensified training efforts and encouraged Korina to become more comfortable communicating questions, and mentored her extensively Korina on how to keep top of changing priorities in a busy manufacturing shipping and delivery department.
Her employer also involved Korina in streamlining and simplifying cost analysis processes, which benefitted not only Korina, but the company as a whole.
Ask Korina’s supervisor how she is doing – and she’ll tell you there is only one word to describe it and that’s “Great!” “If you work hard, you’ll succeed in this program,” advises Korina. “Not only do I like it here, but I finally feel like I have a future.” Her employer couldn’t agree more.