Andrew
As a recipient of WIOA training assistance, Andrew describes his experience in his own words. “I received WIOA funding through the help of workNet DuPage and Mark Dennison. With the guidance from Mark, I was able to use the funding to attend Symbol Training Institute in Addison, Illinois. At Symbol I received training and knowledge of CNC manufacturing and graduated in January of 2023. I earned 3 certifications from NIMS (National Institute for Metalworking Skills), as well as earning the highest grades in my class and voted best classmate by my peers and instructors,” Andrew says.
“My previous career was in the restaurant industry. In the past I have struggled with maintaining stable employment due to a felony on my background. In addition to the struggle of consistent employment, I have battled alcoholism for many years. I’m happy to say that I have been sober for 14 months. Mark was a big supporter of me continuing to work my program of AA, and if I did good, opportunities would present themselves to me,” Andrew explains.
“Through hard work and the support of many others, I was able to start a career in metal manufacturing. I’m currently employed at a company which uses precision creep-feed grinding CNC machines, serving the industrial gas turbine and aerospace industries. During my first 7 months of employment, I have been trained in three different departments to operate 3-axis creep grinders, EDM (Electrical Discharge Machine) and 5-axis grinders,” Andrew adds.
“I’m extremely grateful for the positive impact that WIOA funding, workNet DuPage and Mark have had on my life. It has given me a career path to grow and succeed in. I now can say I’m financially stable and even planning for my future with a 401K and savings account. I know that without this program, I would not be where I am today. I am so excited about what the future holds for me in the manufacturing industry,” Andrew says.