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WIA Works in 25! |
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Our Successes
Man-tra-con has been providing workforce connections and assistance to job seekers for over 30 years. The following is just a sampling of the many LWA 25 customers who were able to find improved employment or educational opportunities through WIA funding in partnership with Man-Tra-Con and Illinois workNet Center services.
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Training assistance leads to well-paying employment!
In June 2008, Joshua was dislocated from North American Lighting-Salem where he had worked in the Assembly Department for 3 years. In May 2009, he attended a workshop held for North American Lighting employees to learn about the Trade program and what benefits were available to him.
Joshua visited the Mt. Vernon One-Stop Business & Employment Center seeking assistance with finding employment. Career Specialist Krys Fisher helped Joshua register with Illinois workNet® and Illinois Skills Match. Joshua also developed a resume with assistance from Krys, and actively pursued all job leads throughout the year.
Due to the competitive job market, Josh had a hard time finding a job. He decided to enroll in a training program offered at Rend Lake College (RLC). With his training costs paid through Trade Assistance funding, and additional supportive costs paid through Workforce Investment Act (WIA) funding, Josh was able to attend classes at RLC.
Joshua attended Rend Lake College in the fall of 2009, and graduated in May 2011 with an Associate’s Degree in Welding. He was hired by Magnum Steel and began working on May 23, 2011, earning $14.00 per hour.
Joshua was very appreciative of the assistance he received though Man-Tra-Con and the Trade program. “Without this assistance, I would not have been able to go to college,” Joshua stated. |
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The Long Road to Full-time Employment
Alice was employed at Technicolor Universal Services when they announced that the plant would be closing permanently in March of 2007. The closure was designated as a Trade event, making Alice eligible for Trade Adjustment Act (TAA) and additional job search assistance from Man-Tra-Con.
Alice began working with Career Specialist Beth Reed in October of 2008. Beth discovered that Alice had a good amount of office skills and helped her craft a new resume to include these skills. The revised resume helped broaden her job search to now include clerical and receptionist positions.
In the spring of 2009, Alice was hired as a Youth Specialist for the Summer Works program administered by Man-Tra-Con through Workforce Investment Act (WIA) grant funds. “Alice seemed to bloom with her new position. I could see right away that the youth really liked working with her. They were always sure to stop in and ask for Miss Alice to let her know how they were doing and share their latest news. I also noticed that Alice was very efficient and orderly in the office. Alice, who when I first met her seemed very meek, was now facilitating group intake sessions,” reports Career Specialist Beth Reed.
As the Summer Works program drew to a close, Alice was hired as a Resource Room Assistant for Man-Tra-Con and for a short time worked both jobs simultaneously. She continued working part-time as a Resource Room Assistant, applied for a new summer program, and was hired as a Youth Specialist for the Youth Employment for the Summer (Y.E.S.) program. Alice once again showed that her office skills were definitely not outdated. She excelled in building professional relationships with the worksites she served as well as the Youth assigned to her.
As the grant-funded program began to draw to a close, Alice was once again concerned about finding full-time employment that offered benefits along with a self-sufficient wage. Through networking with a friend, Alice became aware of an opening for an Office Manager position. After a lengthy application and interview process, Alice was hired for the Office Manager position. This was just as she had hoped — a full-time job with sufficient wages and benefits.
“I recently met with Alice to catch up on how her new job is going and I could see immediately that Alice was glowing. She is very happy with her new job, her employer and co-workers. This job is near her mother’s nursing home so Alice is able to visit her mother nearly daily on her lunch hour. It sounds like a little thing but this has eased a concern for Alice and allows her to monitor her mother’s care more carefully,” says Career Specialist Beth Reed. “It has been a long road for Alice, from dislocation to full-time employment, but with a little hard work and patience Alice has found a job she hopes to have forever,” Beth added. |
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From Pastor to Supervisor: Keith Heberer
Richard “Keith” Heberer first came to Man-Tra-Con in September of 2009 for assistance in finding full-time permanent employment, after learning his job would soon be coming to an end. Keith had worked as the Associate Pastor for a church in the area. Due to economic conditions, they could no longer afford his salary. Keith wanted to find a career that would allow him to support his family plus provide him with an opportunity for advancement.
Keith was very proactive in his job search and applied for every job he was referred to by Career Specialist Stephanie Robinson. In January 2010, Keith applied for a general laborer position with General Cable in DuQuoin, Illinois. He interviewed and was offered a salaried supervisor position. Keith was thrilled to accept a job that would allow him a chance for advancement and also enable him to support his family!
“Being rather new to southern Illinois, I was unaware of the employment opportunities available. Man-Tra-Con not only provided me with information but also helped me make contacts. The career specialists not only helped me find employment but even more so — work that I would enjoy and have the chance for advancement. I would recommend Man-Tra-Con to anyone earnestly seeking employment — a tremendous resource that made a real difference for me,” Keith stated.
"Keith was a pleasure to work with, and we were thrilled for him to find such a great career opportunity. On behalf of Man-Tra-Con, I wish him great success in his new career,” added Career Specialist Stephanie Robinson. |
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Highway Construction Training Star Student: Tina Franklin
In July of 2008, Tina Franklin was laid off from Crown line Boats. Tina worked most of her life in the general labor field. It was not uncommon for her to be the only female working within a room full of men. Since she was in her late forties and a woman, Tina found it almost impossible to find another job in the general labor field after her layoff.
After 2 years of perseverance, trying to keep her hopes up and still not finding a job, Tina turned to Man-Tra-Con for assistance. Career Specialist Mollie Humm referred Tina to the Highway Construction Careers Training Program at John A. Logan College (JALC). Tina successfully completed the program and received her certificates of completion in OSHA 10, OSHA Boom Lifts, Scissor Lifts, and Power Industrial Trucks.
"She made great contacts and was even voted Valedictorian of her class," exclaimed Career Specialist Mollie Humm!"Out of all the apprentice applicants that applied, Tina is second on the waiting list with the Labor Union to be called for a position. She recently received a call to come in for an interview at the Operator’s Union," Mollie added. |
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Back in the Workforce: Lisa Trail
Lisa visited Man-Tra-Con for job search assistance after being unemployed for a year due to the death of her husband. Having been out of the workforce for a while, she was unsure how to go through the process of finding a job. Career Specialist Mollie Humm helped Lisa update her resume, and sent her weekly employment referrals. She applied for several positions but was having a hard time getting an offer of employment.
Recently, Molly sent Lisa a flyer about positions available at Home Depot. “She applied that day, was called for an interview and hired on as a Cashier,” Mollie said. “This is exactly the type of job Lisa needed to ease her way back in to the workforce — and the company offers a lot of advancement opportunities! Lisa started in February of 2011, and is very happy and excited to re-start her career,” Mollie added. |
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Job Fair Leads to Full-time Position
Rachel relocated to southern Illinois after being laid off from her supervisory/management position at large merchandise retailer in the Chicago area. Rachel chose this area because she wanted to live closer to her grandparents and assist with their needs. Although Rachel was very outgoing, had a Bachelor’s degree and great occupational experience, she could not find self-sufficient employment. She took two part-time jobs with retailers, driving thirty minutes each way to get to work, but was unable to get enough hours to support herself.
Career Specialist Mollie Humm referred Rachel to a job fair hosted at a Man-Tra-Con office for a new local business. Rachel met with the employer at the job fair and was hired full-time as their Manager Trainee. She now has a ten-minute drive to get to work. |
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A Promising Career Path: Paula Porter
After being dislocated from Technicolor Universal Media Services, Paula Porter enrolled in the Radiologic Technology program at Rend Lake College with assistance from TAA/WIA program funding administered through Man-Tra-Con Corporation.
She is now working at St. Joseph Memorial Hospital in Murphysboro as a Radiologic Technologist and plans to continue her education to learn CT Scan Technology.
“When God closes one door, he opens another. I believe this is true. I didn’t know what I was going to do when Technicolor closed the doors. With the help of my Man-Tra-Con career specialist, I was able to choose a promising career path and build a future for myself and for my son. I am truly blessed.“ — Paula Porter |
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A Shining Example: Becky Cross
Becky Cross was a dislocated worker from Technicolor Universal Media Services who received her Bachelor’s degree with honors from Mid-Continent University. She is working to complete her Business Administration and Accounting Degree at John A. Logan College.
“Man-Tra-Con and its wonderful employees have helped the members of the communities they serve to succeed by providing assistance to those who would otherwise have become another statistical number during these difficult economic times. Through Man-Tra-Con’s help, I have been able to realize my dream of furthering my education and becoming a strong, relevant, and independent individual who has been able to impact or inspire others who feel as though they have become stuck in an uncertain and unstable workforce environment.” — Becky Cross |
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A Ladder of Hope: Cheryl Lynn Carter Brown
Cheryl Lynn Carter-Brown came to Man-Tra-Con Corporation, an Illinois workNet Center partner, for assistance to attend the nursing program at John A. Logan College. She was a 47-year-old single mother of a 2-year old, who needed to find a career that would allow her to support her family.
She is currently employed as an LPN at the Marion VA Medical Center, while working toward her RN degree.
“I hate to think where my son and I would be without this life saving intervention. People just cannot understand how deeply life circumstances can cut deep into your psyche and leave you a shell of the person you used to be. Thanks to Man-Tra-Con, I have found myself again, and a whole lot more of the human being I could be. Now, as I journey forth, so will the rest of the world. I highly recommend this God-given opportunity for anyone, especially single moms who need someone in their corner saying, ‘Come on, you can do this!’ ” — Cheryl Lynn Carter Brown |
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On-the Job-Training Success: Curtis Scott Sheeler
After being dislocated from Technicolor Universal Media Services, Scott utilized the Illinois workNet Center resource room to search for local employment opportunities. He also received resume writing and additional job search assistance from his assigned Career Specialist Charlene Butcher through funding provided by the TAA/WIA program.
With assistance from On-the-Job-Training Specialist Liz Boucher, Scott entered and successfully completed the OJT program with Natural Enrichment Industries. Scott is now the Director of Administrations overseeing all plant operations at Natural Enrichment Industries.
“Man-Tra-Con met and exceeded my expectations... they are a service driven organization. I would strongly recommend them to everyone looking for employment.” — Curtis Scott Sheeler |
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Dedication Leads to Independence: Teresa Timmons
Through Man-Tra-Con services and WIA program funding, Teresa Timmons was able to complete her education at John A. Logan College to become a Registered Nurse. She is currently working as an RN at Heartland Regional Medical Center.
“Going back to school has given me the freedom to choose my career path. I can now afford to buy groceries and medical insurance for my family — maybe even a house someday. I have gained my independence through completion of school. With my Associates Degree in Nursing, I can go anywhere and get a job doing what I love. Anything is possible with hard work and dedication.” — Teresa Timmons |
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Perserverance Leads to Success: Ashley Jennings
Ashley Jennings visited Man-Tra-Con Corporation seeking assistance to help her obtain a GED, find employment, and begin training for a career as a dental hygienist or dentist. With guidance from Youth Specialist Jo Dene Kern, Ashley attended GED classes available through John A. Logan College and Rend Lake College. She received her GED in September 2008.
Now, at 21, Ashley is working part-time and plans on returning to college to pursue her original dream of becoming a dental hygienist — and eventually a dentist.
“Man-Tra-Con made it possible for me to get my GED and gave me the courage I needed. If I had to rate my success pertaining to Man-Tra-Con services, I would score Man-Tra-Con as high as I could.” — Ashley Jennings |
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Striving for Success: Tracy Minton
Tracy Minton was dislocated from Technicolor Universal Media Services (TUMS) in March 2007. With assistance from Man-Tra-Con Corporation and TAA/WIA program funding, he was able to enroll in the Radiologic Technology program at Rend Lake College the following summer.
Tracy graduated in July 2009, with a 3.708/4.0 GPA. Shortly thereafter, he began working PRN as a Diagnostic Technologist at Franklin Hospital. Within a month, he moved into a regular full-time position in the department. He loves his job and is really grateful for all of the assistance that Man-Tra-Con offered him.
Tracy offers advice to others beginning a new career path, “Starting school in your forties is not easy, but if I can do it so can you.” |
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A Brighter Future: Shanna Patrick
Shanna Patrick is one of 13 former Maytag employees who attended a graduation ceremony at John A. Logan College (JALC) on May 16, 2008. On this day, Shanna not only received her Associate’s Degree, but also a medical assistant’s certificate. Shanna was able to transition to a new career through TAA and WIA Dislocated Worker funding after losing her job at Maytag when the plant closed in December of 2006. With career guidance and training from both Man-Tra-Con Corporation and JALC, Shanna was able to complete her education and find employment at Southern Illinois OB-GYN and Associates. Robin Pritchett was Shanna’s career specialist. “Robin was really great,” Shanna said. “When I needed anything, she was there to help me. She kept me focused on completing my education.”
Shanna also praised JALC’s Cheryl Bernhardt and Dr. Brenda Erickson for their role in encouraging her to do her best in college. “My future is bright,” Shanna said. “Thanks to Man-Tra-Con and John A. Logan College, I do have a lot to look forward to now.” |
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Transition to Lucrative Career: Jamey Witmer
Jamey Witmer, a 28-year-old mother of two young children, had been working part-time for Southern Illinois Healthcare while attending the John A. Logan College (JALC) Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) program. Although eligible for food stamps and medical assistance for the children, Jamey and her husband were still struggling financially. Jamey learned about possible assistance available through the Workforce Investment Act (WIA) and contacted Man-Tra-Con Corporation. Jamey found that she was eligible to receive financial assistance for tuition, books and school supplies. With assistance from Man-Tra-Con and WIA funds, Jamey successfully completed the LPN program and went on to complete the ADN program in August of 2007, graduating with an overall cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 4.654. In September of 2007, Jamey passed her board exams and became a registered nurse.
Jamey soon found employment at the Oklahoma Heart Hospital as a licensed registered nurse — earning $18.63 per hour! She also received a sign-on bonus of $5,000. Jamey loves working in the cardiovascular unit — a position she has always wanted. She currently has four patients under her care and plans to work toward earning several additional certifications in cardiovascular healthcare. “I really appreciate all the help I received from Man-Tra-Con through the Workforce Investment Act,” Jamey exclaimed. |
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Man-Tra-Con OJT Customer Earns
Employee of the Year Award: Wendy Craig
Wendy Craig, receptionist at Weeks Chrysler/Chevrolet in Benton, Illinois, was named Employee of the Year for 2006. Wendy had been a waitress for 35 years when she developed arthritis in her knees and was forced to seek new employment. She began working with Career Specialist Sandi Garrett at Man-Tra-Con's West Frankfort office in the summer of 2005. A single mother with a teenage daughter, Wendy needed to find a less physically demanding job. After job searching for several months and with Sandi's help, Wendy was hired at Weeks Chrysler/Chevrolet through Man-Tra-Con's On-The-Job Training Program in September 2005. The OJT Program allows job seekers to learn new skills while employed.
This turned out to be a good match for Wendy and Weeks Chrysler/ Chevrolet, “I love being around people and I love my job,” exclaimed Wendy. Her managers have been very happy with her too. “The people I talked with at Weeks love Wendy. She's a great worker with an outgoing, friendly personality — and, she's a great baker as well!” added Retention Specialist Krys Fisher. |
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Retention Award Winner: Jodie Olson
Jodie Olson is a winner of Man-Tra-Con's Retention Award for displaying excellent work ethic and attendance while employed at her new job. Jodie, who resides in Bluford (a small town near Mt. Vernon), had been employed at Maytag when she lost her job in the first round of lay-offs in January of 2006. Shortly after her lay-off, she met with Man-Tra-Con Career Specialist Beth Reed to discuss her options. Since the college semester had already started, Jodie learned that she would have to wait until summer or fall to enroll in classes.
While waiting to enroll in college, Jodie decided she would test the job market in her area. “Jodie was diligent with her job search — coming into the One- Stop Center’s Resource Room regularly,” said Beth Reed, her career specialist. Jodie completed an application with General Tire and was called to interview with the company. Shortly after the interview, she was offered a position as a Forklift Driver. Jodie loves her job and is currently working several hours overtime in order to transfer to a new position.
“Getting laid-off from Maytag was a very traumatic experience for me, but now I feel that it was a blessing in disguise — one door closing allowed another to be opened,” exclaimed Jodie. |
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Work Certified Graduate Finds Employment: Nathan Hastings
Nathan Hastings visited the Marion One-Stop Business & Employment Center in December of 2004 seeking career assistance. With advice from his Career Specialist, Nathan attended John A. Logan College (JALC) and earned several certificates in Auto Collision Technology. After graduation, he participated in the Work Certified program while searching for employment. Nathan Hastings completed the Work Certified program at John A. Logan College on November 21, 2006. During his Work Certified training, he interviewed for a job at Raben Tire Company and was hired on November 28th. Nathan credits his job search success in part to the Work Certified program.
“I really liked the Work Certified program. It gave me a chance to use programs I didn't know well… like Microsoft Excel. I also learned some tricks in MS Word that I didn't know,” Nathan said. “I practiced mock interviews during my Work Certified training sessions, and was able to use the skills I learned when I interviewed for the job at Raben Tire,” he added.
Nathan began working at Raben Tire Company on December 11, 2006. Emily Adams recently spoke to Nathan's employer who was very happy with his new employee —“He's doing a great job,” his employer exclaimed. Congratulations Nathan! |
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Award Winner Overcomes Obstacles
to Become Nurse: Patricia Patrick
Patricia Patrick was presented with the Ruth Snyder Individual Achievement Award on September 21, 2006. The award is sponsored by the Southern Illinois Workforce Investment Board (SIWIB), and honors individuals who have overcome many obstacles to achieve their educational and career goals. Patricia first visited with Career Specialist Dana Marlow at Man-Tra-Con Corporation in 2003, seeking assistance to develop a career path that would enable her to support her family. She decided to pursue a career in nursing and was accepted into the LPN program at Rend Lake College in August of 2003.
With 5 daughters to support and a husband who had only seasonal employment, Patricia needed to work at several nursing homes to make ends meet. In spite of her heavy responsibilities, she managed to maintain average grades and graduate in 2004 as an LPN. Patricia went on to complete her ADN training while working as an LPN for the Fountains Nursing Facility in Marion. She completed her ADN training and was hired to work at Herrin Hospital in the Surgery/ICU unit in February 2006. She is now earning an excellent salary with full medical benefits for herself and her family. Her friends and family have noted that Patricia is an excellent nurse who truly cares for her patients.
“Patricia's goals and determination to get over all the challenges of daily living should be an inspiration to others that it can be done,” exclaimed Dana Marlow. |
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Healthcare Graduate Lands Great Job in Springfield: Karla Orr
Karla Orr, graduate of the John A. Logan College Cardiac Diagnostic Medical Sonography program, passed the registration exam on December 3, 2005. Her official title is now Karla Orr, R.D.C.S. (Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer). Karla received assistance from Man-Tra-Con Corporation in obtaining her education and career goals — a very difficult journey, especially for a single mom. Karla overcame many obstacles in pursuing her goals, but she stayed on target and persevered.
Karla is now living in Riverton, Illinois, and has been employed as a Sonographer at Springfield Clinic since March 15, 2005, earning a wage of around $40,000 per year. She is very happy and takes great pride in providing for her two beautiful daughters. If you looked up the definition of success story in the dictionary, you would see Karla Orr’s name! |
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Maytag Layoff Leads to OJT Success: Bruce Hickam
Bruce Hickam, 53, worked at Maytag on their washer/dryer line for about 2 years, before being laid off. Bruce visited the Marion One-Stop Business & Employment Center in April of 2004. Career Specialist Kim Hargraves helped him create a resume and registered him for the On-the Job-Training Program (OJT) administered by Man-Tra-Con Corporation. Within a week, an OJT opportunity came up at Enviro Tech Termite & Pest Control and Bruce was hired for the position. “His supervisors at Enviro Tech just loved him,” exclaimed Kim Hargraves. “He got rave reviews during his OJT training period,” she added.
Bruce really likes his new job at Enviro Tech in their Pest Control Department. He was happy with the help he received from Kim and the One-Stop Business & Employment Center. “They treated me good, and it’s been great for me,” he said.
Bruce stopped by the Marion One-Stop Center on March 6, 2006, to receive a Wal-Mart Gift Card from Retention Specialist, Krys Fisher. A customer who displays good work ethics and remains at a job for more than six months is rewarded with a Wal-mart gift card through Man-Tra-Con’s Retention Program. Bruce certainly deserved this award. |
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Work Certified Program Success: Susan Foskey
Susan Foskey, a single mom with an 8-year old daughter, was one of the first in our area to graduate from the Work Certified Program. After being out of the workforce for many years, she decided to enter the program to strengthen her employment skills.
“The Work Certified program teaches you math, computer, and reading skills, plus shows you how to get along with co-workers and deal with work relationship issues. You also learn what to say on an interview and how to write a resume. I never wrote a resume before, so this was a valuable lesson for me,” she said. “The program gave me confidence to enter the workplace, and taught me the skills I needed to communicate with others and solve problems,” she added.
Susan enrolled in the Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Program offered by John A. Logan College. As part of her CNA training, Susan worked at a nursing home serving elderly residents. She applied some of the skills she learned through the Work Certified program to her CNA training sessions. “The program has helped me with my clinical training by showing me how to better communicate with the patients I serve,” she stated. “I love working with people and feel that I have found the right career path for me,” she added. |
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Determination and Perseverance: Martha Welch
Martha Welch visited the Marion One-Stop Business & Employment Center in August of 2002. She was a single parent with 4 children at home — ages 16, 14, 10, and 9. Three of her seven children were grown and living on their own. Martha had very little work experience and was searching for a job that would help her become self-sufficient. Martha needed training to develop marketable skills that would help her find a well-paying job. She attended John A. Logan College and, with determination and perseverance, successfully completed the Administrative Assistant Degree, and received 6 certificates in her field of study by May of 2005.
After graduation, Martha found full-time employment as a Quality Control Clerk at Wisconsin Physicians Service (WPS) and is earning a good salary. She will also receive benefits such as health insurance and paid vacation. “I never would have made it without this lady's help,” exclaimed Martha, as she pointed to Career Specialist Jean Ondo.
“Martha is an upbeat person with such an enthusiastic attitude that she should be a role model for everyone — especially single moms,” explained Jean Ondo. “I know that she will be an asset to her new employer! Her success is a wonderful example of how the Workforce Investment Act is helping residents in this area find self-sufficient employment,” Jean added.
Martha was also the recipient of Illinois’ Ruth Snider Individual Achievement Award for 2005. |
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Job Seeker Becomes Recruiter: Kevin Hendrickson
Kevin Hendrickson visited the One-Stop Business & Employment Center in May of 2005 looking for help with creating a resume. After 21 years of military service in the Navy, he had just retired and was searching for civilian employment. Kevin used the job search and resume writing software available in the resource room to create his resume and research employment opportunities.
Kevin was very pleased with the staff and services offered at the One-Stop Business & Employment Center. “It's a great place to be able to come and send out resumes,” he exclaimed! Kevin was especially impressed with the WinWay job search software. “I liked the fact that you can just type in one category, and it gives you links to several different job search sites… such as Monster.com and Careerbuilder.com. You don't have to go searching all over the Internet to find these links.”
One month after creating his resume and searching for employment, Kevin was hired for a position as Human Resources Manager at Pepsi MidAmerica. Kevin loves his job and now periodically uses the One-Stop Business & Employment Center in Marion to recruit candidates for his new employer. |
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Achieving a Dream Career: Angela Rueter
Angela Rueter visited the Marion One-Stop Business & Employment Center in May of 2002. As a dislocated worker, she was trying to raise two children on a limited income. Her goal was to complete both the LPN and Associates Degree in Nursing (ADN) at John A. Logan College and find full-time employment as a registered nurse. During her training, Angela received assistance from Man-Tra-Con Corporation with tuition, fees, and books, plus any additional fees or required items such as uniforms, shoes, etc. In addition, she received assistance through the Department of Human Services and Child Care Resource & Referral for the daycare costs she incurred while attending classes at JALC.
Angela successfully completed the LPN program in the summer of 2002 and the ADN program in spring of 2003. Her overall grade point average was 4.53 on a 5-point scale.
In October of 2003, Angela began working for Good Samaritan as a Registered Nurse on the Surgical and Oncology floor. “I just love my job,” exclaimed Angela! |
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Training Assistance Success: Sandra Tressler
In September of 2002, Sandra Tressler attended John A. Logan College (JALC) to obtain her Associates in Applied Science degree in Administrative Assistant and Office Supervision Management. She was eligible to receive Workforce Investment Act (WIA) services provided by Man-Tra-Con Corporation and the One-Stop Business & Employment Center, and received help with mileage and day care expenses while she worked toward completing her studies.
She graduated from JALC in May of 2004, and was hired by Ferrell Gas Company as an Executive Secretary. Sandra visited the One-Stop Business & Employment Center in Marion to let us know how much she enjoys her new job. Sandra was appreciative of the help and guidance she received from Career Specialist Chris Pell during her career development and job search efforts. “I wouldn’t have been able to do anything without going to school and without Christine’s support,” she exclaimed! |
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Training Leads to Career Success: Curtis Estes
Curtis Estes was enrolled in the Workforce Investment Act (WIA) Program through Man-Tra-Con Corporation. He was eligible to receive an Individual Training Account (ITA) through WIA to help fund costs such as tuition, books, and mileage. Curtis began the Architectural Technology Program at Rend Lake College in August of 2001, and attended school full time while continuing his employment as a day care provider. In spite of his heavy workload and family responsibilities, he managed to achieve a grade point average of 3.7.
After completing the Architectural Technology Program in December of 2003, Curtis was placed in job search. In March of 2004, Curtis was hired by Continental Tire North America in Mt. Vernon as a Tire Mold Designer. He is very happy with his current position, and is very much looking toward the future. His wife and children could not be more proud of Curtis and his accomplishments! |
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Kelly Services Partners with One-Stop Business
& Employment Center to Recruit Customer Service Reps
Kelly Services, a full-service staffing agency, contracted with Blue Cross and Blue Shield to hire approximately 50 Customer Service Representatives for their Marion facility. During a two-week period, over 350 job seekers were interviewed at the One-Stop Business & Employment Center. As a result, 60 qualified candidates were found and 41 hired for positions at Blue Cross and Blue Shield. Mass recruiting efforts included ad placement in area newspapers and the Illinois Skills Match job matching system, plus assistance from the One-Stop Center’s Business Services Team — primarily Man-Tra-Con, Illinois Department of Employment Security and local offices of the Department of Human Services.
Teresha Weinkein, branch manager at Kelly Services, was very pleased with the help she received from Man-Tra-Con and One-Stop Business & Employment Center staff. “If it weren’t for you guys, I don’t know how we would have done it,” she exclaimed! |
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OJT Success: Suanne Clark
Suanne Clark visited the One-Stop Business & Employment Center, in Marion, searching for a job. She had recently moved back to southern Illinois and wanted to work on her resume using resources available at the One-Stop center. Career Specialist Kim Hargraves, employed at Man-Tra-Con Corporation, helped her assess her marketable skills and found that she needed to upgrade her computer skills. Suanne was eligible for computer training at John A. Logan College, where she learned how to prepare documents, forms and spreadsheets using Microsoft Word and Excel. Man-Tra-Con helped pay for her gas vouchers, training, and workshops. Career Specialist Dana Whitehead also helped her obtain appropriate work clothes to wear on interviews and on the job.
Suanne was hired as a receptionist for Brehm Preparatory School as an On-the-Job-Training customer. Supervisor Rosita Ridge was impressed by Suanne from the start, but waited to interview five others before confirming her choice. Suanne loves her job. Rosita is pleased as well. “I’m really happy with Suanne’s work. She’s a self-starter and I’ve been really impressed with her. We really want to keep her,” Rosita exclaimed! |
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View our Newsroom page for additional articles on how
WIA funding has made a difference in our community. |
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Support WIA Funding!
Participate in a non-federally funded initiative to help
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Man-Tra-Con Corporation is a partner of the One-Stop
Business & Employment Center, an Illinois workNet Center.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Program. Auxiliary aids and services
are available upon request to individuals with disabilities.
© Copyright 2011 Man-Tra-Con Corporation.
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