SUCCESS
Newsletter for Lake County Workforce Development
Who’s Inside?
Trainees
1
Businesses
3
Youth
4
Adults
6
Workforce
7
Investment Board
Volunteers
Summer 2013
Among other services, Lake County Workforce
Development funds qualified job seekers for
short-term training. The goal is to help them gain the
up-to-date skills necessary to compete in the current
market. Read on to learn how these trainees found
their careers. Visit www.lakecountyjobcenter.com for
more information.
8
Veteran Begins Career in Human Services
An Army veteran, Sheila was laid off from a position as a claims adjuster
in 2007. She searched for work for almost two years but employers told
her that her skills were not up-to-date. Through the WIA grant, she started
a two-year program in Human Services at the College of Lake County in
2009. She completed her Associate degree in June 2012. “I worked
extremely hard; my family was looking to me as a role model.”
As a part of her studies, Sheila was required to complete an externship.
She chose an externship at a non-profit agency specializing in behavioral
health. Upon completing her degree, Sheila was offered a full-time
position at that agency as a Client Services Representative. Sheila advises
others to use the Job Center and tap into training scholarships.
Driving Into a New Career
When Arturo lost his job as a Machine Operator in May 2012, he was
determined to improve his work situation. He says the days felt
“stagnant” as he waited for employers to call him back. Then he learned
that he qualified for the WIA training grant.
Arturo started classes to obtain his CDL (truck driver license) in October
2012. He showed an aptitude for driving and completed training within
a month. His Career Specialist with Workforce Development told him
that networking was the most effective way to find employment, so he
found every opportunity to talk with employers. In February 2013, he
knocked on the door of a moving company and asked if they needed
help. They said “yes.” Best of all, Arturo’s new job pays $4/hour more
than his previous production job.