 Spotlight on Success
|
If you would like more information, please do not hesitate to contact us!
Jane Addams
Resource Corporation
4432 N. Ravenswood Ave.
Chicago, IL 60640
773.728.9769
|
|
After graduating from high school, Juan Soto spent a number of years moving around from job to job. He acquired some knowledge and experience in the manufacturing sector, but struggled to hold an economically viable job for any significant period of time. As a result, one of Juan’s greatest challenges was convincing new potential employers that he had the skills and experience to succeed. When Juan read about JARC in a local newspaper, he was working two part-time jobs and collecting unemployment compensation.
“Given my age,” says Juan, “going back to school was a big question mark for me. But, I decided I’d do what I had to do.” JARC’s Careers in Manufacturing Program (CMP) was so appealing, he explains, because “I could fine-tune what I already knew, learn a lot more…and earn certification, something [tangible] to back me up.” Juan entered CMP in winter of 2006. Over the course of the 14-week intensive program, Juan achieved proficiency in various metalworking fields, including Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machining, welding, and punch press operation. Some of the supplemental services he most appreciated were financial education and workplace readiness assistance. “It was an all-around great program,” says Juan.
After excelling in his metalworking skills coursework and balancing the rigors of both CMP and a part-time job, Juan was prepared to re-enter the workforce with renewed energy. In the 30 days between his graduation from CMP and the day he accepted his job, Juan received 30 calls for interviews. “They were interested in me,” he says, proudly. Juan has been employed since June 2006 as an apprentice mold-maker at an internationally prominent Chicago manufacturing company, and is driven by an unstoppable momentum. Juan is still very much invested in furthering his education; his apprenticeship is through the Tooling & Manufacturing Association, and his perspective is, “If they want to keep sending me to school, I’ll go! It can only help me.” Juan has purchased two cars for his family, and has his sights set on homeownership and eventually becoming “a full-fledged mold-maker.” He is also an emerging leader in the development of JARC’s new alumni club. We congratulate Juan on all of his successes!
|
|
|
|
