TechWorks:Providing skilled labor for Stateline manufacturers

Stateline manufacturers need skill labor. Stateline people need jobs. TechWorks’ (TW) Fast-Track CNC operator training program is a win-win.

TechWorks’ Gold Collar Job Skills for advanced manufacturing provides Fast-Track CNC operator training (F-T), National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS) credential training (either lathe or mill) and customized, on location training. The initial 96 hour F-T training prepares individuals for rewarding career in advanced manufacturing. Additionally, NIMS training can greatly improve people’s skill set and chance of being employed and advancement.

TW is currently in the midst of a marketing campaign to share information on how individuals can train for a new career for positions that need to be filled today! The economy is showing signs of recovery and many local employers are in need of trained employees. With an investment of one month, a training fee of $1,920 and assistance with placement, individuals have the opportunity be gainfully employed at a starting salary of $35,000 with benefits.

Stateline manufacturers believe in TW’s efforts. Nationally renowned companies believe in TW and have partnered by providing advanced manufacturing equipment and tooling which allows individuals to train on today’s equipment. DMG Mori Seiki, Haas Technical Education Center, Sandvik Coromant and Ellison Technologies are companies that recently provided support, machinery or tooling to assist in the effort to move advanced manufacturing training in the Stateline area to the forefront.

TW is one of EIGERlab’s (E-L) areas of focus. E-L is a centrally located, state of the art, mixed-use incubator. It serves the region with leading-edge business and engineering support services. The community-related services are generally offered at no cost and the programs include: IL Small Business Development Center (SBDC), IL Procurement Technical Services Center (PTAC), U.S. Dept of Commerce Export Center and SCORE. In addition, TW is affiliated with Rock Valley College and RAEDC.

Individuals that have completed the TW F-T training and have received placement assistance strongly believe in the results-oriented program. Steve Thomas completed both the F-T training and the NIMS Certification. He states that it was directly due to this training that he was both hired and has advanced at Gunite Corporation. “The job is very gratifying and the Information I learned in class was beneficial. My trainer, Gordy Blaisdell was awesome…a wealth of knowledge.”

In addition to training, TW also assists in educating our youth about advanced manufacturing. They held two KidsWorks Kamps that were wildly popular. Successful local entrepreneurs spoke at their Lunch and Learn lunchtime break further hammering home the different aspects of modern, clean manufacturing. Kids toured impressive companies such as Woodard Governor, again enforcing information that was being shared in class. Kids were exposed to Solid Works software and then moved to working with the advanced manufacturing equipment on the shop floor.

Lastly, TW recently participated in the IMTS show, America's largest manufacturing technology show at McCormick Place where TW representatives were able to convey information regarding advanced manufacturing to 300 area students and teachers that attended.