Put your trade skills to good use
If you like to build or repair things and dream of a good paying job, or if you just want to learn how to fix things around the house, join trade industry professionals at "Are You Considering a Career in the Trades," a free information session, from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Sept. 29 at IBEW Local 117, 765 Munshaw Lane in Crystal Lake.
The day-long program is open to men and women, age 16 and older and will feature an action-packed day with hands-on experience in the trade of your choice.
Trade industry professionals, both union and non-union, will talk about their occupations, which includes HVAC technician/sheet metal, masonry workers, plumbers, carpenters, electricians, roofers, construction craft laborers, site superintendent/managers and building inspectors.
The Construction Service Industry Corporation will present its "Earn While Your Learn" program, which provides interested individuals with information on union apprenticeship programs.
"The goal is for participants to gain a better understanding of the trades work environment and how to get started in the trades," said Connee Meschini, director of University Center at MCC.
"This is the first time in the county's history that people from all of the trades will get together to offer an educational program," she said.
"This is a joint venture between unions and open shops," said Joe Pienschke, a plumbing inspector who has been in the industry for 44 years.
"Tradesmen my age are starting to retire and there's not enough people replacing our workforce," Pienschke said.
"My vision is that the college will be the connecting link between the untapped workforce and the employers. We have no method, until [the Trades Day event], to get those two groups together," he said.
Pienschke serves on the Construction Education Advisory Committee, which is organizing the Trades Day event. This committee consists of 40 members from education and building trades, from as far away as Lake and DuPage counties. In addition, State Representatives Jack Franks (63rd District), Mike Tryon (R-64th District), Senator Pamela Althoff (R-32nd District), and U.S. Congressman Don Manzullo (R-16th District) will be in attendance.
"Just as 25 to 30 years ago, society saw the need for more college graduates, today's society recognizes the need for well-trained technical professionals," Althoff said.
The session is free and lunch will be provided. To register, call (815) 455-8588 and reference class ID: NPT S01 001.
For information, contact Connee Meschini at (815) 479-7590 or cmeschin@mchenry.edu.
To find out about other Professional Education programs at MCC, contact Cathy Anderson at (815) 479-7801 or canderso@mchenry.edu.