D214 Community Education helps adults build successful futures in manufacturing
Manufacturing jobs are in high demand, and District 214 Community Education is dedicated to helping adults land those high-wage jobs through its new Adult Manufacturing Pathway program.
The program is funded by the Illinois Community College Board Innovative Bridge and Transition Program Grant. Students are currently taking Intro to Advanced Manufacturing and Quality Control classes in a 10-week semester - and the classes are free of charge for the students.
Karen Oswald, Supervisor of Adult Education and Family Literacy with District 214 Community Education, and her team, developed the program, which was implemented in September.
The $67,000 grant will go toward educating up to 50 students in FY 2020, and includes support and transitional services.
A robust manufacturing career pathway program for high school students has been successful at the district, and this new program was modified to meet the needs of adult students.
Students attend classes four nights a week at Wheeling High School. Two nights are taught by members of the adult education staff and the other two nights the instructors are from Symbol Training Institute.
"Symbol Training Institute has joined us in our mission to break down the barriers of cost and location for our students," said Julie Frost, Transitions Coordinator for District 214 Community Education.
Students receive support and instruction in math, reading and language skills, providing a holistic approach and eliminating possible barriers for them to have successful careers in manufacturing. Students that are currently in the Quality Control classes can take the NIMS credential test and receive credentials.
"Our intent is to provide a pathway and the skill set and confidence for the D214 participants to enter a career in advanced manufacturing.," said Tom Peters, director of workforce development at Symbol Training Institute. "There is a large skilled labor shortage today within the manufacturing industry and this is one way to combat that and assist the local employers."
"Once they have finished our program they can continue with Symbol Training Institute or go to Harper, but we hope that they will find a job and start earning money so they can continue their education," said Frost. She said they can get a job and also have the option of continuing with Symbol Training Institute while working and earn stackable credentials.
Peters said that they aim to get students qualified for the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity (WIOA) grant so they would not have to pay for anything out of pocket to enroll at Symbol Training Institute.
"We wanted to partner with D214 with the intent of providing immigrants with an opportunity for a real-world education, which they wouldn't have had otherwise," Peters said.