Under the Workforce Investment Act (WIA) and other grants, Lake County
Workforce Development can pay for qualified individuals to retrain in highgrowth industries. Some recent opportunities have been in the medical and
technical fields. Read more stories of some recent graduates.
When Shalonda lost her job as a Cashier at a fast-food restaurant, she decided to pursue
training in the medical field. She started a 5-month dental assisting course in November
2012. After graduating, she used every avenue to locate job openings and participated in
an interview workshop at the Job Center. She was hired full-time as a Dental Assistant at a
local office in July 2013.
Claudia began the prerequisites for a nursing program in 2009 after losing her job as a
Billing Clerk. She was accepted into the nursing program at the College of Lake County in
August 2011 and completed her degree in two years. She was hired as a Registered Nurse
in August 2013 earning $26/hour.
Ericka had experience as a Sales Assistant but wanted a job with growth potential. In May
2012, she started a course in medical information systems. She completed certificates in
Microsoft 2010 and medical office assisting. In April 2013, she was hired as an
Information Specialist in the medical records department of a local hospital.
When Robert was laid off from a job with a non-profit organization, he decided to change
careers altogether. Workforce Development funded him for a 6-week training in truck
driving. He obtained his CDL (commercial driver’s license) and started working as a Long
Haul Truck Driver in October 2012.
Ira looked for employment for more than 9 months after he was laid off from a position as
a Technical Product Manager. In a busy job market, he decided he needed to distinguish
himself from other candidates. He was trained in project management (PMP), Microsoft
Sharepoint and Project in early 2013. In May 2013, he was hired as a Program Manager
at a large pharmaceutical company. He says the training benefits him each day on the
job.
Letty landed a position as an Inside Sales Representative in August 2013. She says
networking is the most powerful way to find a job.
Her top tips:
Do not feel that you are bothering people; let go of your pride and ask for help.
Attend workshops and interact with others.
Blog about your job search journey; blogging releases frustration and increases the
effectiveness of your writing skills.
Remain positive, even when challenged.
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