On the Job Training: Both Sides of the Story
GENE’S STORY
Gene decided to make a career transition after over a decade of
experience in corporate signage. “The print industry was reducing staff;
there were clearly opportunities elsewhere.” He wanted a position that
would combine his mathematical degree and customer service skills.
Lake County Workforce Development funded him through the
Accelerated Training for Illinois Manufacturing grant for a 30-credit
hour Mechatronics certificate program at the College of Lake County.
During the one-year program, he learned to design, install, maintain
and repair industrial equipment.
TIM’S STORY
Tim Leonard is the Manager of Human Resources at TriCore, Inc.—a
company specializing in automated fluid manufacturing processes.
They serve business customers in the food and beverage field.
Tim says that the talent pool for qualified engineers is shallow because
the requirements are demanding; specifically he needs individuals with
strong technical and programming skills who have the customer service
skills to interact with business customers daily.
ON THE JOB TRAINING
Even while in training, Gene was networking with potential employers. Workforce
Development staff let him know that he qualified for an On the Job (OJT) training** with an
eligible employer. TriCore was very interested. Gene was hired as a Calibration Technician
in January 2015; his OJT plan detailed specific competencies he was to build through
mentoring and site visits. During Gene’s first month on the job, he traveled to El Paso, Texas
and Vancouver, Canada for training. Tim warned Gene that the first few months on the job
would feel like drinking from a fire hose. “You will get a lot of information and you have to
hit the ground running.”
As Gene approaches his one year anniversary at the company, he reflects back on his career
transition. “My job isn’t for everyone, but it suits me perfectly. I love solving problems at
work sites and taking service calls.”
** On the Job Training (OJT) is a Workforce program that reimburses an employer for
up to 50% of a new employee’s wages during their initial employment and training in a
new job. Candidates should display 50-80% of the skill set that the employer requires
in a position. “Basically, Workforce Development offers a reimbursable OJT to
employers and trainees.” explains Demar Harris, Program Manager, “This is a win-win
solution that fills the skill gaps of the trainee while offering the employer a valuable,
trainable and highly skilled worker.”
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