Workforce | Page 3

Training Services Under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), Lake County Workforce Development funds qualified job seekers for short-term training in high demand occupations. The goal is to help trainees gain the up-to-date skills necessary to compete in the current market. Read on to learn how these trainees are advancing their careers. Advancing in the Medical Field Kristie has held many job titles: Esthetician, Chiropractic Assistant, Massage Therapist. Health insurance changes saw a drop in her commissions, though. She says her jobs left her with “no room to grow and no regular office hours.” She was thrilled when she learned she could qualify for additional training. Kristie attended an accelerated three-month training in medical assisting at the International Training Academy. She participated in an internship and was hired permanently as a Medical Assistant at a dermatology office in January 2015. She briefs patients on upcoming procedures, explains how various medications work and maintains medical records on a computer system. Best of all, Kristie has found financial stability for her family. “When I was out of work I felt useless while I saw bills pile up. This has been a total lifestyle change.” Advancing in the IT Field Dwayne is currently the Systems Administrator of Mobility Operations for a large pharmaceutical company. He says that his new job is due in part to training he received thanks to Workforce Development. When Dwayne was laid off from his job in user support for a large financial services corporation, he found the job search process to be frustrating. As a Navy veteran, Dwayne was used to following a schedule,