PLEASE NOTE: The INAM Consortium was funded by a $12.9 million grant from the Department of Labor and tasked with delivering certificate programs in Advanced Manufacturing that can be completed in one year or less and prepare participants for employment in high-wage, high-skill occupations. While the INAM grant project has ended, these training programs remain vibrant at the individual Community Colleges. Please visit the colleges for ongoing program information.
Welding student at College of DuPage
Manufacturing has been, and continues to be, an important part of Illinois’s economy. With the outreach of INAM, the manufacturing sector will be well positioned to grow even more over the next years. According to reports from the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM – 2011), the average annual salary in manufacturing is $72,538. The Illinois Manufacturers Association (IMA) reports that Illinois will hire over 30,000 employees in advanced manufacturing positions over the next five years.
The internet provides many powerful tools and resources for job seekers with some websites providing salary information, tools for writing resumes, tips on interviewing and other helpful information. Take advantage of these resources today by visiting:
Most of the colleges that participated in the iNAM grant also have College Central Network. This is another valuable tool that you can use to upload your resume, search job postings, and submit your resume to posted jobs.
Another strong resource can be found in Illinois WorkNet Centers which are located throughout the state. A visit to one of these centers can be particularly helpful to the novice job seeker. For more information, including locations and hours visit www.illinoisworknet.com.
To get a job, you need to show the potential employer three important pieces of information.
1. Resume and Cover Letter
2. Interviewing Skills
Preparation- Prepare by researching the company and reviewing their website, making a plan, and practicing potential interview questions.
Dress for Success- Do you really want the job? Make sure you dress professionally so that your first impression is a lasting one. Remember, you only get one chance for a first impression.
Questions for the Interviewer- Make sure you have questions prepared to ask the person interviewing you. It will show that you’re interested in the position and eager to learn about the company. You’re not the only one being interviewed.
3. Employability Skills
The employability skills also known as soft skills, employers are looking for in all employees include the following:
The three skills listed below are at the top of the list when hiring a new employee:
Are you still looking through different occupations that best fit your skill set? Please visit the O*Net Resource Center where you can sort through all your occupational options. Your Career Exploration starts here.
Check out the Career Center at your local community college. Become a regular visitor and get to know the knowledgeable and helpful staff. These centers provide job seekers with access to computer resources, internet job boards, workshops on resume writing and interviewing techniques, books on job search tips, sample resumes and cover letters, and much more.
Click the link for your local community college listed below to get started today.
Carla Boyd | Director | 217-443-8593 | cboyd@dacc.edu
Kathy Meisinger | Internship Coordinator | 847-214-7894 | kmeisinger@elgin.edu
Nick Shaner | Career Coordinator | 618-544-8657 x 1130 | shanern@iecc.edu
Lara Stehlik | Career Coordinator | 618-262-8641 x 3399 | stehlikl@iecc.edu
Allan Alldredge | Career Coordinator | 618-842-3711 x 2019 | alldredgea@iecc.edu
Alyssa Parrott | Career Coordinator | 618-842-3711 x 4009 | parrotta@iecc.edu
Cathy Buck | Career Services Specialist | 815-224-0214 | cathy_buck@ivcc.edu
Dick Tabb | Administrative Specialist, Career Readiness | 217-641-4974 | dtabb@jwcc.edu
Layton Cooper | Coordinator, Employer Relations, Career Services | 815-280-2762 | lcooper@jjc.edu
Mary Posing | Assistant Dean of Continuing Education & Career Services | 815-802-8575 | mposing@kcc.edu
Michelle Allen | Coordinator of Career Center | 815-825-2086 x 4080 | michelle.allen@kishwaukeecollege.edu
Evette Thompson | Coordinator of Career Services | 815-455-8576 | ethompson7794@mchenry.edu
Robin Vivona | Manager, Career Services | 847-635-1723 | vivona@oakton.edu
708-709-3755
Darbe D. Brinkoetter | Dean of Continuing & Professional Education | 217-875-7211 x 239 | dbrinkoe@richland.edu
Gaby Sappenfield | Job Developer | 708-596-2000 x 2563 | Gsappenfield@ssc.edu
Paula Koskie | Career Development Coordinator | 618-931-0060 x 7338 | Paula.Koskie@swic.edu