SOUTH HOLLAND, IL–South Suburban College (SSC) and the Calumet Area Industrial Commission (CAIC) have partnered to offer a free Manufacturing Skills and Training Bootcamp. This 80-hour, 5-week program prepares individuals for college-level manufacturing programs and rewarding careers.
Students who complete the program earn the National Safety Council forklift certification, the OSHA 10 safety standards certification and an SSC certificate of participation. They will also receive plant tours, interviews with potential employers and the opportunity to connect with college representatives. Participants may even be eligible to earn a stipend while taking part in the bootcamp.
Nancy Burrows, a CAIC program coordinator remarked, “When people think about manufacturing, they think you need to be good with your hands, but it’s more important to be good with your mind as problem-solving is one of the most vital tools for success in the field.”
Participants of the Manufacturing Skills and Training Bootcamp will gain a well-rounded understanding of the field while adding mathematical techniques to their skillset. Resume building and interviewing strategies will also be explored.
“Many people who work in manufacturing are retiring. Companies are seeking people with a myriad of skills who are eager to advance. We are hopeful that this partnership between the CAIC and SSC will help address the needs of our communities,” Burrows added. “The Chicago Southland is rich with manufacturing companies. It’s a great boost for the economy of the area to have people who can live and work in the same vicinity.”
The Manufacturing Skills and Training Bootcamp begins on Monday, June 6, 2022. Classes will take place at the Thornton Fractional High School Center for Academics and Technology at 1605 Wentworth Ave. Calumet City, IL 60409. The bootcamp is open to graduates of the Thornton Fractional Class of 2022 and all adults over the age of 18. Seating is limited and registration is required. More information is available at: calumetareaindustrial.com/bridge-program. Call Nancy Burrows at (773) 517-3708 or e-mail nancy@calumetareaindustrial.com for additional details or to register.
Funding for the Manufacturing Skills and Training Bootcamp is provided by an H-1B US Department of Labor One Workforce Grant.
