Manufacturing Mentors Wanted!!

June 26th, 2008 at 01:43pm Bob Trojan

Goodwill Abilities Center has operated a number of training and community placement programs since its inception in 1936. Our TECHWORKS facility on 15^th Avenue has an excellent reputation for providing a variety of training opportunities for individuals as well as meeting the training needs of local manufacturers.

One of our most successful programs is our “Fast-Track” training course. Students receive 72 hours of manufacturing training over an eight-week period. Our goal is to place the students in a full time position with a local manufacturer after graduating from the class. Fast-Track students receive training in blue print reading, calibration, “soft skills” and actual time on CNC machines. Goodwill Abilities Center staff then work to place the graduates in a full time position.

One element that is currently missing from the program is the follow-up and encouragement that new employees often need to succeed in their new jobs. We are therefore looking for volunteers who could devote approximately 10 hours, spread over a two-three month period, to assist the student in transitioning from the class room to full time employment.

Mentors would be asked to:

1. Meet the student half way through training period to get acquainted with their prospective students.

2. At the conclusion of training, consult with the Fast-Track trainers to determine the strengths and weaknesses of the student.

3. Work with Goodwill Abilities Center staff to secure permission from the hiring company to serve in the mentoring capacity at the company’s facility/plant.

4. Meet with the student once per week during the first month of employment. Gradually conclude the process once it is determined that the employee is performing at a level to succeed.

We believe this valuable contribution of a volunteer’s time will go a long way towards ensuring a successful career for our students.

If you know of someone, please let him/her know about this.

Persons interested in serving as a mentor can contact:
Courtney Geiger, Workforce Development Manger
Goodwill Abilities Center
1907 Kishwaukee Street, Rockford, IL 61104
cgeiger@abilitiescenter.org
815-965-3795

Entry Filed under: People, Networking, Productivity, Education & Training