Tool and Die Maker Apprentice
"I have chosen a career in manufacturing because it grants me the privilege of utilizing a combination of my soft skills. mechanical acumen, and craftsmanship to yield results in my environment. These outcomes evoke a strong sense of pride and assure me a prosperous future.
My manufacturing career has made a difference because I get to be a part of a long-standing tradition of community and workmanship, which, when put together, forms a meaningful and effective team capable of anything. Manufacturing aligned with one goal in particular that was important to me. That being said, the amount of knowledge to gain in this field is undoubtedly infinite. The scale of skills and applications is so vast. I will work for many decades, learning something new every day."
- Hampshire High School
- TMA Training
- Elgin Community College
As a vertically integrated manufacturer with in-house injection molding, stamping, CNC machining, cable assembly and cable overmolding capabilities, OTTO designs and manufactures a full line of control switches and audio accessories. The Otto team has strong mechanical, electrical and RF Design Engineering capabilities, in addition to a world-class test lab and computer-controlled production line testing. Otto offers a robust apprenticeship program — ensuring team members like Brian benefit from the hands-on learning and education opportunities.Laser Welding Builder & Operator
It's a field that is continuously evolving with technological advancements and provides opportunities for growth and learning, making an exciting career for me.
My manufacturing career has made a difference in my life by providing a foundation for personal and professional growth. It has ingrained in me a strong work ethic, attention to detail, and problem solving skills that extend into personal growth. Witnessing the result of my work and contributing to the creation of products has been incredibly gratifying. I am thankful of the opportunity to be part of something larger than myself."
- Faith Christian School
- McHenry County College
Alliance Specialties and Laser Sales provides complete mold finishing and maintenance, in addition to their expansive laser welding and engraving machine sales solutions. Alliance offers multiple internships simultaneously, and as a result, their workforce has substantial career growth opportunities — Ethan is one of several Alliance Mavericks we have been spotlighting this month!Tool Room Apprentice
It has also infused purpose, fulfillment, and a strong sense of accomplishment in my life.
I've chosen a career in manufacturing because it provides me endless opportunities for learning and growth."
- West Aurora High School
- Elgin Community College Apprenticeship Program
Amsted Automotive provides engineering and manufacturing in high efficiency mechatronic clutch designs, advanced metal-forming, and powdered metallurgy to OEMs in the automotive industry. Amsted's integrated innovations reduce mass, extend range, improve safety, increase performance, and maximize drivetrain efficiencies. Hands-on training is a vital aspect of Amsted's Apprentice Program — ensuring team members like Joshue build the skillset required for his Tool Room responsibilities.Buyer / Inventory Control
It also provides a chance to contribute to growth of industries, improve efficiency, and be a part of a collaborative team that brings ideas to life.
My manufacturing career has made a difference in my life by enhancing my problem-solving and critical thinking skills. It has provided a platform where I can combine creativity and technology to create valuable products. Working in this field has also given me a sense of accomplishment and purpose; Knowing I can contribute to society by producing goods that people use every day. It has allowed me to grow professionally, be a part of a dynamic team, and learn about various aspects of business operations and industry trends."
- Wauconda High School
- Universal Technical Institute
Alliance Specialties and Laser Sales provides complete mold finishing and maintenance, in addition to their expansive laser welding and engraving machine sales solutions. Alliance offers multiple internships simultaneously, and as a result, their workforce has substantial career growth opportunities — Luis is one of several Alliance Mavericks we will be spotlighting this month!Calibration Technician
Calibrating various instruments such as oscilloscopes, multimeters, torque wrenches, calipers, and micrometers challenges me daily.
Manufacturing has made a difference in my life motivating me to learn and adapt, making each day a new learning experience. I find it rewarding to know that my job allows me to contribute to the production of goods that have a real impact on people's lives."
- South Elgin High School
Assurance Technologies provides calibration services, repair services, dimensional inspection services and testing services within the Quality Industry. ATI's Service and Calibration Lab teams follow a strict training regimen with a documented continuous education program — ensuring they possess the most current knowledge of metrology equipment and the newest technologies in the industry. As part of this team, Daniel appreciates the hands-on learning opportunity ATI offers each day, motivating him to learn and adapt in his manufacturing career.Laser Welder
"I always hated school and I never wanted to go back after high school. It was not that I hated learning. I always enjoyed working on things "hands-on," and trades peaked my interest. When I found out that Tony did welding at his shop, I wanted to work there.
I enjoy what I do. I don't dread going to my job since working here. I can't say much on welding itself. I am still new to it and learning, but I enjoy it. As for working with Alliance, it has been a blessing to work with the people that I do. It's been a blessing having Tony and Doug as not just bosses, but leaders. I'm forever grateful for the opportunity to work here and learn what I have, and the skills that I've gained."- Home Schooled
Alliance Specialties and Laser Sales provides complete mold finishing and maintenance, in addition to their expansive laser welding and engraving machine sales solutions. Alliance offers multiple internships simultaneously, and as a result, their workforce has substantial career growth opportunities — Matthew is one of several Alliance Mavericks we will be spotlighting this month!CAD Operator / Engineering Support
"I love being a part of this amazing process where we collectively come together to turn ideas into real, tangible products. From the very beginning, starting with raw materials, all the way to the finished goods, it's truly a transformative journey that I feel lucky to be a part of.
My manufacturing career has made a difference in my life by allowing me to be a part of something bigger. It has challenged me and in return made me a better person."- Minooka Community High School
- Joliet Junior College
Advantage Components, Inc. provides high-quality, custom engineered interconnect products in a wide range of industries, including agriculture, industrial, medical and off-road. As a CAD Operator and part of the Engineering Support Team, Carlos' ongoing career development is creating new opportunities for him to be part of a bigger community of problem solvers.Laser Welding Builder & Operator
"Manufacturing has provided stable employment, opportunities for new skill development, and contributing to the economy and society by producing essential goods. It has also improved many skills, and allowed me to learn many new skills.
I enjoy the process of creating products and contributing products that benefit others in the industry. I enjoy manufacturing as a career because there is a visible difference that I, and others can see in the industry."- Home Schooled
- McHenry County College
Alliance Specialties and Laser Sales provides complete mold finishing and maintenance, in addition to their expansive laser welding and engraving machine sales solutions. Alliance offers multiple internships simultaneously, and as a result, their workforce has substantial career growth opportunities — Caleb is one of several Alliance Mavericks we will be spotlighting this month!Special Fabrication Welder
"After High School, I did automotive work along with other part time jobs but when Covid hit, all that came to an end. I realized that path wasn't going to be long term and wanted to get into something where I could work with my hands, create stuff and have a future with good earnings potential. Welding caught my attention and I've never looked back.
My manufacturing career opened up the door for me to have steady work, learn the trade, work for a company providing good benefits and have above average earnings potential. Now that I am enrolled in a welding apprenticeship program, I have a long term career opportunity."- Belvidere North High School
- Rock Valley College Apprenticeship Program
Hennig Inc. designs and produces quality machine protection and chip/coolant management products, with world-wide service centers. Hennig solutions can be custom-tailored to any machine, work-space, or performance requirement.
Hennig is also focused on closing the skills gap in manufacturing, with their Metal Fabricator/Welder Apprenticeship Program, administered through the Rock River Valley Tooling & Machining Association (RRVTMA), in coordination with Rock Valley College. As a federally recognized, certified program by the U.S. Department of Labor, Hennig's program features full benefits, and full-time work/compensation. During the 8,000 hour of paid manufacturing training, apprentice's take classes one night a week, also paid for by Hennig. Jonathan is currently enrolled in this apprenticeship, and now has the long term career opportunities he was seeking.
Service Technician
- Grant Community High School
- College of Lake County
Alliance Specialties and Laser Sales provides complete mold finishing and maintenance, in addition to their expansive laser welding and engraving machine sales solutions. Alliance offers multiple internships simultaneously, and as a result, their workforce has substantial career growth opportunities — Michael is one of several Alliance Mavericks we will be spotlighting this month!Tool Room Apprentice
I wanted to pursue a career that provided stability, skill development, and financial opportunities."- East Aurora High School
- Elgin Community College Apprenticeship Program
Amsted Automotive provides engineering and manufacturing in high efficiency mechatronic clutch designs, advanced metal-forming, and powdered metallurgy to OEMs in the automotive industry. Amsted's integrated innovations reduce mass, extend range, improve safety, increase performance, and maximize drivetrain efficiencies. Hands-on training is a vital aspect of Amsted's Apprentice Program -- ensuring team members like Cristian build the skillset required for his Tool Room responsibilities.Production Manager
"The opportunity found me when my dad, who was working as a contractor for M&M, heard they were looking for operators and made the connections. I stayed in manufacturing due to the diverse opportunities and challenges that allowed me to exceed my expectations in just 4 years.
I have been fortunate to work for a company that prioritized my growth through mentorship, leadership training, and challenging projects. As I progressed, I demonstrated strong problem-solving skills and adaptability. Collaborating with engineers, technicians, and operators has developed my skills and technical expertise. It has also provided stability and a second family. I take pride in creating process improvements, enhancing efficiency, and delivering a quality product.
- Back of the Yards College Preparatory High School
M&M Quality Grinding provides Quality Management System certified in-house centerless grinding, bar straightening, bar saw cutting, bar chamfering, and bar polishing for customers making components for military and medical equipment, industrial machinery, and vehicles. Ronald joined the M+M team 4 years ago, and though his hands-on training, and ongoing career development, is empowered and confident in his Production Manager role.