Tool Room Apprentice
"My manufacturing career has made a difference in my life by creating passion that has shaped my identity. The constant drive for efficiency and quality has made me more detail oriented and goal-driven, not only in my work but also in pursuing personal ambitions.
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
"I was drawn to the opportunity to create tangible products that make a difference in people's lives. Manufacturing offers a dynamic and challenging environment where you can apply your creativity, problem solving skills, and passion for innovation.
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
"I'm fascinated by the process of calibration. It's a field that allows me to apply my problem-solving skills, and I get to work with cutting-edge technology. As a calibration technician, I find the constant innovation and the opportunity to work in a dynamic, ever-evolving industry incredibly rewarding.
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
"It was an interesting choice for me back in college. I started out with an interest in lasers and how they are used in different industries. Then I found some connections through the school and friends. My manufacturing career has made a difference in my life by expanding my understanding and knowledge of how important the industry is to our everyday lives."
- 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
"My manufacturing career has made a difference in my life by opening my eyes to a new world of technology and the many ways things can be produced. It has also substantially improved my skills beyond my initial expectations, providing me with a more secure future due to the hard work I have invested.
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.CNC Machinist Apprentice
"Growing up, I liked to take things apart and explore how things work. Because of this, I knew that I wanted to pursue a hands-on college experience that would also lead to a successful career path. Having been inspired by my dad's manufacturing background and emboldened by my natural desire to be a maker, it was a natural choice for me.
My manufacturing career has made a difference in my life by giving me the experience that I desired while also affording me an opportunity to grow personally and professionally. In particular, working with Crafts Technology and Hyperion Materials & Technology has taught me to express my inner creative person by providing me with an opportunity in machining to "reduce to practice" what is in someone's mind or on a concept drawing. If you are a maker at heart, a rewarding manufacturing career is a lifeline to you as you develop and grow. Additionally, my manufacturing career started at Harper College and I have them to thank for helping me to build out my core skill set so that I could enter the workplace with the level of skills, productivity and confidence that employers seek in candidates."- Cambridge Lakes Charter School
- Harper College Apprenticeship Program
- Concordia University Business Management
Crafts Technology I A Hyperion Materials & Technologies Company collaborates with customers to improve their productivity - and optimize total cost of ownership. Through Crafts' strong synergies between their manufacturing, engineering, and materials science sectors within the company, they create systems and components which significantly enhance the overall performance and productivity of industrial equipment. Cassandra, part of Craft's robust Apprenticeship Program, will be featured in early 2024 as part of Amazon Prime's "College Tour" series.Calibration Technician
"As someone who appreciates the importance of precision and accuracy, I was drawn to a career in calibration. Calibration plays a vital role in quality control, ensuring that equipment yields accurate results. I think it's fun how calibration exposes me to new technology and helps me learn how other industries use the gages that we calibrate.
Most importantly, I get to contribute to the integrity and reliability of various industries.
Manufacturing has made a difference in my life knowing that my work directly impacts the accuracy and safety of manufactured products in various industries such as military, automotive, medical, and aerospace."
- 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. Erik, part of this team at ATI, began as an intern, an opportunity ATI offers through their hands-on internship program.
