With the support of workNet DuPage, Danny Alvarez, Jr. went from being laid off to a new career in Information Technology.
For most people, experiencing a layoff is a traumatic event, for Danny Alvarez, Jr. it was an opportunity.
Danny Alvarez, Jr., workNet DuPage client 2019
At the age of 28, Danny Alvarez, Jr. was climbing the ladder of success at his job when he received the news that he was laid off. Over a period of five years he had worked his way up to become a production lead at Pepperidge Farm in Downers Grove setting up and operating machines. That all came to an end.
He says the layoff forced him to take a hard look at his career trajectory and think about where he was headed and where he wanted to be. He knew he liked to work with computers and had an IT career in mind but didn’t know if he could make the switch.
He heard about the WIOA training grant for laid off workers through his wife’s cousin and decided to see what it was all about. “I started looking for another job, but I wanted something more,” Danny says. “I was looking to get into the IT industry. It seemed to offer endless possibilities.”
Through the WIOA training grant, Danny was able to enroll in the National Able IT Career Lab. The program provided him with a solid foundation and the requisite skills to get a start in the field. In sixteen weeks, he garnered four certifications in Microsoft and Cisco.
“I started looking for another job, but I wanted something more,” Danny says.
The choice to pursue a career in information technology is setting Danny up for long-term potential. In DuPage County, information technology is one of four industries driving the region’s growth next to healthcare, manufacturing, and transportation, distribution and logistics.
While Danny was pursuing IT training, he attended the workNet DuPage Bootcamp to hone his job search skills. He learned to style his resume for a career change in IT and conduct mock interviews which included polishing a 60 second elevator pitch. It was a step out of his comfort zone, but he says it really paid off. “The constructive criticisms were actually really helpful,” Danny noted. “I was surprised at the amount of resources and how much community support is out there, especially when it comes to networking.”
His career counselor at workNet DuPage, Marianne Eisley, was there every step of the way. She says, “Danny pursued a set of really great IT certifications that are very difficult. He passed all four certification exams and secured a full-time permanent position straight out of the gate.”
Danny got his new job with the IT management service provider Aqueity in Lombard, and it is a perfect fit for him. At the frontlines of one of the company’s help desks, he will be responding to the IT needs of area companies. As a member of a four-person team, he will be surrounded by advanced tier members, and he will learn from them and continue to grow.
“I left my job wanting to do something different, but I didn’t know how to make that possible. I feel really fortunate for this opportunity to change careers.”
Danny’s dogged persistence and hopeful outlook was key to his success. Marianne says, “I was really impressed with Danny’s meticulous approach and determination. I would see him working on his resume at the center and really going after his dreams. He took everything and ran with it to make his life better.”
Now employed and launching a new career, Danny gives credit to the workNet DuPage Career Center. “It completely changed my life,” he says. “I left my job wanting to do something different, but I didn’t know how to make that possible. I feel really fortunate for this opportunity to change careers.”
Danny’s ultimate goal is to go into network engineering and he says his training and the new job will definitely get him to where he wants to be.
When we asked Danny if he would recommend the workNet DuPage Career Center to a good friend he replied: “I already have.”
Need Help Paying for Skills or Certifications like Danny?
A WIOA grant can pay for up to $10,000 of training.
Peek Inside: At this location, we offer our customers a wide range of manufacturing capabilities, from CNC machining all the way to complete product assembly and fulfillment.
Fun fact about our company: a robot works right alongside our machinists to produce parts with quality and efficiency!
You would like to work at our company if
you are interested in the wide range of evolving technologies, processes and creativity that go into the world of modern manufacturing.
In the next year, we expect to hire CNC machinists
To get that job, you typically need a high school diploma and vocational or technical training in machining. We offer additional on-the-job training once a new machinist with the foundational skills and experience joins the team so they can continue to master their craft.
Our best machinists have: a passion about the art and science that goes into taking a raw piece of metal or plastic and forming it into a high-precision design.
CNC Machinists From this position, you could grow into
Master Machinist
Machining Business Manager
Owner of your own machining business
In the next year, we expect to hire Assembly Operators
To get that job, you typically need a high school diploma, a mechanical aptitude and a willingness to learn and closely follow processes and work instructions.
Our best assembly operators are eager learners and pay attention to details. They enjoy working on different types of mechanical work every day.
Assembly Operators From this position, you could grow into
lead operator
supervisor
manufacturing manager
FEATURED ORGANIZATION:
Company Name: The Jel Sert Company
DuPage Location: West Chicago, IL
Total number of employees in DuPage: 900 during peak season
Peek Inside
The Jel Sert Company is a leading manufacturer of food and beverage products. For the past 20 years, our team has been dedicated to establishing an exemplary manufacturing infrastructure that supports the needs of some of the world’s largest Consumer Packaged Goods and pharmaceutical companies.
Jel Sert is committed to providing employees with development opportunities as we are invested in their long term success and advancement within the organization. An individual development plan assists employees in career and personal development and allows employees to reach short and long term career goals.
You would like to work at our company because
We are committed to attracting the best talent and developing our employees to exceed their potential. Our employees take pride in their work and are always looking for ways to contribute their ideas, skills, experience, and passion. We reward and value creativity, professionalism, teamwork, honesty, and longevity.
In the next year, we expect to hire 2-3 technicians
To get this job, you typically need a Minimum of 3 years’ experience working with electrical, hydraulics, programming, and mechanical PLCs is required.
We pay $2.00 per hour shift differential for all time worked on 3rd shift. *Rate of pay depends on one’s experience, education, and skills.
Our best technicians have: Strong mechanical and electrical skills Additionally, someone that takes pride in their work, is honest, creative in their ideas, and works as a professional in a team environment.
All Technicians are sent to College of DuPage for classes. Technicians are scheduled for a series of six mechanical and six electrical classes. Classes are during work hours, so Technicians are paid for their time in class. We adjust their hours to spend half their shift on the floor and the balance in the class. Jel Sert pays for this training which includes classroom and lab work. All Technicians are involved in this training despite their experience level.
TECHNICIAN
From this position, you could grow into
