Elk Grove Residents Eligible for FREE Manufacturing Training -Read the success stories! | |
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Elk Grove's Workforce Transformation: Real Stories from the WORC Program
The City of Elk Grove, in collaboration with the Charles A. Jones Career and Education Center, is not just changing the landscape of local employment and education through the WOrkforce Readiness Certification Program (WORC)—it's changing lives. This initiative, backed by funding from the American Rescue Plan Act, comprehensively covers the costs of various training programs, from a single-day forklift certification to an intensive 8-month manufacturing technician training course. The WORC program is a testament to what's possible when community, commitment, and opportunity converge. Here are just a few stories of those who've benefited from the program firsthand.
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From Beginners to Skilled Professionals: Real Success Stories
Emily's Journey:
Emily Christensen applied for Elk Grove’s WORC Program to enhance her skills and transition out of retail. She's now just a few units shy of achieving that goal. Initially, Emily's knowledge of the manufacturing realm was limited. "Being a girl, I wasn't previously taught a lot of this stuff. I didn’t know how to use all of the saws, for example, and now I can walk up to equipment and handle it with ease." The program not only equipped her with the technical skills to confidently operate complex machinery, but also shattered her initial apprehensions about entering a traditionally male-dominated field.
Seren's Evolution:
Seren Soriano, who previously worked as a Lyft driver, joined the program with a background in STEM but a limited grasp of the extensive opportunities available in the manufacturing sector. The comprehensive training offered by WORC expanded his skill set beyond his expectations and opened his eyes to new possibilities. “Regarding machining, I never knew it existed. I think I’d heard of it, but I never understood what it was,” Seren shares, highlighting the program's role in revealing new career pathways and aspirations. He has since graduated from the program and started his new assembler role at Insight Manufacturing with aspirations to work his way up to becoming a machinist.
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Training Opportunities:
- Forklift Operator (1 Day)
- Material Handling and Logistics (1 Week)
- Electro-Mechanical Assembly (2 Weeks)
- Introduction to Manufacturing (3 Weeks)
- Welding Fabrication I (3 Weeks)
- Manufacturing Technician - Welder (8 Months)
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Scholarship Benefits Include:
- Tuition
- Book and Material Fees
- Transportation
- Placement Bonus
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The Employer's Perspective:
The impact of the WORC program extends beyond the students; it resonates with local employers like Herman Kaiser, Vice President and COO at InSight Manufacturing Services. He appreciates the preparedness and mindset of the program's graduates, highlighting their ability to "integrate into a variety of manufacturing roles, ranging from assembly to CMS operation and more." Herman's account underscores the program's success in not only teaching technical skills but also in fostering a proactive, eager-to-learn mindset among its participants. "While skills can be taught, attitude cannot. The students emerging from this program have actively chosen a path in manufacturing, demonstrating a proactive approach and a deep-seated interest that positions them as employees who are eager to learn.”
A Collective Vision for the Future
Elk Grove's WORC program is not just changing individual trajectories; it's elevating the entire community by addressing the skills gap, supporting local industries, and ensuring that residents are not just workforce-ready, but future-ready. As the program continues to evolve, it stands as a model of innovation and inclusion, demonstrating how targeted education and training can unlock potential and foster a thriving, dynamic workforce. The City of Elk Grove and the Charles A. Jones Career and Education Center invite you to be part of this exciting journey. Whether you're seeking to advance or shift your career or you're looking to hire skilled, motivated employees, the WORC program offers a bridge to the future. Join us in shaping that future, today.
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About the City of Elk Grove | Elk Grove is a young, ethnically diverse, modern city of 178,000 people located in the dynamic and affordable Sacramento metropolitan region, the capital of the 5th largest economy in the world. Incorporated in 2000, Elk Grove is a family- and business-friendly community with low crime, excellent schools, over 100 community parks, elevated dining and shopping options, lively events and festivals, and over 270 sunny days per year. With its highly educated workforce, modern facilities and infrastructure, and pro-business attitude, it's clear why major corporations and institutions such as Apple, Cardinal Health, Amazon, UC Davis, AllData, and Kubota call Elk Grove home. Our dedicated staff of economic development professionals are ready to help you plan, finance, and fast-track your next business expansion or relocation project. Contact us today. |
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City of Elk Grove
Office of Economic Development
8401 Laguna Palms Way
Elk Grove, CA 95758
(916) 627-3338
TTY 888-435-6092
Relay Service 711
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