We all know someone – a relative, friend, neighbor or ourselves – who has experienced layoffs, downsizing or plant closings. While the loss of a job can be devastating, for some dislocated workers the loss of a job can lead to a new and more rewarding career in an entirely different field.
Such is the case with John Ortiz of
“John was an ideal candidate for the CNC program,” said Kathy Wolfe, program services assistant with W-O-W Workforce Development. “His skills were unique to his position at Lesaffre. By enrolling in the CNC program offered at MPTC, he was able to learn a new marketable skill that provided him the opportunity to seek employment in a different field.”
The Computer Numerical Control (CNC) program was developed through a partnership with
“We set up the CNC training for the dislocated workers through the Workforce Development Board,” said Chuck Brendel,
Since June, Ortiz has been a CNC turning machinist with Ace Precision Machining Corp.’s plant in
“When I completed the program and started to send out resumes to prospective employers, the response was great,” he said. “There were companies actually interested in my new skills and training. What a difference 16 weeks can do - from someone with no skills to speak of to CNC skills that are in great demand. After numerous job interviews I chose to join Ace Precision. Everything I learned at MPTC I was able to use or was familiar with all the equipment in the plant. I was able to run the machines and feel comfortable and confident just from what I learned in school.”
Judy Borkowski, office manager for Ace Precision, worked with John throughout the hiring process.
“What impressed me was that after having lost his position with a company he had been employed at for many years, he evaluated where his future employment interests lie,” she said. “He spoke with enthusiasm about his newly acquired skills. … We’re pleased that John accepted our offer.”
“John understands CNC turning operations and the various aspects critical for the job,” said Ace Precision supervisor Daryl Kinnear. “He has very good blueprint reading skills as well as good measuring skills.”
Eligibility for training at
“We do some assessment testing to determine their math and reading skills, and generally look for someone with at least an eighth grade proficiency in the two subjects,” said Brendel.
The number of individuals who can be served at a given time depends on how much funding is available through the WDB. “If jobs and training money are available, we stand ready to help by starting another training session,” said Brendel. Most of the workers in the program are from the
The benefits of the dislocated worker program are twofold. “These training programs give the dislocated workers skills that get them into more stable jobs and help to fill the skill gaps that employers are experiencing when they hire someone off the street without training. This provides a huge cost savings to the employer, as it reduces the in-house training time to get a new person up to speed and productive,” said Brendel.
Asked whether the dislocated workers could find themselves being laid off again if they train for another manufacturing job, Brendel said, “The training that they are receiving is bringing them to a new skill level that improves their employability in the event of a slowdown in the economy. Manufacturers are always looking for skilled people who are willing to work hard, take responsibility for what they are doing, and be problem solvers. All of these areas are addressed in the training to some degree. We also stress the importance of continuing to build on existing skills or learning new skills to improve their chances of staying employed.”
“It’s amazing – in just a short period of time you are able to learn a whole new career and skills, and be employable and do something you enjoy doing,” said Ortiz. His advice to other dislocated workers who are considering a similar path is to “take advantage of the opportunities available and use it to your fullest extent. The rewards are really worth it.”
For more information about the Rapid Response program and training for dislocated workers at any of