DuPage County is launching a new program designed to address two big problems in the DuPage area: high unemployment among youth, and the lack of young people going into manufacturing.
This initiative, called the Make Your Way (MYWay) program, is for DuPage County youth ages 18 to 21. MYWay will introduce area youth to the career options available in manufacturing with:
- four weeks of paid career prep and exploration,
- giving them an industry-recognized safety certification,
- then landing them a six-week paid internship at a local manufacturing company.
Participants can make up to $3,260 over the full 10 weeks. At the end of the paid internship, they may be hired by the company, or they may continue with further occupational training.
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But, you may be asking, “Why manufacturing?”
There seems to be a common misperception that manufacturing is dead. However, there are many jobs available in manufacturing, jobs which require mechanical or technical aptitude. Additionally, according to a 2013 UIC publication, jobs in manufacturing pay 16% more than jobs in other industries.
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At the same time, manufacturers in the Chicago area have been having a tough time filling these jobs; they can’t find people with the required skills. Additionally, many older workers are retiring, and there are not enough young people willing and ready to step into those jobs. The MYWay program is an innovative approach to solving both problems.
If you’re 18 to 21 years old and live in DuPage County, call (630) 955-2070 or email myway@worknetdupage.org to learn more about this exciting new program.
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The MYWay program is part of the federally funded services delivered by the DuPage County Workforce Development Division at the workNet DuPage Career Center in Lisle, IL.
