Our Successes

Intake Coordinator Jo Dene Kern reports on her customer. “Elle’s educational journey to become a Registered Nurse began when she visited Man-Tra-Con for training assistance in September 2017. At the time, she was 23 years old, unemployed, a single mom to a 3-year-old son, and 100 miles away from family. With WIOA training assistance, she enrolled in the spring 2018 semester at John A. Logan College (JALC) to earn pre-requisite credits toward the Nursing program,” Jo Dene explains.

Career Specialist Shaun Drue reports on her customer. “In February 2020, Crystal visited Man-Tra-Con seeking training assistance. A single mom of 2 teenage girls, she had been working part-time and wanted to return to school to get a better paying job,” Shaun explains.

Youth Career Specialist Kelley Essary reports on her customer. “Jeremiah had been enrolled in the Automotive Services Technology program at John A. Logan College (JALC) when he came to Man-Tra-Con for WIOA training assistance in January 2022,” Kelley says.

Apprenticeship Illinois highlighted our very own customer, Zoe Pierce, as their Apprenticeship Success Story of the month.

When Rachel joined Man-Tra-Con’s Community Service Officer apprenticeship program with the City of Carbondale Police Department, she knew she could flourish. The first in her family to attend college, Rachel was determined to become a police officer.

Grants Administrator Jordan McBride reports on his customer. “When Elmer began services with Man-Tra-Con in early 2022, he had been incarcerated in the Illinois Department of Corrections for nearly 13 years. Elmer entered the Mobile Accelerated Welding certification program through First Institute Training and Management in February as part of the NYU Pathway Home program,” Jordan explains.

Career Specialist Dana Marlow reports on her customer. “In October 2018, Amanda came to Man-Tra-Con Corporation seeking training assistance. She needed our help with getting her GED. While working toward her GED at John A. Logan College, she also enrolled in our Work Experience Program (WEP),” Dana explains.

Career Specialist Kari Ellet reports on her customer. “Jennifer was already enrolled in the CMA program at John A. Logan College when she came to Man-Tra-Con for training assistance in January 2022. Through WIOA funding, Man-Tra-Con was able to help pay for her tuition, books, supplies, exam fees, and transportation costs,” Kari explains.

Career Specialist Shaun Drue reports on her customer. “Michael was laid off from Rowe Pest Control in February 2022. He immediately began to plan for his future. As a single parent raising 2 small children, Michael considered the cost of gas, the cost of returning to school, and quickly realized he needed some assistance,” Shaun explains. 

Career Specialist Amy Blocker reports on her customer. “In April 2021, Zachary came to Man-Tra-Con seeking job search assistance. He had become unemployed due to the recession and the pandemic,” Amy says.