Apprenticeship and Special Grants Coordinator Erica Travelstead reports on her customer. Katie wanted to transition to manufacturing and thought a position with the Schirm plant in Benton, Illinois, presented the perfect opportunity. In March 2023, she was enrolled in a Work Experience through Quest grant funding. Man-Tra-Con provided transportation assistance and work boots for her paid work experience at Schirm,” Erica reports.

“Katie set a goal for herself and stayed focused on achieving that goal. Her perseverance paid off, and now she has successfully transitioned to a career in a manufacturing. In November 2023, when her paid work experience ended, Katie began full-time employment at Schirm USA, Inc. as a Production Worker, earning $17.00 per hour,” Erica adds.

Katie says that she enjoyed working with Man-Tra-Con. “They will fix any issue you have, and they will work with you on things. They give you advice on what you need to do to help with a job. If it weren’t for them, I wouldn’t have gotten the opportunity to work for Schirm. I want to say thank you to Man-Tra-Con,” Katie says.