to a new employment services newsletter on CAREER EDUCATION AND WORKFORCE PREPAREDNESS. We have expanded our outreach to connect Residents, Research and Resources regarding employers' needs and expectations of the 21^st Century Workforce employees. Our mission is helping you put knowledge to work.

The first publication is all business, choke full of current and timely news for the whole household...pass it around!

We will provide timely and useful information to Cook County residents about the Chicago job market.

• Articles and programs will discuss where the jobs are, identify marketable skills, and job training opportunities.
• We will bring to you the latest research and useful resources that can be used by the entire family.
• And, equally important, our goal is to preserve Chicago's place as a global city.

Chicago is one of the most diversified major economies in the U.S. and a leader in impacting global change and connections. The largest job growth will be in industries for which our people often lack the needed skills. Who will provide the people of Cook County timely and easy accessible information and the necessary skills to remain competitive in this ever growing global economy? ^"Extension – Cook County A Plan for the 21^st Century." University of Illinois Extension. www.extension.uiuc.edu/cook

ILLINOIS A FIRST CLASS WORKFORCE

...Businesses can not run without quality employees to do the work. Illinois offers a diverse workforce that ranks among the most productive in the country.

Maintaining A Competitive Edge: Having the

best workforce today doesn't mean it will be that way tomorrow. That's why Illinois is always working to maintain its competitive edge through innovative and wide-ranging job training and development programs.

State of Illinois Business Portal at http://www.business.illinois.gov/

Fortunately, as jobs leave the Chicagoland area, new jobs are being created through replacing retiring workers, increased customer service focus,

advancing technology, new product innovation and increased need for unskilled production workers.

Employers report that many do not have the skills to fill newly created jobs.

"2005 Skills Gap Report – A Survey of the American Manufacturing Workforce"

Skills shortages highlighted by employers includes:

1. basic employability
2. work/life survival
3. basic reading, writing and math
4. interpersonal and communication, and
5. flexibility to meet employers' operating hours coverage and/or production needs.

"Getting Ready for the Work Readiness Credential." Center for Workforce Preparation, U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

A LOCAL ANSWER

Reintroduce yourself to the University of Illinois, Extension! We offer workshops, seminars, printed and on-line materials relative to maintaining Chicago as a competitive global job market; including hot jobs, fastest growing and best paying.

Workshops and training: subject matter and topics include, but are not limited to workforce preparation, early college outreach, entrepreneurship, career education, and addressing the recently released formerly incarcerated.

• Work Readiness: Getting and keeping a job.
• Resume/Application Tune-Up: marketing your knowledge, skills and abilities to employers.
• Career Ladders: learn how your current job may turn into a career by exploring options and opportunities.
• Career Interest Inventories: which jobs best fit your personality, based on "work-related things you like to do.
• Early College Outreach: exploring, exposure and preparation for careers leading to and/or requiring college education.
• Job Service Providers: learn services provided through the Chicago Workforce Centers and community organizations that provide job services.
• The WIA Grant: qualify for up to $5,000 for vocational training; eligibility requirements.
• Selecting a Training School: learning newskills and upgrading current skills.
• Train the Trainer Certification to faith and community based organizations to enhance in-house services.
• Job Clubs: hosting job search clubs for parents at schools.

Are you that someone who has been at a job for awhile and feel ready for a more challenging opportunity? Are you ready or preparing for advancement or promotion with your current employer, or within the same industry? Have you decided that more education and better skills are needed to advance? How do you make moving on up the career ladder happen for you? Research indicates there are three common methods of career advancement, which option best fits your career goals? www.mdrc.org/

Current Job

Remain with an employer where there is a path to advancement.

This choice requires a moderate level of initiative, and is a strategy best suited to someone who does not have the ability or interest in more schooling or changing employers.

• Employee remain on the job
• Perform tasks well
• Participate in employer-provided on the job training
• Indicate a desire to advance on the job
• Communicate the desire to advance to supervisor/management
• Advancement within the company may require changing locations
• Show some leadership skills
• Develop working relationship with supervisor/manager

Changing Employers

Change employers after getting experience on the job and moving on to another employer within the same industry for a higher level position with more advance job responsibilities.

This choice requires self-initiative (self-motivation), but does not require additional schooling, and is suited for those who would be able to manage a job search while working.

• Studies show that remaining with a single employer can result in stagnant wages
• Make a lateral move into the same job in the same industry but with a different employer may result in higher pay
• Works best in retail sales, food service, hospitality industry and entry-level allied health care and protective services
• Good communication skills
• Show ability to adapt, and adjust to change
• Develop working relationship with supervisor/manager

Pursuing Additional Training

Obtain additional education and advance with current employer or change employers.

This choice requires a great deal of self-initiative (self-motivation), and should be recommended for those who express interest in continued schooling.

• Relevant to specialized training programs (Computers, Allied Health, Technology)
• Willing to invest personal time outside of job and/or willing to pay out of pocket for required resources/services.
• Good communication skills, including writing and interpersonal
• Ability to network across and upward

What do employers want from employees in exchange for salary and benefits?

Abilities: The quality of being able to do something physical or mental; power to accomplish.

Knowledge: How much you know and understand about a topic, trade or job; gained through experience and/or training.

Skills: A natural or developed talent to perform a task, trade or technique.

Work/Life Survival: Ability to follow directions, work with others, accountability, reliability, responsibility, good attendance, punctuality, basic reading, writing, arithmetic, and good communication skills.

The City Colleges of Chicago offer high quality, low cost Training Programs to meet local employers' hiring needs. Skim over the list below, there may be several programs of interest. This list is not all inclusive for any of the colleges.

Satellite Campuses
www.ccc.edu

• The Military Program
• Lakeview Learning Center
• West Side Learning Center
• Humboldt Park Vocational
• Truman Technical Center
• Dawson Technical Institute
• Washburne Culinary Institute
• French Pastry School
• West Side Technical Institute
• South Chicago Learning Center

Daley College
7500 S. Pulaski
773.838.7500

• Business
• Child Development: Illinois Director Credential,
• IDC Level
• Child Development: pre-school
• Computer Information
• Criminal Justice/Public Police
• Criminal Justice/Private Police
• Police Services
• Dentistry
• Engineering Technology
• Foreign Language
• Gear Machining
• Journalism
• Management/Marketing
• Manufacturing
• Multiple Spindle Machining
• Maintenance Mechanic
• Medicine
• Networking Systems
• Nursing
• Optometry
• Pharmacy
• Speech and Drama
• Teaching: elementary
• Teaching: vocational
• Occupational Skills

Truman College
1145 W. Wilson
773.907.4000

• Biomedical
• Blue Print Reading
• Certified Nursing Assistant
• Coding and Billing
• Hazardous Materials,
• Health Care Interpreter
• Computer-Aided Manufacturing
• Electronics
• Forklift Operations and Skid Unloading
• Inventory Control
• IT Certifications
• IV Therapy Certification
• Lock Out/Tag Out
• Machine Set-up and Operations
• Medical Equipment In-Service
• Metrology
• Occupational Therapy Aide
• Pharmacy Technician
• Predictive Maintenance
• Purchasing Systems (APICS and NAPM)
• Re-engineering/Cost Control, Robotics
• Statistical Process Control
• Technical Math, Technical Reading

H. Washington College
30 E. Lake Street
312.553.5600

• Alcoholism & Substance Abuse Counseling
• Business: Accounting, Hospitality: Hotel &Motel Management; Management & Marketing,
• Executive Assistant Program
• Certified Nursing Assistant
• Child Development
• Teacher's Aid
• Pre-School
• Infant/Toddler Care
• Digital Multimedia, Information
• Foster Parent
• Food Service Sanitation
• Human Services/Child Development Associate
• Information Technology
• Ornamental Horticulture,
• Public Chauffeur Training Institute
• Pharmacy Technical, Medial Billing & Coding
• Police Services: Public
• Social Work –Generalist

Kennedy-King College
6800 S. Wentworth
773.602.5000

• Accounting
• Air Conditioning & Refrigeration
• Automotive Technology
• Child Development: Pre-School, Teacher's Aid – Elementary, Special Education
• Computer Information Systems
• Culinary Arts
• Electronics Occupations
• Graphic Communications
• Management/Marketing
• Mental Health: Addition Studies
• Nursing Associate
• Social Work – Generalist

Malcolm X College
1900 W. Van Burren
312.850.7000

• Certified Nursing Assistant
• Child Development
• Clinical Laboratory Technician
• Computer Information Systems
• Emergency Medical Technician
• Mortuary Science
• Nephrology/Renal Technology
• Nursing
• Paramedic
• Pharmacy Technology
• Phlebotomy
• Physician Assistant
• Radiography
• Respiratory Care
• Surgical Technology

Olive-Harvey College
10001 S. Woodlawn
773.291.6100

• Business Administration
• Chemistry, Computer Science
• Concentrations
  Biology/Professional Science
• Criminal Justice
• Dentistry, Engineering
• Elementary Education
• High School Education
• Mathematics, Medicine
• Nursing, Pharmacy, Physics
• Psychology

Wright College
4300 N. Narragansett
773.777.7900

• Accounting
• Architectural Drafting
• CompTIA A+ Certification
• Criminal Justice
• Diagnostic Medical Imaging
• Environmental Technology
• Gerontology
• Library Technical Assistant
• Master Web Site Designer
• MCSE
• Network Cabling and Fiber Optics Specialist
• Occupational Therapy Assistant
• Paralegal
• Radiography
• Truck Driver Training

TRIO is Educational Opportunity for Low-Income, Disabled Americans and Veterans.

Our nation has asserted a commitment to providing educational opportunity for all Americans regardless of race, ethnic background or economic circumstance. In support of this commitment, Congress established a series of programs to help low-income Americans enter college, graduate and move on to participate more fully in America's economic and social life.

While student financial aid programs help students overcome financial barriers to higher education, TRIO programs help students overcome class, social and cultural barriers to higher education.

Who is Served
As mandated by Congress, two-thirds of the students served must come from families with incomes under $28,000, where neither parent graduated from college. More than 2,700 TRIO Programs currently serve nearly 866,000 low-income Americans. Many programs serve students in grades six through 12 See "Racial and Ethnic Diversity in the Federal TRIO Programs," a News You Can Use fact sheet from the National TRIO Clearinghouse.

How it Works: Over1,000 colleges, universities, community colleges, and agencies now offer TRIO Programs in America. TRIO funds are distributed to institutions through competitive grants.

Evidence of Achievement: Students in the Upward Bound program are four times more likely to earn an undergraduate degree than those students from similar backgrounds who did not participate in TRIO....

The Ronald E. McNair Post baccalaureate Achievement program

• awards grants to institutions of higher education for projects designed to prepare participants for doctoral studies through involvement in research and other scholarly activities.
  Institutions work closely with these participants through their undergraduate requirements, encourage their entrance into graduate programs, and track their progress to successful completion of advanced degrees.
• The goal of McNair is to increase the attainment of the Ph.D. by students from underrepresented segments of society.

The Talent Search program

• identifies and assists individuals who have the potential to succeed in higher education. The program provides academic, career, and financial counseling to its participants and encourages them to graduate from high school and continue on to the postsecondary school of their choice. Talent Search also serves high school dropouts by encouraging them to reenter the educational system and complete their education.
• The goal of Talent Search is to increase the number of youth from disadvantaged backgrounds who complete high school and enroll in the postsecondary education institution of their choice.

Upward Bound

• provides fundamental support to participants in their preparation for college entrance. The program provides opportunities for participants to succeed in pre-college performance and ultimately in higher education pursuits.
• Upward Bound serves high school students from low-income families, high school students from families in which neither parent holds a bachelor's degree, and low-income, first-generation military veterans who are preparing to enter postsecondary education.
• The goal of Upward Bound is to increase the rates at which participants enroll in and graduate from institutions of postsecondary education.

The Educational Opportunity Centers (EOC) program

• provides counseling and information on college admissions to qualified adults who want to enter or continue a program of postsecondary education. An important objective of EOC is to counsel participants on financial aid options and to assist in the application process.
• The goal of EOC is to increase the number of adult participants who enroll in postsecondary education institutions.

The Upward Bound Math and Science program

• allows the Department to fund specialized Upward Bound math and science centers. The program is designed to strengthen the math and science skills of participating students.
• The goal of the program is to help students recognize and develop their potential to excel in math and science and encourages them to pursue postsecondary degrees in these fields.

The Student Support Services (SSS) program

• provides opportunities for academic development, assists students with basic college requirements, and serves to motivate students towards the successful completion of their postsecondary education. The SSS program may also provide grant aid to current SSS participants who are receiving Federal Pell Grants.
• The goal of SSS is to increase the college retention and graduation rates of its participants and facilitate the process of transition from one level of higher education to the next. http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ope/trio/index.html

Veterans Upward Bound Veterans learn how to secure support from available resources such as the Veterans Administration, veterans associations, and various state and local agencies that serve veterans.http://www.trioprograms.org/

Value, Knowledge, Experience

Employers in every major industry report concerns about losing skilled and mature workers of the baby boom generation due to: retirement, downsizing due to cutbacks, company closures, advancing new technology, and health care cost. This concern is further acerbated by a decline of younger workers prepared to enter the workforce with basic employability skills.

As a result initiatives are being taken to retain the 50+ worker. Spearheaded by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce's Center for Workforce Preparedness (CWP), in partnership with AARP, is helping small and medium-sized businesses through local chambers and trade associations address the growing impact that aging baby boomers are having on the workforce.

This initiative will help employers understand, plan for, and create workplaces that successfully engage and utilize the skills of workers over the age of 50. http://www.uschamber.com/cwp/strategies/50_work_force.htm

U.S Chamber President and CEO Tom Donohue commented on February 21, 2006, on the value and need for the older worker: "In the coming years, our economy will face an increasingly severe shortage of workers as the baby boom generation begins to retire. Small businesses are already having a hard time finding workers that are adequately prepared for the workforce and who possess much-needed math, science, and engineering skills. To narrow the gap between the jobs we need to fill and the number of workers available to fill them, we must convince older workers to remain in the workforce longer."

..."There just aren't enough workers aged 25 - 54 to fill the jobs formerly held by the baby boom generation.

We must work together to create workplaces that are eager and equipped to hire and retain older workers. We can do this by dispelling stereotypes about older workers such as that they aren't as productive as younger workers."

Advances in science, medicine, nutrition, and pharmaceuticals are allowing older people to do more and live longer. It's time to create a culture of lifelong learning so that older workers can stay on top of technological changes and work part-time or seasonally."

http://www.uschamber.com/publications/weekly/commentary/060221.htm

Prisoner re-entry

Nearly half of all paroled inmates in Illinois return to Chicago. In FY 2004, 18,320 individuals were released from Illinois Department of Corrections prisons into Chicago communities. The majority of these parolees have limited formal work experience, and a significant number have low literacy levels. "Big Shoulders, Big Challenges, Preparing Chicago Workforce for the New Economy," Chicago Job Council, Sept. 2005.

www.cjc.net/pubs-news/workforcedev.htm

Recidivism (re ci di vi sm) refers to the rate in which the formerly incarcerated returns to the correctional system. Our focus: Stopping/Slowing the Revolving Door

Our focus is to assist the recently released/ formerly incarcerated with skills and employment that leads to financial self-sufficiency, as well as provide information on agencies that assist with housing, education, medical and social services agencies. Future articles will include:

• Criminal and Traffic Sealing Guidelines
• Criminal and Traffic Expungement Guidelines.
• Certificate of Relief from Disabilities
• Certificate of Good Conduct
• 27 professional licenses ex-felons may be eligible to qualify

Employment Services for Ex-Offenders

Mayor Daley's WorkNet Chicago is committed to helping ex-offenders reenter the workforce. The selected WorkNet partners listed below have experience working with ex-offenders in programs and other supportive services that help develop the skills needed to achieve self-sufficiency. For more details contact the Mayor's Office of Workforce Development at 312.746.777 (Illinois Relay 711 for Deaf or speech impaired communications).

Calumet Career Center
10456 S. Halsted (773-233-4364)

CARA Program
703 W. Monroe (312-798-3308)

Chicago Christian Industrial League
123 S. Green (312-491-2061)

Chicago Federation of Labor
130 E. Randolph (312-565-9431)

Community Assistance Program
6800 S. Wentworth, Room 3E84 (773-783-2167)

Goodwill Industries
6310 S. Western (773-863-6030)

Goodwill Industries
819 S. Wabash (312-212-1290)

Greater West Town Project
790 N. Milwaukee (312-432-1300)

Growing Home
1325 S. Wabash Suite 205 (312-435-8601)

Howard Area Community Center
1623 W. Howard (773-262-3515)

Illinois Manufacturing Institute
2101 S. Kedzie (773-277-2343)

La Casa Norte
3533 W. North (773-276-4900)

North Lawndale Employment Network
3726 W. Flournoy (773-638-1820)

OAI, Inc.
180 N. Wabash Suite 400 (312-528-3500)

Phalanx
3333 W. Arthington (773-265-5800)

Safer Foundation
571 W. Jackson (312-922-2200)

St. Leonard's Ministries
2100 W. Warren (312-738-1414)

Woodlawn Preservation
6101 S. Evans (773-324-0619)

Programs for Women

The Enterprising Kitchen
4426 North Ravenswood (773-506-3880)

Support Advantage for Women/Leslie's Place
1014 N. Hamlin (773-342-8384)

Programs for Youth

Jobs for Youth
50 E. Washington (312-499-4778)

To learn more about Employment Services for ex-offenders and programs for re-entry provided through the Mayor's Office on Workforce Development, go to http://cityofchicago.org/mowd/

Resources for Veterans

In honoring the men and women who chose to protect and defend our country, we will provide education and employment information timely to transitioning to the civilian workforce. News from the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs http://www.state.il.us/agency/dva/

Private foundation set up by IDVA helps hometown heroes
The Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs (IDVA) has created a new 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization known as the Illinois Veterans Foundation that will partner with corporations, other foundations and private citizens to assist the state in reaching out to and helping the nearly one million veterans who live in Illinois. The Foundation will augment the existing initiatives that Governor Rod Blagojevich launched to help Illinois veterans, including a 50% increase in IDVA service officers, pilot programs to support homeless and incarcerated veterans, and a veterans' benefits fair on July 9th at Navy Pier in Chicago. http://www.state.il.us/agency/dva/

Income Tax Check-offto Benefit Illinois Veterans Homes
In an effort to raise money for the Illinois Veterans Homes, the State of Illinois has created a new tax check-off for the Illinois Veterans Home Fund.
The check-off allows taxpayers to donate to the fund as part of their 2004 Illinois income tax return. The funds will be used to purchase needed equipment and supplies to enhance the lives of the residents. The fund will be required to maintain a $100,000 minimum each year to maintain the check-off for the following tax year.

The State of Illinois operates four Homes located in Quincy, Anna, Manteno and LaSalle. The Quincy Veterans Home is one of the oldest facilities in the United States where over 500 veterans and their spouses call "home". http://www.state.il.us/agency/dva/

Governor Proposes Increasein Veterans Affairs FY2006 Budget
Governor Blagojevich promises continued support for the soldiers fighting overseas and their families, pledging to maintain the Illinois Military Family Relief Fund and to ensure operations of the four state-operated veterans homes.

The IDVA FY06 proposed budget is approximately $86 million, which represents an overall increase of nearly $2.6 million over the FY05 appropriation. Under the Governors budget proposal, the Military Family Relief Fund will be maintained. The fund assists the families of Illinois National Guard members and Reservists called to active duty who may be facing financial hardships with such expenses as mortgage payments, rent, groceries and utility bills.

An increase in funding for the MIA/POW education scholarship will allow the department to keep up with increased claims and rising tuition costs. This four year tuition waiver scholarship is available to dependents of qualified Illinois veterans. The budget proposal also ensures that each of the state-operated veterans homes in Anna, LaSalle, Manteno and Quincy are able to maintain skilled bed occupancy at 95% or greater.
"Although we are doing more with less, Illinois veterans will not be effected. Our number one priority is to provide services to those brave men and women who have put their lives on the line for our safety and freedom," said IDVA Director Roy L. Dolgos. "Overall, this is a maintenance budget. We will not be able to implement any new initiatives or programs but at the same time we will not be making any cuts either."

http://www.state.il.us/agency/dva/

Education for Veterans
www.amvets.org/

National Resources for Veterans
www.acinet.org/

Regional Resources for Veterans
www.acinet.org/

Hire a military veteran today!
www.recruitmilitary.com

Military Clearance Jobs
www.clearancejobs.com
Jobs for reservists, retired veterans & former military.

Veterans Upward Bound – Roosevelt University
www.roosevelt.edu/

Excerpt from the May 28, 2006, Chicago Tribune Newspaper

Adding to efforts to help Illinois veterans find employment after serving their country, the Illinois Department of Veteran Affairs is expanding its network of services...

Plentiful! So says a representative from the Instituto del Progreso Latino – The Chicago Workforce Center for Manufacturing located in the West Side Technical Institute at 2800 S. Western Avenue, call 773.696.0160 for further details.

Employers have numerous openings for skilled workers in the manufacturing industry, offering stable employment, good wages and benefits. Entry level jobs are plentiful as well, but require a minimum of one year experience in a manufacturing environment; for example experience as a packer, loader/unloader, or assembler could be adequate.

Replacing Retiring Workers...

Employers are concerned about who will replace skilled workers as they retire. Hiring demand is expected to have continued growth though 2012, as employers compete in the global economy. "2005 Skills Gap Report – A Survey of the American Manufacturing Workforce"

Technical Training Programs- Fall classes forming now: employment manufacturing jobs are offered at Wright College Humboldt Park Vocational Education Center, if interested call 773.489.8976 for registration details and cost. Technical training requirements: compass test. See current program listing below: www.ccc.edu

Computerized Numerical Control Operator Training (CNC): uses computer software to design, program, set up and operate, as well as maintain the machines that produce industrial and precision metal parts. The program starts with basic blueprint reading and math applications, then progresses to computer-aided design. Students may enter the entry-level job market in positions such as Machine Shop Technician, Quality Controller, CNC Operator, and CAD Operator.

Electric/Electronic Industrial Maintenance Worker Training (EEIM): This program prepares students for jobs in the areas of electricity and electronics with emphasis on wiring, motors, industrial controls, electronic instrumentation and programmable logic controllers. Students can enter the job market in position such as Electrical Technician, Electronic Technician, Maintenance Mechanic and Quality Control Technician. Those with at least two years of relevant work experience can also use this program to prepare for the electrical licensing exam.

Defining an Industry...

What is Manufacturing? The Manufacturing sector comprises establishments engaged in the mechanical, physical, or chemical transformation of materials, substances, or components into new products. The assembling of component parts of manufactured products is considered manufacturing, except in cases where the activity is appropriately classified in Sector 23, Construction.

Establishments in the Manufacturing sector are often described as plants, factories, or mills and characteristically use power-driven machines and materials-handling equipment. However, establishments that transform materials or substances into new products by hand or in the worker's home and those engaged in selling to the general public products made on the same premises from which they are sold, such as bakeries, candy stores, and custom tailors, may also be included in this sector.

Manufacturing establishments may process materials or may contract with other establishments to process their materials for them. Both types of establishments are included in manufacturing. www.census.gov/epcd/www/97EC31.HTM

Reporting IN...News from the Illinois Manufacturing Association: Manufacturing loses 100 jobs ...Industrial employment in Illinois shed another 100 jobs in April 2006, according to the latest unemployment report released yesterday by the Illinois Department of Employment Security. The last time manufacturing employment increased was in September 2005. Overall, the state has lost over 11,000 manufacturing jobs since April last year. Total employment now rests at 681,100. www.ima-net.org

U.S. Manufacturing: Of the 10 largest U.S. counties, only Los Angeles has more manufacturing jobs than Cook County, which includes Chicago and many of its suburbs, according to figures from the Labor Department. www.bloomberg.com/05/31/06

Excerpt form February 12, 2006, Chicago Tribune Newspaper: FOCUS ON - Still home to manufacturing jobs

According to the Illinois Manufacturers' Association's CEO, Gregory Baise, "there are still a good 700,000 manufacturing jobs in Illinois, despite a decline in manufacturing in the state."

Mitch Daniels, labor market economist with the Springfield-based Illinois Department of Employment Security, reports that job growth in manufacturing will be in niche industries such as nanotechnology, biotechnology, and clean coal technology; and that Illinois is one of the states positioned to take advantage of these new fields and attract large employers. To keep up with the changing developments in manufacturing, those jobs will require employees with more advance skills than in the past; future jobs will pay more and require a more highly skilled workforce.

Manufacturing is becoming a "lean industry," employers are continually streamlining processes, and will require employees with greater skills.

HOT Jobs! According to the Illinois Department of Employment five manufacturing jobs that are projected to experience fast to faster than normal growth are listed below.

Job Title	GENERAL MND REPAIS	PRODUCTION/ OPERATING WORERS	CNC MACHINE OPERATORS	WELDERS, CUTTERS, SOLDERERS AND BRAZIERS	MACHINIST
Entry – Experience Salary	$10.00 - $20.00	$13.00 – 27.00	11.00 – $23.00	$11.00 - $19.00	$10.50 - $19.25
Approximate Openings	Approximate 1700	Approximate 1,000	Fastest Growing	Approximate 600	Approximate 700
Required Skills	Include installation, repair and equipment maintenance.	Coordination, reading comprehension and speaking; people skills.		Operation and control; equipment selection and maintenance.	All or combination of: quality control analysis, operation and control and mathematics.
Duties	Maintain machines, mechanical equipment and facility structures.	Supervise and coordinate inspectors, precision workers, machine setters and operators, assemblers, fabricators and plant and system operators.	Use computer numerically controlled (CNC) machines to cut and shape precision products, such as automobile parts, machine parts, and compressors. Cut away material from a solid block of metal, plastic or glass, known as a workpiece – to form a finished part.	Use hand-welding, flame-cutting, hand soldering or brazing equipment to weld or join metal components or fill holes, indentations or seams of fabricated metal products.	Set up and operate an assortment of machines tools used to produce precision parts and instruments.

*{CNC (computer numeric control, computer control programming) machines include machining tools such as lathes, multi-axis, spindles, milling machines, laser cutting, water jet cutting, and wire electrical discharge machines (EDM)}.

Source: the Illinois Department of Employment www.ides.state.il.us; Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2006-2007; and The Chicago Tribune Newspaper, February 12,

Job data information and growth rate on manufacturing opportunities were sourced from two excellent reference sources for career planning: the Illinois Department of Employment www.ides.state.il.us/ and the Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2006-2007, and The Chicago Tribune Newspaper, February 12, 2006.

Job Title	Salary Range Entry - Experienced	Annual Openings In Illinois	Required Skills	Duties
Machinist	$10.50 – $19.25	700	All or combination of: quality control analysis, operation and control and mathematics.	Set up and operate an assortment of machines and tools used to produce precision parts and instruments.
General Maintenance Repair Workers	$10.00 - $20.00	1,700	Include installation, repair and equipment maintenance.	Maintain machines, mechanical equipment and facility structures.
Production/ Operating Workers	$13.00 - $27.00	1,000	Coordination, reading, comprehension and speaking; people skills.	Supervise and coordinate inspectors, precision workers, machine setters and operators, assemblers, fabricators and plant system operators.
CNC Machine Operators	$11.00 - $23.00	HOT JOB	Design and carry out the operations needed to meet precise specifications.	Use computer numerically controlled machines to cut and shape precision products.
Welders, Cutters, Solders, Braziers	$11.00 - $19.00	600	Operation and control; equipment selection and maintenance.	Use hand-welding, flame-cutting, hand soldering or brazing equipment to weld or join metal components or fill holes, indentations or seams of fabricated metal products.

*(CNC machines include machining tools such as lathes, multi-axis, spindles, milling machines, laser cutting, water jet cutting, and wire electrical discharge machines (EDM).

http://www.newskillbuilders.org/

Program prepares individuals for growing number of construction and skilled trade jobs

A new session of the program is scheduled to begin February 2007. Orientation is scheduled for November 15, 2006. The New Skill Builders is a program that offers participants the opportunity to explore a variety of skilled trades, learning through a combination of hands-on experience and classroom instruction.

For more information on the New Skill Builders program, or to apply for the February 2007 session, please contact Linda Hannah at (773) 548-8601.Information is also available on the web at www.newskillbuilders.org.

On Thursday, January 26, 2006, the New Skill Builders graduated its first class of individuals now prepared to enter skilled trade and construction-related apprenticeship programs. With the US construction industry projected to add nearly 400,000 jobs by the year 2010, program participants couldn't have found a better time to obtain these growth-industry skills.

To demonstrate the skills they had compiled during the course of the program, the 22 graduates also completed a class project - construction of a fully finished tool shed sized structure. The structure will either become part of the New Skill Builders facility on South State Street, or it will be taken apart by the next class of participants as part of a program exercise. In addition to getting the all-important first project under their belts, graduates also earned their 10-Hour OSHA Card, a safety certification required by many employers.

"The program equips individuals with the skills to successfully take the exams and enter apprenticeships in the trades," explained program director Linda Hannah. "It is the first step in the process towards a career that requires patience and precision, and I am very proud of the 22 students that completed our program and are now on their way."

Students prepare for tests in geometry, algebra, mechanical reasoning and spatial relations. Basic construction skills are introduced and reinforced, along with job-readiness skills such as interviewing, resume preparation, time management and goal setting. The program even requires students to learn about aerobic conditioning and nutrition, to help keep their bodies healthy in jobs that can be far more physically demanding than the average desk job.

"Programs that help city residents obtain skills in growth industries are the types of projects we're focusing our efforts on," said MOWD Commissioner David Hanson. "The growth and development of our neighborhoods depends largely on the folks that are doing the building. We're very pleased to do our part for men and women that want to enter the construction trades."

This is the first class to graduate from the apprenticeship preparation program since Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley moved the Skill Builders program under the direction of the Mayor's Office of Workforce Development (MOWD) in 2005. For information on the full range of programs and services provided by the Mayor's Office of Workforce Development and Mayor Daley's WorkNet Chicago, please call (312) 746-7777 (Illinois Relay 711 for Deaf or speech impaired communications), or visit us on the web, www.cityofchicago.org/mowd.

Telephone number: 847-328-9795 - web-site http://www.cookcountyged.org/

The General Educational Development Test offers a person the opportunity to earn a High School Equivalency Certificate. Many people who did not finish high school have knowledge and skills comparable to people who did graduate. This idea is the basis of the GED Testing Program. You can take the GED Tests in English, Spanish, or French. Large-print, audiocassette, and Braille editions of the GED Tests are also available for adults with disabilities.

In Illinois the cost for taking the GED Test for the first time is $35.00. On January 1, 2002 a new English version of the GED Test was released. Persons who did not pass the English version of the GED Test by 12/31/2001 lost their previous scores and fees paid and must start the application and testing process again.

If you previously took the GED Test in Cook County and you would like a transcript of your scores (or) a duplicate certificate contact our office at 847-328-9795 and press 0 to speak to a Customer Service Representative

What does the GED Test consist of?

With the exception of Part II of the Writing Skills Test, which requires an essay, all other questions on the GED Test are multiple choice. The questions range in difficulty from easy to hard and cover a wide range of subjects.

What scores do I need now to pass the GED Test?

After January 1, 2002 a student must achieve a minimum standard score of 410 points on each of the five tests and a minimum total standard score of 2,250 on the entire battery (average score of 450 on all tests).

In addition to the five GED Tests, Illinois residents are required to satisfactorily pass the Illinois State Constitution examination (Public Law 195). This test is pass/fail. No points are assigned.

• Language Arts-Writing (Part 1)
  • Number of questions: 50
  • Time limit: 75 minutes
  • Test Content:
    • 30% Sentence Structure
    • 30% Usage
    • 25% Mechanics
    • 15% Organization
• Language Arts-Writing (Part 2)
  • Time limit: 45 minutes
  • Test Content:
    • Write an essay on a given topic.
• Social Studies
  • Number of questions: 50
  • Time limit: 70 minutes
  • Test content:
    • 25% U.S. History
    • 25% Civics & Government
    • 20% Economics
    • 15% Geography
    • 15% World History
• Science
  • Number of questions: 50
  • Time limit: 80 minutes
  • Test Content:
    • 45% Life Science
    • 35% Physical Science
    • 20% Earth and Space Science
• Language Arts-Reading
  • Number of questions: 40
  • Time limit: 65 minutes
  • Test content:
    • 75% Literary Text
    • 25% Nonfiction Prose
• Mathematics- (Part 1)
  • Number of questions: 25
  • Time limit: 45 minutes
  • A Casio fx260 scientific calculator will be allowed and provided
• Mathematics- (Part 2)
  • Number of questions: 25
  • Time limit: 45minutes
  • Testcontent:
    • 20-30% Number
    • Number Sense & Operations
    • 20-30% Measurement & Geometry
    • 20-30% Data
    • Statistics and Probability
    • 20-30% Algebra, Functions and Patter
• Illinois State Constitution Test
  • Number of questions: 60
  • Time limit: 60 minutes
  • Test content:
    • American Patriotism
    • Declaration of Independence
    • Constitution of the United States
    • Constitution of the State of Illinois
    • Proper display of the American Flag

A strategy for developing and retaining a skilled workforce

• within any industry or geographical region
• that builds upon previous and current job experience
• that increase, enhance, refine and hone job specific skills and/or industry specific skills, knowledge and abilities
• provide wage and income growth to workers;

can be applied within one and/or transferable to related industries.

Function

1. Career Ladders: establishes a common base that is easily usable and applicable to an individual, specific employer or industry; and within a specific geographic region.
2. Career Ladders: serves as a common ground tool for discussion, collaboration, planning and action to address industry-specific skilled worker shortage.

Reasons to Develop Career Ladders

• Address changes in workforce characteristics:
• Resolve shortages of both skilled and unskilled workers
• Replace retiring baby boomers
• Enhance career growth for wage self-sufficiency
• Expand training and education capacity

Benefits of Developing Career Ladders

• Address critical skills shortage, for example in Manufacturing, Nursing and Teaching
• Prepare skilled workers 24 – 39 age groups to replace retiring baby boomers
• Opportunity to plan individual promotional and career advancement to enhance skills, wages and education
• Meet needs of global economy and workforce with workers skilled in advance technology, leaner operations, exposure to diversity in customer service and public relations, able to meet advancing needs in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
• www.labormarketinfo.edd.ca/gov/

How to create and use a Career Ladder

1. Create a plan for advance: immediate to long term (5, 10, 15, 20 years – Retirement)
2. Once employed you do not stop your job search. In other words, getting ahead means setting, monitoring and executing a long-term career plan.
3. Excel in your current job
4. Share your achievements and successes with co-workers and management
5. Network across on your current job level – create collaborative and supportive relationships with team member. Support and/or participate in company sponsored social, education/training, and recreational activities.
6. Network up with management, department heads, and the person holding the job you want
7. Network down support staff can be critical in pass on praise, calendar scheduling, informal grapevine and providing access to timely services and supplies.
8. Continue learning new skills: particularly those identified as critical to your job, industry, employer competitiveness and key global workforce initiatives.
9. Develop, refine and sharpen your soft skills: speaking, writing, listening, networking, team player and interpersonal skills. Clarity, purpose and opportunity.
10. Know your employer's business focus, industry, products/service, customer base, competition, position on stated social issues, manage philosophy and understand and support the work environment.
11. Your work ethic, behavior, commitment and expertise level will identify you as part of the business' problem or part of the business' solution. Aim for clarity in purpose and be prepared to take advantage of advancement opportunities.
12. Train to meet your long term career goals: train and retrain, join industry organizations, find a mentor – be a mentor;
13. Begin with the end in mind.
14. Know that as the economy changes, the job market changes, and opportunities will come quickly and go quickly.
15. Create a career plan with options: explore advancing with a single employer, advancement within an industry, returning to school to create new opportunities.

http://searchsecurity.techtarget.com . Net Tips

Creating a Career Ladder by identifying and understanding your work motivation style

Career Concepts

In creating and building a career ladder it may be helpful to identify and understand your work motivation style, defined as career concepts, by Michael Driver, Ph.D., professor of organizational behavior and director of the management assessment program at the Marshall School of Business at the University of Southern California at Los Angeles.

"The premise is that everyone has a concept of career success that was programmed into their psyche from as early as childhood or at the beginning of the professional life. Each person's career concept is derived from such influences as parents and family, national culture, company culture, a mentor or even birth orders," as stated in a LookSmart article by Robert N. Llewellyn on Management Tools: Supervisor Resources.

• LINEAR: persons motivated by successfully moving up the corporate ladder. Key phrase: frustration due to mergers and acquisitions, glass ceilings, narrowing of hierarchy. Key word: topped out. Influence: Motivated by power and achievement.
• EXPERT: success is being known as the best among topic and/or industry peers.
• Key phrase: grow up to be good at something. Key word: recognition. Influence: Seek expertise and security.
• SPIRAL: success is moving from one position to a related but often broader position, amassing a vast amount of knowledge and experience. Key word: broadening. Key phrase: well-rounded. Influence: Value growth and creativity.
• ROAMER: successfully able to change jobs often, and the succeeding jobs are often unrelated to past professional experiences. Key word: start up. Key phrase: value work with high people involvement. Influence: Passionate about variety and independence.

www.findarticles.com/

Security Guard: Short term classroom and on-the-job training. (Annual wage $18,000 – 25,000.)

Guards, patrol and inspect property to protect against fire, theft, vandalism, harm, terrorism and illegal activity.

Job Market Trends: Due to heighten security issues in today's world, The Protective Services industry has a high demand for good applicants for Security Guard openings, for which high school level education is sufficient.

Overall the Security industry is a 24/7, 365 days operation: with job categories in

1. Protective Services,
2. Police and Detectives,
3. Private Detectives and Investigators; and
4. Security Guards and Gaming Surveillance Officers.

Typical Job Duties:

• Patrol parameters by foot or auto, check windows and doors, monitor cameras, check employees and visitors in and out of facility.
• Must show good judgment, positive public relations and excellent customer service skills; exhibit common sense, follow post commands; directions and orders from supervisors, and follow company policy and guidelines.
• May testify in court. Authorize entry or exit of individuals. Investigate complaints, disturbances or violations. Monitor alarm system to detect fires, theft, break in or medical emergency. Recognize public safety hazards. Maintain professional appearance and attitude and interact well with public, using tact, courtesy and diplomacy.

Work Scheduling

• Flexibility is a must; scheduling can be and is often 365/24/7. In addition, one must wait until relief worker or next shift arrives before leaving post.
• Overtime is often available to ensure site coverage due to call offs, tardiness, site special requests and general scheduling coverage.
• Those concerned about public transportation availability and child care issues, take heed.

Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2006-2007, JIST Publishing, Inc, Indiana

Salary Range

• Range from entry-level $7.00 – experienced $12.00 per hour, depending on employer, industry, location, shift and previous work experience.
• Candidates with previous military experience and/or a documented related work history are paid are offered salaries mid-to high-end.

Training:

1. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age,
2. pass a background check and
3. complete and pass a drug screening.

Required: Complete a 20 Hour Basic Security course. This is typically completed in three days; covering topics such as property rights, emergency procedures, and detention of suspected criminals.

Optional: The 40 Hour FOID Training (firearm owners identification) typically is completed in five days; and includes 3 day training for the 20 Hour Basic Security course. Topics cover firearm use, firearm safety, and responsibilities and registration procedures.

There are employers that will provide full training at no up front expense to the applicant. Cost: Ranges from $200 - $600. Training is available at the City Colleges of Chicago, www.ccc.edu.Cost: Ranges from $200 - $600. Training is available at the City Colleges of Chicago, www.ccc.edu.

General Qualifications

Completion of 20 Hour Basic Security Training. Ability to obtain PERC: permanent employment regulation card, a professional license.

Pass: (1) Fingerprint background check and (2) Complete and pass drug screening.

• Diploma/GED, preferred and often required
• Flexible to work shift coverage needed
• Understand that you will be an outsourced
• employee working not at your employer
• location, but at a contracted work site
• Military experience, highly preferred
• May require a valid driver's license
• Ability to stand, sit or walk for long period
• Ability to inform, direct, provide and locate information
• Detail minded, observant, courteous
• Ability write reports for daily log

The Division of Professional Regulation conducts criminal background checks, including fingerprint matches when an individual applies for PERC. http://www.idfpr.com/dpr/WHO/alrm.asp

Alarm Professions Licensed by DPR:

• Licensed Private Alarm Contractor
• Licensed Private Alarm Contractor Agency
• Licensed Private Alarm Contractor
• Agency Branch Office
• Approved Training Course School
• Firearm Authorization Card (FAC)
• Permanent Employee Registration Card (PERC)
• Approved 20-Hour Basic Training Program
• Approved Basic 40-Hour Firearm Training Course

Career Paths:

Within a security company

Account Manager Multi-Site, Account Manager Single Site, Armored Car Guard, Gaming Surveillance Officers, HR New Hire Processor, HR Manager, Loss Prevention-Retail, Payroll Processor, Police Officer, Public Safety Officer, Recruiter, Scheduler, Site Supervisor, and Trainer.

Career Opportunities to Explore...Bodyguards, Executive, Dignitary and Celebrity Protection Protective Intelligence & Investigation.

www.esi-lifeforce.com/Careers.html

A sample of careers listed for Security, Protection and Investigative Career Guide: www.khake.com/page28.html

• Alcohol Tobacco and Firearm Agents and Inspectors
• Cavity Wall Insulator
• Certified Safety Professionals
• Criminal Investigators and Special Agents
• Computer Security Specialists
• Corrections Officer
• Customs and Border Patrol Careers
• Emergency Management Officers
• FBI Jobs
• Forensic
• Military intelligence Agent
• Narcotics Officer
• Paralegal and Related Occupations
• Private Detectives and Investigators
• Security Advisor/Agent
  

Explore the Protective Services Industry through a leading employers, view Allied Barton's web-site, www.alliedbarton.com

CAREER LADDER: C.N.A. Certified Nursing Assistant (Short term and on-the-job training Annual wage: $18,000 - $21,000)

Job Function

A C.N.A. is a basic nurse's assistant that under direction of nursing staff: provides direct patient care for physically or mentally ill, injured, disabled, or infirmed individuals confined to hospitals, nursing care facilities, residential care facilities, and mental health settings. Additionally, care is provided to individuals with limited health care needs that preferred to remain at home versus facility confinement as Home Health Care Aide.

Job Market Trends

• Home Health Aides is projected to be the fastest growing occupation through 2014. Numerous job openings and excellent job opportunities are expected.
• Most jobs are In nursing and residential care facilities, hospital shad home health care services.
• Modest entry requirements, low pay, high physical and emotional demands, and lack of career advancement without additional education are typical of this occupation.

Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2006-2007, JIST Publishing, Inc, Indiana

Typical Job Duties

• Under supervision of nursing/medical staff:
• Answer patients' call light, serve meals, make beds, and help patients to eat, dress, bathe.

Provide skin care/treatment; take temperature, pulse rate, respiration rate and blood pressure. Assist with movement, sitting, standing, walking, getting in/out of bed. Observe patients' physical, mental and emotional conditions and report any changes to the supervising staff. Also, may administer oral medication to patients.

Work scheduling

• As in many direct patient care jobs, this is a 365/24/7 job that requires flexibility in scheduling. Those concerned about public transportation and child care availability take heed.
• Work shift may be eight, ten and even twelve hour shifts, often providing overtime and frequently working double shifts; including being called in on scheduled off days.

Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2006-2007, JIST Publishing, Inc, Indiana

Salary Range

• Entry level $7.50 – experienced $10.00 per hour depending on location, facility specialty and work shift.
• Typically jobs in suburban areas and requiring specialty skills often pay more.

Training

• Be at least 16 years of age
• Have verbal and written communication skills at a minimum of sixth grade level* (varies with schools offering program)
• Minimum of 75 hours in a program approved by the Illinois Department of Public Health for Nurse Assistant Certification.
• Basic principles and procedures of patient care are obtained through lecture, laboratory, and supervised clinical experiences at a healthcare facility (clinical).
• The program prepares students to give personal care to patients by helping them meet basic human needs.
• The nurse assistant works under the supervision of a registered nurse and or licensed practical nurse. www.workforceinfo.state.il.us/

Typical programs run 6 – 10 weeks. Cost: $600 - $1,000. Programs available at City Colleges of Chicago, www.ccc.edu

*There are specific criminal convictions that that would bar certification to become a C.N.A.; students who have a history of a felony conviction should read the for specific details regarding Disqualifying Convictions in Accordance with the HEALTH CARE WORKER BACKGROUND CHECK ACT [225 ILCS 46] www.idph.state.il.us/nar/disconvictions.htm , or contact the Illinois Department of Health at (217) 782-2913, www.ilga.gov/commission/jcar/admincode/077/07700955sections.html

General Qualifications

Complete an approved CNA program, minimum of 75 hours of mandatory training.

Pass: Nursing State Board Competency Exam

Complete a Physical exam, including tuberculosis.

Possibly take a drug screening.

Consent to a criminal background check

Obtain CPR certification

• Be at least 16 years of age
• Must have completed at least eight years of grade school or provide proof of equivalent knowledge.
• Must be on the Nurse Aide Registry within 120 days of being hired. Have no documented findings of abuse, neglect or misappropriation of property listed on the Nurse Aide Registry
• Should be of temperate habits and good moral character, honest, reliable and trustworthy
• Must be able to speak and understand English or a language understood by a substantial percentage of a facility's residents
• Required immunizations: MMR (two as a child or one as an adult), Tetanus booster within 10 years, Negative TB skin test within six months.
• http://www.idph.state.il.us/nar/cnafacts.htm

Career Paths

Careers can be researched as topical as indicated below or job title specific. Paths in addition to Registered Nurse, Licensed Practical Nurse, and Medical Assistants, and career options for example, can be researched under Allied Health, Emergency Services, Rehabilitation Therapy, Health Care Technology and Program Administration.

Career Opportunities to Explore...

• EMERGENCY SERVICES: Dispatchers, fire fighters, emergency coordinators, communication technicians, and planners, who link those in need of assistance to those who render assistance, or prepare for, respond to and recover from emergencies.
• REHABILITATION THERAPIES: Lead and manage therapeutic rehabilitative services as part of a comprehensive treatment program for individuals with mental, physical, emotional, or developmental impairments.
  • Licensed: Audiologist, Speech/Language Pathologist, Physical Therapist, and Occupational Therapist).
  • Unlicensed: Recreation Therapist and Music Therapist. Assistants: Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant and Licensed Physical Therapist Assistant.
• HEALTH CARE TECHNOLOGY: For example: Radiological Technologists, Medical Technologists and Dental Hygienists. Perform routine to advanced testing for the diagnosis, treatment, and/or prevention of disease in humans.

www.dhp.virginia.gov.

http://jobs.virginia.gov/careerguides/NursingAsstGuide.htm

Teens As Employees: Workplace Safety

(Excerpt from April/May Career World Magazine) Teens have become an important part of the workforce because so many high school students now have part-time jobs.

Although most teens work fewer hours and hold less dangerous jobs than adults, teenagers have a high rate of work-related injuries. Every year in the United States, nearly 70 teenagers under age 18 die from work-related injuries.

About 77,000 teen workers are hurt badly enough to end up in hospital emergency rooms. Overall, more than 5,000 people die each year from on-the-job injuries, and 4.4 million more suffer from injuries and illness.

Why become a statistic? Instead, learn how to be safe at work. Remember, no matter what your job, you have the right to a safe workplace.

Test your Safety I.Q. How much do you know about workplace safety and health?

1. What is the most common job-related injury for first-time workers under 18?
   • A. muscle sprains/strain
   • B. exposure to fumes
   • C. burns
   • D. cuts/lacerations
2. Which type of hazard can teenagers face at work?
   • A. trips/falls
   • B. eyestrain
   • C. excessive noise
   • D. all of the above
3. By law, your employer must provide all of the following, except:
   • A. protective clothing and necessary equipment
   • B. transportation home from work after dark
   • C. payment for medical bills if injured at work
   • D. training in on-the-job safety
4. Which of these jobs is legal for a 16-year old worker?
   • A. operating a meat slicing machine anywhere
   • B. driving a forklift at a warehouse
   • C. waiting tables at a restaurant
   • D. demolition work at a construction site
5. On a school day, a 15-year old is permitted to work up to ______ hours a day.
   • A. 2
   • B. 3
   • C. 4
   • D. 5

Did You Know?

• Newly-hired teens miss work most often as a result of on-the-job muscle sprains, strains and tears.
• Fatigue from trying to balance work and school may contribute to injuries among young workers.
• Nearly 70% of 14- to 16-year olds injured on the job miss work, school and other activities for at least a day. About 18% of those injured teens are sidelined for more than a week
• About one-third of fatal injuries in young workers occur in family businesses.

www.cdc.gov/noish/childlab.html;

www.cdc.gov/noish/docs/2003-128/2003128.htm

Jobs Youth Can Do

• When you turn 14 you can work in an office, grocery or retail store, restaurant, movie theater or amusement park.
• Work hour limitation until age 16: Outside of school hours, regular school day: 7 a.m.-7 p.m. June 1 through Labor Day, until 9 p.m.
• When you turn 16 you can do any job or occupation except those considered hazardous as listed on article's source site www.youthrules.dol.gov

Surfing the Net

Where the jobs are:
www.snagajob.com
www.Teens4hire.org
www.CoolWorks.com
www.StudentJobs.gov.

Source: Wall Street Journal article - Thurs. May11, '06- Sec. D1 "Summer Jobs Are Easier to Find This Year," Rachel Emma Silverman, Wall Street Journal article –May,11, 2006.

Know someone thinking about college and want guidance, insight? Sample real teen experiences and stories at www.collegezone.com

Know a high-age student looking for extra guidance!

Check with your local high school for a copy of American Careers 2006 - 07 Planner; and visit sites listed above.

{Quiz answers. } 5.b 4.c 3.b 2.d 1.a

www.weeklyreader.com/teens/careerworld/

JOB CORP 1-800-733-JOBS: Questions, Eligibility, and Enrollment

JOB CORPS is a federal government program for youth, administered by the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration.

Job Corps is a free education and training program that helps young men and women prepare for employment, learn job skills, earn a GED or high school diploma and find a good job.

Students will live on a center campus, study and hang out with a lot of different young people from all different places...and even develop lifelong friendships. Students are between the ages of 16 – 24.

There are 18 Job Corps Centers in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio and Wisconsin, known as the Chicago region. To learn more go to http://chicagoregio.jobcorps.gov/aboutjc/about.htm

Denison Job Corps Center	Denison, IA	Hubert H. Humphrey Job Corps Center	St. Paul, MN
Paul Simon Job Corps Center	Chicago, IL	Excelsior Springs Job Corps Center	Excelsior Springs, MO
Golconda Job Corps Center	Golconda, IL	Mingo Job Corps Center	Puxico, MO
Joliet Job Corps Center	Joliet, IL	St. Louis Job Corps Center	St. Louis, MO
Atterbury Job Corps Center	Edinburgh, IN	Pine Ridge Job Corps Center	Chadron, NE
Flint Hills Job Corps Center	Manhattan, KS	Cincinnati Job Corps Center	Cincinnati, OH
Detroit Job Corps Center	Detroit, MI	Cleveland Job Corps Center	Cleveland, OH
Flint/Genesee Job Corps Center	Flint, MI	Dayton Job Corps, Center	Dayton, OH
Gerald R. Ford Job Corps Center	Grand Rapids, MI	Blackwell Job Corps Center	Laona, WI

A Future: Training, Success Planning, Education, Support, Trades

• Accounting Clerk
• Auto Repair
• Bank Teller
• Bricklaying
• Cable Installer
• Carpentry
• Cement Masonry
• Computer Operations
• Certified Nursing Assist
• Computer Repair
• Dental Assistant
• Optical Dispensing
• Electrical
• Electronic Assembly
• Floor Laying
• Culinary Arts
• Forestry
• Glass Glazing
• Hotel Clerk
• Landscaping
• Legal Secretarial
• Machinist
• Painting
• Pharmacy Technician
• Plastering
• Medical Records
• Office Occupations
• Warehousing
• Retail Sales
• Sign Painter
• Floor Tile Setting
• Security Guard
• Plumbing
• Transportation
• Welding
• Food Service
• Building & Apartment Maintenance
• Construction: Heavy Equipment Operation/Repair

The Internet: We often ask our children what will they be when they grow up, too often the reply is to be a rapper, sports player or entertainer. A user-friendly web-site that kids regularly visit to learn about their idols is www.en.wikipedia.com The information provided offers good conversation for parents to gain insight about what influencing their kids values, behavior and attitudes.

Career Guidance: Know a high-age student that is interested in everything and nothing at the same time? Explore the world of agriculture, it is not just the world of farming and livestock anymore – Agri-culture, Agri-science, and Agri-business.

Learn about emerging careers in turf management: (ball parks, golf courses, national parks); many business related careers: (marketing, banking, real estate, public relations, advertising, systems analyst). Areas like experimenting and exploring new food technology, food bacteria, protecting and preserving natural resources, or have a green thumb, offer unlimited opportunities.

Sample employers: Kraft Foods, Monsanto, Coca-Cola Company, General Mills, Inc, Procter & Gamble Company, Kellogg Company, Nabisco Biscuit Company, Nestles, Archer, Daniel, Midland, Dow Chemical Company, Sunkist Growers, Inc., U.S. Forest Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Recommended web-sites that provide in depth industry descriptions and career opportunities are:
www.canr.msu.edu/canrhome/career_agSci.htm
http://agriculture.truman.edu/careers.htm
www.bls.gov/
www.agricareersinc.com/

CPS – Schools Closing and Annual Measurable Achievement Objectives Information –

WORKSHOP Offerings

Did you receive a "Dear Parent" letter from Chicago Public School due to school closings and conversions, and as a result your child will be transferred to another school? Or, did you receive a "Dear Parent" letter stating that your child's school failed to meet achievements for the No Child Left Behind Act, based on student test participation, graduation, attendance and achievement in reading and math.

IF you can answer yes to either question above, and desire to have a clearer explanation, visit Chicago Public School web-site at www.cps.k12.il.us/. There is information about State School Report Cards for elementary schools; and Score Cards for high schools, as well as information regardingSchool Closings and Conversions.

Want to learn more, send us an email, perhaps our two-hour workshop "Reading Schools' Reports" may be more useful to address your questions and concerns.