Will Works Podcast

Workforce Investment Board of Will County
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Welcome to the Will Works Podcast, powered by the Workforce Center of Will County. Get ready to hear about all things workforce development in Will County. Your host is Patrick Hall, Employer Relations Coordinator for Joliet Junior College – Workforce Development. To learn more, visit will.works

  1. FEB 13

    E59: The Apprenticeship Advantage: Lessons from Germany

    In this episode featuring Jaymee Dhein and Myriam Klein, you'll learn how Germany's apprenticeship system actually works and why it's often considered the gold standard for building a skilled workforce. You'll hear how employers, vocational schools, and chambers of commerce work together to train talent through paid, hands-on learning combined with classroom education, and why vocational career paths are treated with the same respect as four-year degrees. You'll also discover how this model supports low youth unemployment, prepares workers for advanced manufacturing and emerging technologies, and encourages employers to invest in long-term workforce development rather than short-term competition. Tune in to gain insights into what the U.S. could borrow from the German approach to strengthen education-to-career pathways and create more sustainable workforce systems.

    41 min

  2. 11/14/2025

    E58: Dreams Take Flight: How United Airlines Invests in Its Next Generation of Talent

    In this episode, you'll hear how apprenticeships are transforming lives and careers across Illinois—with a spotlight on how United Airlines is using hands-on learning and mentorship to build the next generation of talent. You'll meet a former apprentice who immigrated from Ukraine and, through the i.c.stars program, gained the skills, confidence, and opportunity to become a platform engineering associate at United Airlines. Her story reveals how apprenticeships can change the trajectory of a career and a life—bridging education and opportunity while helping businesses grow their own talent pipelines. It's an inspiring look at what happens when industry, education, and community partners come together to invest in people and their potential.

    27 min

  3. 10/23/2025

    E57: Building a Workforce for Everyone: Preparing Workers for a Changing Economy

    In this episode we are joined by Julio Rodriguez to explore how his personal journey—from first-generation roots and early challenges to becoming a leader in Illinois workforce development—drives his commitment to opportunity and public service. Julio shares how the power of work and mentorship carried him forward, and dives into how the state's workforce ecosystem is evolving—through bridge programs for ESL learners, to the integration of adult education with career pathways. Julio also digs into major workforce trends like AI's impact, clean-energy job growth, and the rising role of apprenticeships in non-traditional sectors. At its core, this conversation is about resilience, leadership and the belief that everyone deserves a meaningful pathway to work—no matter where they start.

    52 min

  4. 09/18/2025

    E56: Opening Doors for Young Talent: How Genesis Works Creates Career Pathways

    Jermaine Donaldson, Director of Business Development for Genesys Works, joins the podcast to discuss how the organization equips high school students from underserved communities with job training, professional skills, and paid internships. He shares how Genesys Works bridges the gap between talent and opportunity, helping young people launch meaningful careers and achieve long-term economic independence.

    28 min

  5. 07/14/2025

    E55: Building a Stronger Workforce: Lessons from Kraig Kistinger at National Tube Supply

    In this episode we sit down with Kraig Kistinger, Director of Human Resources at National Tube Supply Co., to explore what it takes to build and sustain a thriving workforce in today's competitive market. Kraig shares how National Tube Supply invests in people through robust training, innovative tools like VR, and a culture that values authenticity and growth. We discuss practical strategies for recruiting and retaining talent, the power of community partnerships, and Kraig's "three Bs of success" that guide both new hires and seasoned professionals. Whether you're an employer, job seeker, or just curious about how modern manufacturing stays people-focused, you'll gain valuable insights from this conversation.

    31 min

  6. 06/10/2025

    E54: From the Classroom to the Job Site: Preparing the Next Generation of Tradespeople

    In this episode of the Will Works podcast, you'll hear about how the Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program is preparing individuals for careers in the construction trades through hands-on training, evening classes, and industry-recognized certifications. Discover how the program helps participants build foundational skills, gain confidence, and connect with union apprenticeship opportunities—all at no cost. With multiple locations and strong support services, including financial assistance and follow-up job placement, this episode explores how pre-apprenticeships are opening doors to rewarding careers in the skilled trades.

    31 min

  7. 05/19/2025

    E53: Earning While Learning: Why Apprenticeships Matter More Than Ever

    Tune in as we explore the growing role of apprenticeships in today's workforce with Dain Meza-Gotto, Director of Workforce Development at Joliet Junior College. You'll hear how JJC is using apprenticeships to connect students and career changers with in-demand jobs in fields like early childhood education, clean energy, and manufacturing. Dain shares insights on the benefits apprenticeships offer to both employers and participants, from industry-recognized credentials to hands-on mentorship and wage progression. Whether you're an employer looking to build your talent pipeline or a student exploring your next step, this conversation offers a practical look at how apprenticeships can create lasting opportunity.

    30 min

  8. 03/05/2025

    E52: P2P 2025: Inside Will County's Interactive Career Exposition

    In this episode, host Patrick Hall speaks with Will County Workforce Services staff including John Hall (Business Services and Special Projects Supervisor), Andrew Pajak (Career Planner), Michelle Stiff (Director), and Pam Rodriguez (Special Projects Manager) about Pathways to Professions (P2P), an innovative career exposition now in its third year. Taking place on March 11, 2025, at the Romeoville Athletic and Event Center, P2P connects high school students with local employers through interactive, hands-on activities that showcase diverse career pathways. The event will feature over 119 employers from various industries and serve approximately 1,000 students from 15 high schools, with the afternoon portion (2-5 PM) open to the general public. This two-part series explores how P2P was conceived, its growth over the years, and how it benefits both youth and job seekers by providing unique opportunities to explore career options in Will County.

    40 min
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About

Welcome to the Will Works Podcast, powered by the Workforce Center of Will County. Get ready to hear about all things workforce development in Will County. Your host is Patrick Hall, Employer Relations Coordinator for Joliet Junior College – Workforce Development. To learn more, visit will.works

Information

  • Creator
    Workforce Investment Board of Will County
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    59
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2021
  • Show Website
    Will Works Podcast