How to get more women in manufacturing careers

A “Women in Manufacturing” event is one way Jane Addams Resource Corp. helps increase the number of women in industrial careers; JARC offers free training and certifications in workplace safety, statistical process control, CNC operation, G-code programming, welding and other areas.

Courtesy: Mark T. Hoske, Control Engineering, CFE Media and Technology

Learning Objectives

See how Jane Addams Resource Corp. and its manufacturing and community-based partners continue to develop industrial and life-skills training to provide better paying careers with benefits.
Understand how events and recognition from JARC can encourage women, minorities and other from underserved communities to get free skill-based training and certifications to help get manufacturing jobs with benefits.

Women in manufacturing insights

Jane Addams Resource Corp. and its manufacturing and community-based partners continue to develop industrial and life-skills training to provide better paying careers with benefits, as shown in a recent Women in Manufacturing event at Freedman Seating Co. and JARC training location in Chicago.
JARC is encouraging women, minorities and others from underserved communities to get free skill-based training and certifications for placement in manufacturing jobs with benefits.

How to get more women in manufacturing careers

A recent “Women in Manufacturing” event organized by Jane Addams Resource Corp. (JARC) is among ways the organization highlights and encourages women (and other under-represented groups) to train for and excel in skilled manufacturing jobs, including workplace safety, print reading, metrology, statistical process control, geometric dimensioning and tolerances, 3D printing, G-code programming for computer numerical controls (CNC) and welding processes. JARC specializes in urban workforce development and supports healthy communities and economies by teaching low-income adults and workers the skills to earn a living wage.

Computer-numerical controls (CNC) equipment (shown) and welding booths were part of a recent Jane Addams Resource Corp. Women in Manufacturing event training tour. Courtesy: Mark T. Hoske, Control Engineering, CFE Media and Technology

Training in manufacturing, life skills provide needed workers

At the event, Regan Brewer Johnson, JARC president, provided a virtual (on-screen) welcome to speakers and guests. She said working people should not live in poverty; JARC and its supporters provide training, especially in struggling communities, so workers can get better-paying jobs with benefits.

Two award-winning graduates (left) of Jane Addams Resource Corp. training discussed how their lives significantly changed with higher paying manufacturing careers with benefits, part of a recent JARC Women in Manufacturing event. On the right, Danielle Hoske, JARC director of development, data and communications, helped organize event and served as moderator. Courtesy: Mark T. Hoske, Control Engineering, CFE Media and Technology

Chicago Alderman Emma Mitts, after sitting in one of the sample bus seats, said women no longer have to take the back seat because of help from JARC free training and life-skill programs that provide pathways to higher-paying manufacturing jobs with benefits.

“The world is open. Get up and get courage together. We have to tell young people to get skills and training.” Many opportunities are available with appropriate training and skills, she added; traditional barriers have been removed.

Tammy Phillips, president and CEO of Howe Corp. and chair of the JARC board of directors, said the opportunities have never been greater to improve manufacturing employment diversity, equity and inclusion with skills in welding, machining, assembly and other areas. She said great pay and benefits are available in rewarding careers with paths for advancement.

Life skills paired with manufacturing skills help people out of poverty

Other speakers recognized how skills training, certifications, wrap-around services, coaching, workplace changes and even financial assistance all have made male-dominated workplaces safer and more respectful for women, minorities and those from economically underserved communities.

Excellence awards were given to women graduates of JARC programs; some shared how their lives have improved, including the pride of self-sufficiency and in some cases moving off government-based poverty-relief programs.

A flowchart displayed during a Jane Addams Resource Corp. Women in Manufacturing event training tour shows some of the career path opportunities in manufacturing resulting from JARC training. Courtesy: Mark T. Hoske, Control Engineering, CFE Media and Technology

The event also included tours of the Freedman Seating Co. factory and the JARC Training Center on-site, which is one of two JARC training facilities in Chicago.

JARC training extends beyond manufacturing skills and certifications. Adult Learners Programs and Services (ALPS) offer one-on-one and small group tutoring in reading, writing, math, English as a Second Language (ESL), GED preparation and computer skills.

JARC’s wide diversity of supporters include manufacturers and social and economic development organizations, including Austin Coming Together, Chicago Foundation for Women, DLA Piper, Freedman Seating, Howe Corp., ITW/Miller Weld-North America, Local Initiative Support Corp., Maryland Philanthropy Network, MXV Ventures, Polaris, Revolution Works, S&C Electric, Strum Contracting Co., Women Employed and UpMetrics.