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Success Stories

Olive Dwan
In Chicago, Success Stories

Kendall – Success Story 

Kendall

When Kendall lost his job during the COVID-19 pandemic, his future felt uncertain. He was on probation, working through a temp agency, and trying to figure out his next move. That’s when his probation officer introduced him to JARC. “When COVID hit, they laid me off from my job. So, I’m like, okay, I might as well go to school.” Kendall enrolled in JARC’s Welding Program in 2020, right in the middle of the pandemic. Welding had always been something he was curious about. “It was something that I always wanted to try to pick up anyway,” he said. With no work and the chance to pursue a new path, Kendall gave it a shot.

”“JARC is the place to help you move your life forward.”

KendallJARC Chicago, Welding Graduate

Training wasn’t easy. Kendall faced real challenges learning the hands-on techniques that welding requires. “You have to weld something, then pour water and make sure you have no holes…I had to do that a few times before I got it,” he said. But with support from the JARC team, including staff like Liz, who stayed in touch and checked in regularly, Kendall was able to persevere thanks to the direct financial assistance JARC provided to help cover his bills while he was in training. During his time in the program, Kendall received 8 employment coaching sessions, 3 financial coaching sessions, and 6 income support services. He also attended 40 workshops covering topics such as financial literacy, digital literacy, budgeting, saving, networking, online professionalism, work ethic, and resume writing. “They even helped me with my bills that I had at the time because I wasn’t working. Liz helped me a lot,” he explained.

As a result of this support, Kendall made significant strides in his financial health. His career is steady, his family has grown, and he has a strong sense of purpose.

As a result of this support, Kendall made significant strides in his financial health. When he first came to JARC in 2020, his credit score was 685. Just six months later, it had increased by 41 points, reaching 726. By October 31, 2022, his score had risen to 760, and most recently, as of March 29, 2024, it climbed to 768, reflecting a total improvement of 83 points since beginning his career with JARC.

After earning his certification in 2021, Kendall began his career as a forklift operator earning $17.35 per hour. His journey then took him from Illinois to Texas, where he earned his commercial driver’s license (CDL) and transitioned into truck driving, making $26 per hour. Today, Kendall calls Ohio home and has been with the same company for nearly three years. His career is steady, his family has grown, and he has a strong sense of purpose. “I work for Welch Packaging, currently making $28/hr. I’ve been working with them as a driver. Next month makes three years,” he shared proudly.

When asked what advice he’d give others thinking about JARC, Kendall doesn’t hesitate: “It’s the perfect opportunity for you, and I’m gonna tell them just how much JARC helped me. I would suggest anybody to it, for real.” If he had to sum up what JARC means to him in one sentence? “Opportunity. If you want to move your life forward, JARC is the place to help you move your life forward.”

Olive Dwan
In Rhode Island, Success Stories

Michael – Success Story

Michael

Before Michael found his way to Jane Addams Resource Corporation Rhode Island (JARC RI), his work life was unpredictable. “From job to job, you know, never really having anything that I was like, set in any kind of career,” he recalls. For years, Michael bounced from one role to another, unsure of what path to pursue. Then one day, his wife came across JARC RI online. “Honestly, my wife seen it online,” Michael said. “That’s how I checked it out.” That chance discovery set in motion a transformation neither of them expected.

”“Once we started working on the machines...it wasn’t overwhelming. It made me feel more comfortable.”

MichaelJARC Rhode Island, CNC Graduate

”“I didn’t think I’d be able to do it at first, and then by the end of it, I was like, Oh wow. That wasn’t as bad as I thought.”

When Michael enrolled in JARC RI’s training program, it was a leap into the unknown. “The program was nice, I mean, I enjoyed it. At first, it was a little overwhelming,” he admits. But with persistence and support, he found his footing. “I stuck it out, and everybody was pretty nice there and helpful.” Like many adult learners returning to the classroom, Michael faced academic hurdles, particularly with trigonometry. “Trigonometry was kind of a pain,” he said. “I haven’t done it in so long, but once you practice it, it kind of comes back to you.” Thankfully, his instructor John guided him through, providing practice tests and encouragement along the way.

For Michael, JARC RI was more than just a training program; it was a turning point.

Michael also accessed support services during his training, like weekly gas cards to help cover transportation costs. While some funding support changed toward the end of his training, he remained focused on the bigger picture: earning industry-recognized certifications and securing a job. “Once we started working on the machines…it wasn’t overwhelming. It made me feel more comfortable.” Hands-on learning and personalized instruction helped Michael build confidence and real-world skills that set him up for success. While at JARC RI, Michael received three employment coaching sessions and 21 sessions focused on financial, work, and education coaching.

Today, Michael is employed as a Machinist at Senko Advanced Components in Bristol, Rhode Island. “I’m working on a machine, a [computer numerical control] CNC mill machine right now, and it’s pretty easy,” he shared with pride. “Actually, my 90th day was yesterday.” With steady work and a $19.19 hourly wage, soon increasing to $22.50 with a shift differential, Michael is building the stability he once only hoped for. “I just really want to make a decent living and save for retirement,” he said. “Obviously I’d like to move up in the future…I’m being very patient.”

For Michael, JARC RI was more than just a training program; it was a turning point. “JARC led me to a career that I probably wouldn’t have been in if I didn’t attend them.” When asked what he’d say to someone considering the program, his advice is heartfelt: “Give it a chance and not let the work in the beginning discourage you or overwhelm you. I didn’t think I’d be able to do it at first, and then by the end of it, I was like, Oh wow. That wasn’t as bad as I thought.”

Andrea Tovar
In Chicago, Events

Veterans Career Fair Chicago

JARC, in partnership with Total Spark, invites veterans, service members, and military families to join us for a Veterans Career Fair on November 6th from 3–5 PM at the Total Wireless Store (5601 W. Belmont Ave, Chicago, IL 60634).

This event is all about helping veterans launch rewarding new careers. Hear from a JARC Veteran trainee sharing their career journey, explore hands-on manufacturing training opportunities at JARC, and connect with veteran support organizations ready to help you take the next step.
Representatives from National Able Network’s Veterans Forward Program will be on-site to share resources on employment assistance, career coaching, and veteran-focused job connections.
Attendees who apply to JARC’s program and complete the interview process will receive a $25 gift card (while supplies last). Don’t miss this opportunity to network, gain career guidance, and access support for your next career move.
Register now!
Andrea Tovar
In Baltimore, Success Stories

Felipe – Success Story 

When Felipe first arrived in the United States, he worked in restaurants, starting as a dishwasher and gradually moving up to become a general manager. “When I got here, I started as a washer, and I moved up, moved up until I became a general manager,” he recalls. While he valued the skills and English he gained in the restaurant industry, Felipe realized he had reached a plateau. “Being a general manager, I felt stuck. I knew, there would come a point where I’d feel stuck. And that’s what happened. I was like, I’m a general manager, I don’t want to take the next step, but I also don’t see myself as a regional manager at 30 years old.” 

”“The part I liked most was job development, practicing interviews. That, plus soft skills sessions, was excellent. I’d never done job interviews before. This prepared me well.”

FelipeCNC Graduate, JARC Baltimore

Looking for a change, Felipe explored opportunities that aligned with his background in mechanical engineering, which he studied for three years in Venezuela. He discovered JARC Baltimore’s CNC training program and immediately saw a path to a career that truly interested him. “When I saw this CNC program, I had the opportunity before to have a lab class back in Venezuela. It was called metallurgy, working with lathes, presses, and all that; but all manually, nothing automated.” Felipe was drawn to the computerized nature of the program and the chance to develop technical skills that would translate into a stable, fulfilling career. 

During the program, Felipe encountered challenges but overcame them with determination and support from JARC.

Learning to operate the CNC machines and programming codes was difficult at first, but he found effective ways to master the curriculum. “What I did was record a video of the instructor explaining each step, then at home I made notes. Step one was this, step two was that. The next day, I followed all steps and told the instructor I was ready to operate the machine. That helped a lot. That was the hardest part.” He also received crucial support from JARC, including gas cards and financial assistance to repair his vehicle, allowing him to focus on completing the program. While in the program, Felipe received two financial coaching sessions, one employment session, and one income support counselling session. He also attended three financial workshops, where he learned practical skills like budgeting and money management. 

Felipe’s experience at JARC went beyond technical skills. Job development sessions, mock interviews, and soft skills training prepared him for the professional world. “The part I liked most was job development, practicing interviews. That, plus soft skills sessions, was excellent. I’d never done job interviews before. This prepared me well.” These experiences, combined with the guidance of instructors and staff, positioned him for success in manufacturing. 

Today, Felipe is thriving in his new career as a CNC Machine Operator at Pace Worldwide. The stability and satisfaction of this role have transformed his life and opened doors for future growth. “If they want a career change and are interested in manufacturing, this is the place. The support team is great, and the program gives you freedom to succeed. It opens doors to new careers.” Reflecting on his journey, Felipe calls his experience at JARC Baltimore a true stepping stone: “It [JARC] opens doors and prepares you for success in a new career. The first door in manufacturing; after that, many doors open.” Thanks to JARC Baltimore, Felipe has transitioned from uncertainty to a career he enjoys, a testament to the power of dedicated training, supportive staff, and a clear path to opportunity. 

Andrea Tovar
In Chicago, Success Stories

Christopher D. – Success Story

Before Christopher joined Jane Addams Resource Corporation (JARC), his life was a mix of creativity and frustration. With a BFA in Illustration, art was always at the heart of his identity. He worked as an apparel designer and later as a product development designer, cleaning up digital art files for overseas production.

He also poured his passion into freelance projects, painting basketball courts and collaborating with friends, but something vital was missing. “I never felt fulfilled,” Christopher reflects. “Since the day I started that job, I was applying for other roles, chasing that feeling I had back in art school. I felt stuck. I was comfortable, and once you’re comfortable, you stop growing.”

”Adrian, my instructor, gives constructive feedback that helps me keep growing. He reminds me I can do this

ChristopherJARC Chicago, Welding Trainee

Determined to find new purpose, Christopher searched for free welding programs near him and found JARC. What began as a simple Google search turned into a pivotal life decision. “Welding felt like a whole different animal, but at the same time, it has similarities to art,” he says. Since enrolling in JARC’s Welding Program at the Austin location in February, Christopher has embraced the structure, intensity, and community that comes with it. He’s working toward his certification and admits that it hasn’t all been easy.

Christopher also highlights the support JARC provides beyond technical training. He receives transportation assistance and participates in weekly financial coaching with Britt. “She teaches us about financial literacy and the options we didn’t even know we had,” he explains. So far, Christopher has completed 5 employment coaching sessions and 6 financial coaching sessions and has also received income support. He’s attended two additional workshops on investing and digital literacy, resources that are helping him build a stronger foundation for his future.

While still training, Christopher recently found joy in winning JARC’s T-shirt design Contest. “I have some experience with graphic design because I went to school for it… I always liked the JARC website, so I was excited to get the opportunity to work on my design”, he shares.

As for what’s next, Christopher dreams of homeownership and financial independence. “[My goals] are very simple,” he admits, “but they feel impossible to achieve at the moment.” Still, he remains focused: “I’m hoping to become a homeowner, have things for myself, live comfortably, gain a little financial freedom, just build something for myself.” At JARC, Christopher has found not just a new skill, but a path forward. And as he continues to weld, design, and grow, one thing is clear: his story is just getting started.

Want to support our mission and get a great T-shirt? Click here to purchase a Chris T-shirt!

Every shirt sold helps us provide free training and wraparound support services for people like Grace, ensuring that hardworking individuals don’t have to live in poverty.

This initiative is proudly organized by JARC’s Associate Board.

Andrea Tovar
In Chicago, Success Stories

Pearl – Success Story

When Pearl first heard about Jane Addams Resource Corporation (JARC), it wasn’t through a flyer or a website, it was a personal visit. “Somebody came from over there to my job,” she recalls. At the time, Pearl was working at Boye Needle Company near Montrose and Ravenswood. Back in the late ‘80s or early ‘90s, Pearl and a few coworkers attended a computer introduction class at JARC.

“We had Microsoft Word Core 2000, Microsoft PowerPoint and Excel, JARC showed us how to do a lot of stuff.” When her job later moved operations to Massachusetts, Pearl relocated temporarily. But when she returned to Chicago in 2003, she found JARC still standing and still teaching. She didn’t hesitate to dive back in.

”JARC is the best place to go, and it’s free. You can learn for free.

PearlJARC Chicago, CNC Graduate

In 2003, Pearl enrolled in JARC’s Computer Numerical Control (CNC) program. Her passion for learning didn’t stop there, she went on to take additional classes in Access, Internet and Outlook, as well as intermediate Word and Excel by 2007. “They had a good graduation for us,” she recalled. “They gave us those little papers and everything. It was nice. I loved it.”

Though she’s now retired, the skills Pearl gained at JARC opened doors for her throughout her career. She held roles in warehouses, assembly lines, and CNC jobs, and even landed a position at Walgreens. “I wasn’t qualified with the computer before,” she said, “but it helped me with the machines they had”. Before long, Pearl found herself training others. “I was like, wow, I’m training people!”

In 2025, she entered the organization’s T-shirt design contest and won. Her entry captured the full scope of JARC’s impact.

“I tried to put everything that I knew that JARC did. My niece helped me put the design on the shirt. I was looking at pictures of people working on computers and machines, it was so helpful.”

When asked to sum up what JARC has meant to her, Pearl doesn’t hesitate: “JARC is the best place to go, and it’s free. You can learn for free.” She continues to advocate for young people to take advantage of the opportunity: “I tell them to go, especially young people. If they’re looking for a job, it helps.”

Pearl’s story is one of resilience, creativity, and the power of accessible education. From mastering CNC machines to designing winning T-shirts, she exemplifies the spirit of lifelong learning that JARC fosters in every trainee who walks through its doors.

Want to support our mission and get a great T-shirt? Click here to purchase a Pearl T-shirt!

Every shirt sold helps us provide free training and wraparound support services for people like Grace, ensuring that hardworking individuals don’t have to live in poverty.

This initiative is proudly organized by JARC’s Associate Board.

Andrea Tovar
In Chicago, Success Stories

Grace – Success Story

Before Grace discovered Jane Addams Resource Corporation (JARC), she had spent years working in warehouses in Portland, Oregon. She didn’t mind the work, but she felt stuck. “There just wasn’t a lot of mobility,” she said. When she relocated to Chicago, she made herself a promise: no more jobs without a pathway forward. She was ready to level up.

That promise led her to JARC’s CNC machining program, something she hadn’t even heard of before. “Once I learned what CNC machining was, I thought, this seems great. There are so many directions you can take it in.”

Walking into JARC, Grace found more than just a new career path. She found a community of encouragement and practical tools that helped her thrive. “Everyone is just so welcoming right away. Start to finish, it’s a lot of great people and so much support. It’s really unlike anything I’ve been a part of before.”

”“They [JARC] really think outside the box and meet people where they’re at”

GraceJARC Chicago, CNC Graduate

The road wasn’t without challenges. But JARC met them head-on, providing critical support services like transportation assistance, new work boots, and prescription safety glasses. “They really think outside the box and meet people where they’re at,” Grace shared. That kind of support made it possible for her to focus on building real skills. While in training, Grace received personalized support to help her succeed beyond the classroom. She had 9 one-on-one employment coaching sessions and attended 16 workshops on budgeting, digital literacy, and financial management. She also took part in 3 sessions focused on income support and financial coaching, giving her the tools to plan for a more stable future.

Grace earned three industry-recognized certifications, gained hands-on experience with machining equipment, and even won JARC’s T-shirt fundraising contest with a custom design she created using 3D software. “It was a cool opportunity to learn something new.”

Today, Grace is proudly stepping into a full-time role as an Associate Machinist at Woodward, MPC, earning $21 an hour, and walking confidently into a future she once couldn’t imagine.

JARC staff were right there with her, even accompanying her on a tour of the company where she now works. That support gave her the confidence and connection she needed to make a strong impression. “I definitely couldn’t have done that without JARC,” she said. “If I can do it, anyone can do it.”

Her message to others? “Just try it. You’ll probably end up surprising yourself with what you’re capable of.”

Want to support our mission and get a great T-shirt? Click here to purchase a Grace T-shirt!

Every shirt sold helps us provide free training and wraparound support services for people like Grace, ensuring that hardworking individuals don’t have to live in poverty.

This initiative is proudly organized by JARC’s Associate Board.

Andrea Tovar
In Employer Partners, Partnerships, Rhode Island, Success Stories

How JARC Partnered With Omniseal Solutions To Build a Future-Ready Workforce

Background

Omniseal Solutions’ Bristol, Rhode Island facility experienced a significant resurgence between 2021 and 2023, tripling both production and headcount. With operations focused on performance plastics and precision components for space and aviation, the engineering and manufacturing company needed a fast and reliable way to build a skilled workforce. This became especially urgent after business that had previously been sent overseas was brought back to the site.

Polaris MEP, the Rhode Island Manufacturing Extension Partnership, facilitated a connection between Omniseal Solutions and the Jane Addams Resource Corporation (JARC). JARC Rhode Island, established in 2022, had already built a reputation for designing and delivering high-impact career path training for job seekers in CNC machining and welding. JARC has been delivering high quality, employer informed manufacturing skills training in Chicago and Baltimore since 1985 and 2015, respectively.

In addition to training targeted to job seekers, JARC delivers firm-side training utilizing a customized approach built around employer needs, with the goal of upskilling workers and supporting employers to create career mobility opportunities for their workers.

”“Working with JARC to design custom training solutions for our evolving business needs has been simple and effective.”

Sebastian MooreOmniseal HR Manager

”“This investment in our employees drives higher performance and retention, leading to stronger business outcomes.”

Sebastian MooreOmniseal HR Manager

Challenge

Omniseal Solutions’ Bristol site required talent with highly specific skills. A previous partnership with a local community college had not aligned with the company’s day-to-day operational needs. They needed a training model that was flexible, employer-led, and capable of producing consistent results across both technical and non-machine-facing roles.

The facility’s involvement with Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) further narrowed hiring and training options, adding another layer of complexity. With rapid growth and new business coming in, the company had to ensure that new employees were not just hired quickly but also equipped with the right skills and knowledge to contribute immediately.

Solution

Through a connection facilitated by Polaris MEP, Omniseal Solutions’ Bristol site and JARC Rhode Island met to discuss training needs.

To ensure the training would meet Omniseal Solutions’ specific operational needs, JARC staff, including Guy Loudon and John Tebow, worked closely with the company to design the curriculum. This included conducting preliminary worker assessments and employee surveys to tailor the training content. Regular meetings between JARC and Omniseal Solutions’ Bristol leadership helped fine-tune course materials and align the program with the skills required on the plant floor.

Unlike off-the-shelf programs, JARC built a solution in direct collaboration with Omniseal Solutions; it was designed to align with the company’s specific training requirements and hiring goals. The program supported both new hires and incumbent workers and connected to the company’s internal second chance hiring initiative. Together, the partners created a pipeline of talent that matched the demands of the work while offering meaningful career pathways.

According to Moore, JARC brought something different to the table. He noted that “they really do honor those partnerships. They do a good job of keeping us all informed and involved, and I know I have a sounding board with this team.”

Results

The partnership has helped Omniseal Solutions scale its workforce responsibly and with confidence. Dozens of employees have completed JARC-supported training, creating a stronger, more consistent baseline of technical knowledge across the workforce. Moore explained that “our employees definitely all have a similar baseline level of knowledge, which is critical. It gives us a starting point to jump off from.”

To date, 65 Omniseal Solutions’ employees have successfully completed JARC’s training. These customized training courses included:

  • Manufacturing Skills 1 (MS1), a course focused on shop math, print reading, and metrology
  • Manufacturing Skills 2 (MS2), which covers advanced print reading—including section, assembly, and metric drawings—metrology with surface plates and advanced gauges, useful machinists’ formulae and trigonometry, as well as an introduction to GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing) and SPC (Statistical Process Control)
  • Mold Makers Quality Assurance
  • Lathe Set-up, Operator, and Safety

Another success of the program was that 9 employees received raises or promotions after completing JARC classes. Managers have gained more confidence in their teams, while employees are advancing into more complex roles faster. One graduate of JARC’s CNC Fast Track program joined as a new hire machinist and within 18 months was operating some of the facility’s most advanced machines.

Moore described it as “incredibly rewarding to watch his trajectory,” and noted that the employee continues to pursue additional training through JARC.

The success of the partnership offers a model for other manufacturers looking to address talent gaps. Moore believes that as technology and AI accelerate changes on the factory floor, partnerships like this will only become more important: “Creating and advancing partnerships with workforce development agencies is a business imperative.”

When asked what he would say to another company considering a similar partnership, his advice was simple: “Stop thinking and do it. Just have the conversation.”

Emily
In Chicago, Success Stories

Jovani’s Success Story

Jovani, a welder at Freedman Seating Company and a student at Triton College, is a perfect example of how JARC can help transform careers. Since connecting with JARC in 2018, Jovany has been on a steady path of growth, turning his job in welding into a true passion and setting his sights on even bigger goals for the future. 

Before JARC, Jovani worked as a welder at a manufacturing company that had clients like Tesla. It was here that he started working with advanced manufacturing robots. “When I saw a robot do the work, I thought, ‘Hey, I could do that too!’” he said, and that sparked his desire to learn more. His curiosity led him to JARC, where he discovered the training and support he needed to take his skills to the next level. 

”"JARC helped me dive deeper into my passion for welding."

At JARC, Jovani quickly realized there was a lot more to welding than just laying down a bead. “I thought welding was simple, but there’s actually a lot of math involved,” he said. “JARC offered tutoring in math, which helped me understand the dimensions and precision I needed in my work.” Learning how to read blueprints at JARC also gave him a solid foundation that has helped him in his college courses at Triton. During his time at JARC, Jovani received 17 employment coaching sessions, along with 2 income support sessions and 2 financial coaching sessions. He also participated in 20 workshops focused on job readiness, interview skills, digital literacy, and financial literacy. 

The impact on Jovani’s career has been huge.

When he first started, he was earning $17 an hour; today, he makes $21.40 an hour and is learning how to program robotic welders. His time at JARC taught him valuable lessons about work ethics, too. “I give 110% every day on the job,” he shared, crediting JARC’s emphasis on punctuality and commitment for helping him develop a strong work ethic. 

Jovani’s story doesn’t end there. Thanks to JARC’s support, he’s now dreaming bigger than ever—he plans to start his own welding business.

“JARC helped me dive deeper into my passion for welding,” he said. He’s even taking entrepreneurship classes with the City of Chicago to prepare for his future as a business owner. 

Looking back on his journey, Jovany says, “Welding is like my signature—I want to feel proud of my work.” With the skills he’s gaining through JARC’s hands-on Saturday classes, Jovani is staying connected to his craft while preparing for a bright future in welding and business. His story is a great example of how JARC can help individuals unlock their full potential and achieve their dreams. 

Emily
In Rhode Island, Success Stories

Sarajane’s – Success Story

Sarajane’s story exemplifies resilience and the pursuit of stability. She immigrated to the United States from South Africa in 2004 with an educational background in IT but found it challenging to secure a stable job in her field. With limited employment opportunities and unable to pursue IT work, she ended up working night shifts at a homeless shelter.

Barely earning enough to make ends meet, she faced a crossroad. As Sarajane put it, she was “in a season where I needed to figure out my next step financially and career-wise.” She felt her options were limited: either find a better-paying job or seek training to secure a sustainable career. Then, a friend introduced her to the Jane Addams Resource Corporation (JARC RI) and its CNC Machining Program in Rhode Island. Sarajane immediately saw the potential to build on her IT foundation.

”“I have a background in programming, and when I heard about G-coding, I thought, ‘I know some coding—this could be a natural next step.’”

Sarajane

”Reflecting on her experience, she shared, “You’re not going to lose; you’re going to gain. This is truly a great opportunity to better your life. These skills will take you further.

Sarajane

JARC’s Bridge Program provided her with the math skills needed for CNC machining, with tutoring and supportive instructors, like Galina, who helped her regain confidence in her math abilities. Sarajane recalled, “I didn’t realize how rusty my math was… the bridge program really opened my eyes.”

Throughout her journey with JARC, Sarajane received more than technical training. She was also supported with weekly transportation vouchers and assistance for essential bills, reducing her financial worries and enabling her to focus on her training.

Today, Sarajane is a machinist in Providence, one of the first graduates from JARC Rhode Island’s CNC program.

Her aspirations reach even further as she dreams of one day becoming an engineer: “I want to be the one designing blueprints and writing G-codes for companies.”

Sarajane’s story underscores JARC’s impact on individuals and the manufacturing industry, providing critical skills for promising careers.

As Sarajane said, “This industry is truly one where you can build a career and have many opportunities,” and her path from a shelter night shift to a skilled machinist is a testament to the power of opportunity and support.