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Rhode Island

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 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 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.