When Ruben talks about his journey into CNC machining, one word comes up again and again: opportunity. For years, he worked as a machine operator in the food industry, running equipment that produced hamburgers, sausages, and hot dogs. He understood machines well but had never received formal CNC training. When he and his family moved back to Chicago from Morton, Illinois, he found himself at a crossroads. He had strong hands-on experience, but not the credentials to confidently grow in a new industry.
Through his wife, Brenda, a member of JARC’s Associate Board, Ruben learned about JARC. Although he had already secured a CNC role thanks to an employer who saw his potential, he wanted more than informal, on-the-job learning. He wanted a solid technical foundation and a credential he could carry anywhere. That’s when he enrolled in JARC’s CNC Program.
From the start, he appreciated how hands-on the training was. With his previous experience, Ruben quickly became a leader among his peers, often supporting classmates and mentoring others.
”“The most valuable thing is that you’re training on real machines”
RubenJARC Chicago, CNC Graduate
JARC’s support extended well beyond technical instruction.
Ruben received transportation assistance, participated in mock interviews, and received personalized resume guidance. He completed 13 employment coaching sessions, two financial coaching sessions, and received income support. He also attended eight workshops on finance, banking, budgeting, money management, savings, homebuying, credit, and taxes. With this combination of hands-on training and comprehensive career readiness support, Ruben saw immediate results: after completing the program, he applied to three companies and received three job offers in just one week.
He accepted a six-month contract as a CNC machine operator at QCC. When it ended, his former employer, Pursuit Aerospace, invited him to help launch a new machining facility in Chicago. He accepted a Lead Machine Operator role, viewing it as a strategic step for long-term growth.
Before JARC, his experience was mainly in milling; through the program, he trained in both milling and turning and now operates a turning machine. He also returned to JARC for additional CAD/CAM classes. His turning certification and expanded skills played a key role in earning this leadership opportunity.
Today, Ruben is helping bring critical manufacturing operations in-house and plays a central role in building something new from the ground up. When asked what JARC means to him, he doesn’t hesitate: “Opportunity.” He entered the program with experience but without formal credentials. He left with nationally recognized certifications, expanded technical skills, greater confidence, and clear pathways for advancement. Now, he has a stable career, leadership responsibilities, and a bright future in advanced manufacturing.
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