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Supporting Moms & Families in Manufacturing

Supporting Moms & Families in Manufacturing

In an era where the manufacturing sector struggles to find skilled candidates for open positions, women remain a largely untapped resource. Numerous obstacles, such as lack of affordable childcare, insufficient skills, and negative perceptions of manufacturing, continue to keep women, especially mothers, away from the shop floor. One significant barrier, in particular, is the lack of access to childcare, which has long hindered employment opportunities for moms seeking a career in manufacturing.

Tonce’s turning point came when, back in 2015, she attended an orientation at JARC. “Patricia made me feel so authentic and genuine in wanting to help someone with a background like mine. She said, ‘No matter where you come from or what you’ve done in the past, come to us, and we will make sure that we take care of you.'” Inspired by this message, Tonce embarked on her journey with JARC.

To address this issue, JARC employs a “two-generation” approach to its programs, catering to the needs of both parents and their children. For many vulnerable moms, the lack of access to childcare prevents them from enrolling in job training programs like those offered at JARC, thus hindering their career prospects. This issue not only affects the mothers but also impacts their children, who are more likely to remain in poverty and fail to meet key developmental milestones if their mothers cannot make ends meet. By partnering with childcare and education providers, JARC helps remove the persistent childcare barrier, opening doors for unemployed mothers and their children to achieve self-sufficiency.

At JARC, we are committed to helping mothers and their families succeed.

Take Erika, for example, a mother of three who worked part-time while attending JARC’s CNC Fast Track Program. She is now employed full-time as a Machine Operator at a large manufacturer in the western suburbs. Similarly, Yvette, a mother of one, was stuck in a low-skilled manufacturing job and turned to JARC to enhance her skills. She now works full-time, earning nearly $17 an hour, and cherishes her afternoons and evenings with her daughter.

We extend a very happy Mother’s Day to the many mothers who have come through our doors! Your dedication and hard work inspire us, and we are proud to support you on your journey to success.