Advertise on podcast: Will Works Podcast

Leaving the military can mean finding a new career, a new community, and a new sense of purpose. In this episode of the Will Works Podcast, explore how veterans can carry their experience forward into meaningful civilian work, including healthcare careers that extend far beyond doctors and nurses. Discover how leadership, teamwork, logistics, and technical skills translate into hospital roles, why mentorship matters during the transition, and how employers can better recognize and support veteran talent. Learn why listening to veterans' lived experience is essential to building stronger workforce programs and creating opportunities to continue serving in a different way.

What does it take to build a workforce where people can truly thrive? In this episode of the Will Works Podcast, Michelle Sebasco, Deputy Director of Academic Partnerships and Continuing Education at Governors State University's School of Extended Learning, explores the vital connection between workforce development and mental health. She discusses why technical skills are only one part of career readiness, the importance of emotional resilience and inclusive workplaces, and how programs such as Jaguar Jumps are supporting neurodivergent learners. Michelle also shares how collaboration among educators, employers, government agencies, and community organizations can create a healthier workforce, a stronger economy, and more resilient communities.

In this episode, we are joined by Jen Howard, president of the Joliet Chamber of Commerce, and Mike Paone, executive vice president, to explore how the chamber supports businesses and strengthens the wider community. They share their professional journeys, discuss the chamber's evolving role beyond networking, and highlight its work in advocacy, education, business visibility, and leadership development. The conversation also examines current workforce challenges, the importance of connecting employers with educational institutions, and how investments in students and emerging leaders are helping build Joliet's future workforce.

In this episode of the Will Works Podcast, Paige Kelly and Aidan Rockarts introduce the Clean Energy Contractor Incubator Program, an initiative designed to help entrepreneurs, small businesses, and nonprofits enter and grow within Illinois' expanding clean energy economy. They explain how the program provides individualized business advising, workshops, professional services, industry connections, certification guidance, and support with areas such as marketing, accounting, legal services, and business planning. The conversation also explores the wide range of opportunities available in clean energy—from solar and electric vehicle infrastructure to HVAC, construction, landscaping, and energy efficiency—and highlights the program's commitment to creating equitable pathways for historically underserved communities.

Originally recorded during National Apprenticeship Week, this episode explores how modern apprenticeship programs are creating new pathways into meaningful careers across industries like insurance, IT, cybersecurity, and business operations. Discover how apprenticeships can bridge the gap between education and employment through paid, hands-on experience, mentorship, and career development opportunities through conversations with David Jaeger, Program & Operations Lead HR | Office of Apprenticeship at Zurich North America, and Peter Tobin, IT Apprentice. The episode also highlights the growing role apprenticeships play in workforce innovation, the importance of soft skills alongside technical training, and how employers and educators are working together to build the workforce of the future.

*]:pointer-events-auto [content-visibility:auto] supports-[content-visibility:auto]:[contain-intrinsic-size:auto_100lvh] R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(--scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(--thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir="auto" data-turn-id= "request-6a033165-6870-83ea-8fe8-2379f9fc5e40-11" data-turn-id-container= "request-6a033165-6870-83ea-8fe8-2379f9fc5e40-11" data-testid= "conversation-turn-8" data-scroll-anchor="false" data-turn= "assistant"> In this episode of the Will Works podcast, we are joined by Teena Mackey, Executive Director of the Will County Community Mental Health 708 Board, for a conversation about the growing importance of mental health in the workplace. Tune in to hear how organizations can move beyond surface-level wellness initiatives to create cultures that genuinely support employee wellbeing. Teena shares insights on recognizing signs of mental health challenges in the workplace, the importance of proactive leadership, the role of education and mental health first aid, and how compassionate workplace cultures can improve both employee wellness and organizational success.

In this episode featuring Jaymee Dhein and Myriam Klein, you'll learn how Germany's apprenticeship system actually works and why it's often considered the gold standard for building a skilled workforce. You'll hear how employers, vocational schools, and chambers of commerce work together to train talent through paid, hands-on learning combined with classroom education, and why vocational career paths are treated with the same respect as four-year degrees. You'll also discover how this model supports low youth unemployment, prepares workers for advanced manufacturing and emerging technologies, and encourages employers to invest in long-term workforce development rather than short-term competition. Tune in to gain insights into what the U.S. could borrow from the German approach to strengthen education-to-career pathways and create more sustainable workforce systems.

In this episode, you'll hear how apprenticeships are transforming lives and careers across Illinois—with a spotlight on how United Airlines is using hands-on learning and mentorship to build the next generation of talent. You'll meet a former apprentice who immigrated from Ukraine and, through the i.c.stars program, gained the skills, confidence, and opportunity to become a platform engineering associate at United Airlines. Her story reveals how apprenticeships can change the trajectory of a career and a life—bridging education and opportunity while helping businesses grow their own talent pipelines. It's an inspiring look at what happens when industry, education, and community partners come together to invest in people and their potential.

In this episode we are joined by Julio Rodriguez to explore how his personal journey—from first-generation roots and early challenges to becoming a leader in Illinois workforce development—drives his commitment to opportunity and public service. Julio shares how the power of work and mentorship carried him forward, and dives into how the state's workforce ecosystem is evolving—through bridge programs for ESL learners, to the integration of adult education with career pathways. Julio also digs into major workforce trends like AI's impact, clean-energy job growth, and the rising role of apprenticeships in non-traditional sectors. At its core, this conversation is about resilience, leadership and the belief that everyone deserves a meaningful pathway to work—no matter where they start.

Jermaine Donaldson, Director of Business Development for Genesys Works, joins the podcast to discuss how the organization equips high school students from underserved communities with job training, professional skills, and paid internships. He shares how Genesys Works bridges the gap between talent and opportunity, helping young people launch meaningful careers and achieve long-term economic independence.

In this episode we sit down with Kraig Kistinger, Director of Human Resources at National Tube Supply Co., to explore what it takes to build and sustain a thriving workforce in today's competitive market. Kraig shares how National Tube Supply invests in people through robust training, innovative tools like VR, and a culture that values authenticity and growth. We discuss practical strategies for recruiting and retaining talent, the power of community partnerships, and Kraig's "three Bs of success" that guide both new hires and seasoned professionals. Whether you're an employer, job seeker, or just curious about how modern manufacturing stays people-focused, you'll gain valuable insights from this conversation.

In this episode of the Will Works podcast, you'll hear about how the Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program is preparing individuals for careers in the construction trades through hands-on training, evening classes, and industry-recognized certifications. Discover how the program helps participants build foundational skills, gain confidence, and connect with union apprenticeship opportunities—all at no cost. With multiple locations and strong support services, including financial assistance and follow-up job placement, this episode explores how pre-apprenticeships are opening doors to rewarding careers in the skilled trades.

Tune in as we explore the growing role of apprenticeships in today's workforce with Dain Meza-Gotto, Director of Workforce Development at Joliet Junior College. You'll hear how JJC is using apprenticeships to connect students and career changers with in-demand jobs in fields like early childhood education, clean energy, and manufacturing. Dain shares insights on the benefits apprenticeships offer to both employers and participants, from industry-recognized credentials to hands-on mentorship and wage progression. Whether you're an employer looking to build your talent pipeline or a student exploring your next step, this conversation offers a practical look at how apprenticeships can create lasting opportunity.

In this episode, host Patrick Hall speaks with Will County Workforce Services staff including John Hall (Business Services and Special Projects Supervisor), Andrew Pajak (Career Planner), Michelle Stiff (Director), and Pam Rodriguez (Special Projects Manager) about Pathways to Professions (P2P), an innovative career exposition now in its third year. Taking place on March 11, 2025, at the Romeoville Athletic and Event Center, P2P connects high school students with local employers through interactive, hands-on activities that showcase diverse career pathways. The event will feature over 119 employers from various industries and serve approximately 1,000 students from 15 high schools, with the afternoon portion (2-5 PM) open to the general public. This two-part series explores how P2P was conceived, its growth over the years, and how it benefits both youth and job seekers by providing unique opportunities to explore career options in Will County.

Tune in for a conversation with Lutece Beavers, a Joliet native and successful graduate of JJC's Connect Your Future program. Lutece shares her journey from exploring diverse career interests to completing her business and marketing degree at Governor's State University in 2023. Now an associate publisher with Best Version Media, she discusses launching "Neighbors of Joliet" magazine, which helps local businesses enhance their community presence through print and digital marketing. The conversation covers her experiences balancing education, work, and a modeling career, while highlighting how the WIOA program's support and resources contributed to her professional development.