Success Story Starters

October 2014

Illinois workNet Centers are an Equal Opportunity Employer/Program. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities at Illinois workNet Centers. Sponsored by Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. 10/2014 v2

Individuals

Youth Employment Program

Laid Off Worker

Employers

Sample TemplatesFor the following

participants:

Incumbent Worker Program

For the following programs:

Participant Type: Individual

Program Type: Youth Employment Program

Suggestions Examples for Parts of a Success Story

Use only your first name. You can include a description of your background or challenge.

My name is Matthew.

Include where you worked, your job title and a brief description of your responsibilities.

The past six weeks of my summer was spent working as an office aide with Anderson Company. As an office aide I had to complete different tasks, such as: filing papers, making copies of transcripts, creating employee manuals and student/parent handbooks, and completing any additional tasks.

Include things that you have learned. This includes soft skills, technical skills, and academic skills.

While working here I have learned organizational skills, how to take direction from authority, and how to work on a schedule. I have also learned how to work under pressure.

Describe the positive change in your life as a result of participating in the program and your plans for the future.

These skills will help me when I go back to school and in future jobs. I hope that I can participate in the program again.

NEXT SLIDE: See a sample success story video.

Program Type: Laid Off Worker

Suggestions Examples for Parts of a Success Story

Use only your first name. You can include a description of your background or challenge.

I received a Medical Administrative Assistant AAS 5 years ago. Once I completed this program I began doing medical transcription work at home until I was laid off in 2012.

Describe what were you trying to achieve.

After being laid off, I decided to stay in the Health Science field but I knew that I needed to update my skills. I decided to become a Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT).

Describe how the program was able to help you achieve your goals.

There was no way that I was able to afford to update my skills on my own. Thanks to WIA, I was able to achieve this goal. I completed the Health Information Management AAS and now I am gainfully employed, using my training and enjoying my job.

Describe the positive change in your life as a result of participating in the program and your plans for the future.

Having job security is an added bonus. I've always been able to find a job but now I can say I have a career. With this career comes many options.

Participant Type: Individual

Participant Type: Employer

Suggestions Examples for Parts of a Success Story

Include the employer name and description of your background or challenge.

Peterson Construction needed to have training provide training for their staff in order to be in compliance with regulations that required all contractors that disturb lead-based paint in homes, schools and child care facilities built before 1978 be certified and follow specific work practices to prevent lead contamination. Without the training, the company would lose business which would result in significant layoffs.

Describe how the program was able to help you achieve your goals.

The certified lead based paint training consisted of a one day training session. The response to the training was so great, that 4 separate training sessions had to be scheduled to train the 74 workers/contractors/renovators.

Describe the positive change outcome as a result of participating in the program and your plans for the future.

The certification allows the company to continue to be employed in this sector and to work on these structures built prior to 1978.

Program Type: Incumbent Worker Program

Participant Type: Employer

Program Type: Youth Employment Program

Suggestions Examples for Parts of a Success Story

Use only your first name, organization and the program provider.

My name is Kathy, and I am part of the Green Recycling Company. We are thankful that Helping Hands Student Center provided us with the summer workers.

Include a description the participants activities and responsibilities.

During the past six weeks students learned about Green Philosophy by participating in classroom and community oriented activities. They have also discussed career opportunities, employment options, life skills, and the importance of being involved in community based activities.

Describe the skills of the students.

The students possess the amount of effort and dedication an employer requests. These youth workers are great!

Describe the positive change outcome as a result of participating in the program and your plans for the future.

We were able to hire two students to work part-time when they go back to school. This is a great program and we would like to participate in the program again.