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"Running a $5 million transfer press - having that type of responsibility for that large of equipment - makes me feel good."
Rich Wormald, Stamco Industries
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Check out these success stories!

FIRST IN THE NATION!

AMBITION, ENTHUSIASM AND HARDWORK PAY OFF
FOR ONE WOMAN!

SCHOOL-TO-CAREER APPRENTICESHIP LEADS TO PROMISING CAREER

TEMPORARY SEARCH LEADS TO NEW CAREER

Kevin Miller with then Governor,
now Senator George Voinovich

FIRST IN THE NATION!

When Kevin Miller graduated from high school in the early 1980's, he wanted more than anything to be an ASE certified auto mechanic. Unfortunately, he graduated in the wrong era. The full service gas stations that were popular when he was growing up in Springfield, Ohio were then trading in their service bay doors and tire racks for lotto machines and snack food displays forcing certified auto mechanics into the job market. Kevin quickly learned the value of skills certification and credentialing. Having only a high school vocational certification, Kevin found himself competing against displaced ASE certified technicians. "ASE certified auto mechanics were a dime a dozen when I graduated," Kevin explains, "No one would give me a chance to become certified."

Since his dreams had gone up in smoke, Kevin began working at a series of low paying jobs. One day he received a call from a temporary agency that changed his life. The woman calling said, "Kevin, this is your lucky day! The management at Ohio Stamping and Machine, Inc., Springfield, Ohio, is looking for someone to do custodial work. It may not be the job you want, but it is a great place to work. If you work hard, this opportunity could turn into a great job." That is exactly what happened. Kevin worked his way up performing various jobs such as custodian, forklift driver, crane operator, press helper, and press operator. While he was working as a press operator, Kevin became a leader in the metalforming industry! Through a company training program, he became the first person in the U.S. to achieve credentialing to the National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS) for Metal Stamping Level III Skill Standards. Jim MacGregor, president of Ohio Stamping invited then-governor, now Ohio Senator, George Voinovich to a special ceremony honoring Kevin, and co-worker Dave Buxton. Two other individuals, George Anzek and Tim Conkel, employees of Morgal Machine in Springfield, Ohio were honored as well. Kevin said it was one of the proudest days of his life when he looked out at the audience. He saw his family, friends, former high school teachers, the woman from the temporary agency and even a few folks from companies who had not been willing to give Kevin a chance were there to honor his hard work and determination.

Today, Kevin is a training technician for Ohio Stamping and Machine, Inc. He encourages other people to improve their skills and pursue their dreams. Congratulations, Kevin Miller!

Terri Gregory of Mark Concepts

AMBITION, ENTHUSIASM AND HARDWORK PAY OFF
FOR ONE WOMAN!

Being ambitious and enthusiastic are very positive qualities for any individual to own! For one individual, these traits have taken her from company secretary to company president and owner!

Shortly after her high school graduation, Terri Gregory started working for Mark Concepts Inc. in Dayton, Ohio as a secretary. She had very few skills for the position, however the company's owner saw her as ambitious and enthusiastic and gave her a job. She was soon promoted to bookkeeper on the condition that she attend night school and earn a degree. Eleven years later, without missing a quarter, Ms. Gregory obtained a degree in finance.

This was not enough for the determined Terri Gregory. She wanted a job with more pay and greater responsibility, so she asked the company owner if she could fill a vacant sales position. Not only did she fill this position but also trained a new bookkeeper to take her previous position, learned the terminology of the tool and die industry and brought in $1 million of new business within a year!

When the original owner retired, Ms. Gregory became a part owner. Twenty-five years after she started as a secretary, this hard-working woman became the owner when a longtime partner retired. She now oversees a staff of 205 employees. The company has over $35 million in annual sales and is breaking ground on a new building during the 2000 summer season.

Hard work, ambition, determination and education and working very closely with all employees can make you the owner of a company…just ask Terri Gregory! She did it!

For additional information about Mark Concepts, Inc. visit them at www.markconcepts.com.

Erwin Dominguez of Walker Corporation

SCHOOL-TO-CAREER APPRENTICESHIP LEADS TO PROMISING CAREER

Erwin Dominguez joined Walker Corporation, Ontario, California, February 1998 while still in his senior year of high school. Erwin was in the School to Career Apprenticeship Program sponsored through his high school and the PMA program. His apprenticeship training included a combination of after-school classes held at the school and work experience at the company. Just over two years later, he is has completed his third-year Machine Set-Up Technician program and will be pursuing his NIMS certification.
He is well on his way to his long-term goal of becoming a progress die toolmaker. All of this an he is not yet 21! When asked about the apprenticeship program he commented, "It has taught me things I would have never known. It has helped me to get a better education and future. It has changed my way of thinking about my future. And it has provided me a job making more than I would have two years out of high school doing anything else." He continued, "The best part of the program is that I get trained for free. My company even reimburses my parking and book fees based on my class grade.
The high school program helped to find me a job with the participating companies."

According to Erwin's supervisor, Danny Simpson, the apprenticeship program has "taught Erwin skills that are not normally taught on the shop floor. It has also proven his ambition to prepare himself for his future. He shows that he is committed to learning and advancing his skills. It takes determination to work all day and attend the apprenticeship at night and follow through with all of the homework."

Erwin, single, and turning 21 in December is well on his way to a successful career in metalforming. In addition to his success, he recognizes priorities. When his parents recently purchased a new home, he provided additional financial support. Not only will he live his dream, but also he is enhancing the dreams of his family.

Shilo Marsala of E.J. Ajax & Sons Co.

Temporary Search Leads to New Career

Shilo Marsala was looking for a career. She wanted the opportunity to be compensated fairly for her abilities. Using the services of a temporary agency to investigate various companies, she found her opportunity for education and advancement at the E.J. Ajax & Sons Company in Fridley, Minnesota.

The company uses the National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS) standards for training and education. Robert Duvall, Director of Training, credits the skills standards with "leveling the playing field" for a new hire such as Shilo. "A new person to the industry who becomes credientialed to the skill standards has proven they have the knowledge and ability to do the job. They gain a sense of confidence in themselves and their ability to perform."

Shilo, a young, single woman, is now earning a good living as a Class A Punch Press operator. Her confidence is high and her future is looking great!