A Tradition of Being Non-Traditional
Ellen Lindsey
Published: August 10, 2016
Maritza has pursued work that is non-traditional for women her whole life. She has studied CNC at city colleges, driven forklifts, and held picking and packing positions. But she was still on a quest for a career that she enjoyed, as well as provided opportunity to support her kids and get ahead.
That's when she entered Greater West Town’s Wood Products Manufacturing Program and found what she was looking for: “What I like about woodworking is that I am able to work with tools and make different types of products that we use on a daily basis. I also like how you can come up with an idea and bring it to life, creating your own with no limitation.”
During the 15 weeks of training she exhibited commitment, dedication, and supreme reliability. In addition to gaining technical skills, she increased her reading and math skills by more than two grade levels. Maritza became an all-around woodworker, able to visualize and read blueprints, precise and detailed in her work, confident on every machine, and producing high quality products.
Once Maritza graduated, GWTP assisted her to secure a job with Hudec Woodworking as a fabricator of cabinetry for the restaurant, lodging and gaming industries. Her employer is very pleased with her quality work. As a company that values its employees, Hudec recently gave recognition to the program in an article in FDM Magazine.
(http://www.fdmcdigital.com/article-details/category/millwork/articleid/96056/title/millwork-shop-combines-capabilities-to-serve-customers.aspx)
Maritza has dreams of convertible furniture and space saving furniture, and maybe opening a business one day. “Opening a business has always been one of my goals in life. This is something I will like to pass on to my kids. I’ll be working hard and learning new skills and trying to accomplish my goals. Hopefully ten years from now I will be making my dreams come true. I just like that Greater West Town gave me the opportunity to be part of their family. I can never ask for more.”
Greater West Town has seats available in the next Wood Products Manufacturing class which will begin August 29th. Men and women are welcome to apply. Consider a career in woodworking -- Call 312-563-9570 to get started!