Laid off workers getting a helping hand | News

BENTON, IL (KFVS)- It's been just over two weeks since more than 350 employees at the Bombardier boat factory.

But, just as one door is closing in their working lives, another one is opening up for them at the Man-Tra-Con company in Marion.

"I think a panic sets in because you think this is where you're going to work forever, you're going to retire there," said Kathy Lively chief executive officer at Man-Tra-Con. "The average age there at the plant is 40, so we have people who have spent many years there."

Some of the soon-to-be laid off workers may have to learn some new skills, or simply go back to school in order to move on.

"I think a lot of people have everyday skills. But they don't have the academic record to go with it," said Lively. "So some of them may choose to actually go back and get the credentials that will now match the skill set they already have because it makes them more employable."

Which is why Man-Tra-Con is hosting a series of workshops for the Bombardier workers losing their jobs.

"We want them to know that we are here for them. And they're going to get an individual career specialist who can work with them in a one-on-one setting to work on their specific situation," Lively said.

Those workshops are going to be at the Benton Elks Club on Wednesday and Thursday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily.

To learn more about the workshops just click on the Man-Tra-Con website at; www.mantracon.org

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