Manufacturing is the fastest growing sector in the United States. Manufacturing NEXT was founded in 2014 in response to the urgent need to close the gap between manufacturing employers’ needs and workers’ skills. Building this workforce requires opening the doors to non-traditional groups such as women. It also demands training and educational opportunities exist that enable everyone to pursue these jobs regardless of their economic limitations.
The founders bring over 30 years of experience in the manufacturing industry to achieve our mission.
Our Founder
Diana Peters has always been a strong advocate for the manufacturing sector. As Executive Director/Founder of Symbol Training Institute since 2005 and now President of Manufacturing NEXT, her endless persistence has helped place hundreds of people into high paying, high demand jobs despite it being during the worst economic recession in years. Her proactive style has been to maintain on-going contact with manufacturing businesses so she can learn what businesses consider necessary and critical to meet their hiring needs. She is a strong advocate in the industry to ensure these needs are met through the development of new processes (i.e., preparing candidates for employment in manufacturing, developing comprehensive training programs, etc.)
Diana also strongly advocates for women’s equality in manufacturing by promoting the profession to women. Diana’s passion for workforce development is evident from her proven track record with manufacturing companies who hire Symbol graduates. Under her leadership, Symbol has positioned itself as an employer-driven institute. She has the knowledge and ability to strategically provide service to the manufacturing industry. In 2013, through Diana’s efforts, Symbol was designated a Manufacturing Sector Center for all of Cook County by the Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership. Diana has served as a panelist on several manufacturing workforce development conferences. In recent years, Diana has gained national exposure by being featured in notable publications such as Crain’s Chicago Business, Chicago Tribune, CNN Money and the Washington Post. Diana was named to Crain’s Business Chicago 2013 40 Under 40 class.
Jobs in Manufacturing:
- Assemblers
- Machinists CNC Operators, setups and programmers
- Welders
- Production Managers
- Quality Control
News
Programs
Through a continuum of services Women NEXT will provide a direct path for women to succeed in the high growth manufacturing industry. These services include:
- Workshops/Conferences
- Networking opportunities
- Scholarships for training programs
- Internship opportunities
- Job counseling and resource center
All of the above will be supported by a corps of volunteers of women at all levels in manufacturing.
Through collaborations with school districts throughout metropolitan Chicago, Youth NEXT will emphasize the following services will be available to youth to pursue important STEM programs and help choose manufacturing as their career of choice:
- Workshops and conferences
- Job shadowing opportunities
- Internships
- Career planning and job fairs
Manufacturing NEXT will also provide:
- Resources to bridge programs to teach remedial vocational training or VESL classes to help those unemployed to obtain the skills needed to enter the field of manufacturing
- Job placement resources in the manufacturing industry to provide low income job seekers with the skills to write a resume and participate in an interview
- Collaboration with manufacturing companies to educate local communities and job seekers about careers
“I am working hard to shatter the barriers for individuals to enter the manufacturing industry.
Through education and training Manufacturing NEXT will do just that.”
Diana Peters
President and Founder
Support Us
Here’s how you can help!
Donations
Gifts of Cash
You can make an outright gift of cash. The quickest and easiest way is on-line giving. Online gifts are processed through a secure network to ensure that your data is confidential. If you would prefer you can also mail your donation to our office.
You can make an outright gift of cash. The quickest and easiest way is on-line giving. Online gifts are processed through a secure network to ensure that your data is confidential. If you would prefer you can also mail your donation to our office.
DONATE NOW
Tributes
Your gift can be a tribute in honor or memory of someone. At the time of great joy or the loss of a friend, relative or colleague, it is often appropriate that a contribution be made to a charity. This can also be a meaningful tribute to a special person, honoring them by celebrating their life or achievements. By making your gift in their name you ensure that your tribute will grow opportunities for all to enter the manufacturing industry. Click the Donate button below to make your donation a tribute to someone special. When asked for special instructions during the check out process please provide the name and address of the person who should receive the tribute acknowledgement. If you would prefer to mail your donation, simply print the Donation Form and mail it with your gift, to our office.
Your gift can be a tribute in honor or memory of someone. At the time of great joy or the loss of a friend, relative or colleague, it is often appropriate that a contribution be made to a charity. This can also be a meaningful tribute to a special person, honoring them by celebrating their life or achievements. By making your gift in their name you ensure that your tribute will grow opportunities for all to enter the manufacturing industry. Click the Donate button below to make your donation a tribute to someone special. When asked for special instructions during the check out process please provide the name and address of the person who should receive the tribute acknowledgement. If you would prefer to mail your donation, simply print the Donation Form and mail it with your gift, to our office.
DONATE NOW