E60: Mental Health at Work: Building Cultures Where People Thrive
Release Date: 05/12/2026
E63: How the Joliet Chamber Helps Local Businesses Thrive
Will Works Podcast
In this episode, we are joined by Jen Howard, president of the Joliet Chamber of Commerce, and Mike Paone, executive vice president, to explore how the chamber supports businesses and strengthens the wider community. They share their professional journeys, discuss the chamber’s evolving role beyond networking, and highlight its work in advocacy, education, business visibility, and leadership development. The conversation also examines current workforce challenges, the importance of connecting employers with educational institutions, and how investments in students and emerging leaders are...
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E62: Growing Will County’s Clean Energy Workforce
Will Works Podcast
In this episode of the Will Works Podcast, Paige Kelly and Aidan Rockarts introduce the Clean Energy Contractor Incubator Program, an initiative designed to help entrepreneurs, small businesses, and nonprofits enter and grow within Illinois’ expanding clean energy economy. They explain how the program provides individualized business advising, workshops, professional services, industry connections, certification guidance, and support with areas such as marketing, accounting, legal services, and business planning. The conversation also explores the wide range of opportunities available...
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E61: Apprenticeships Beyond the Trades: Building Modern Careers
Will Works Podcast
Originally recorded during National Apprenticeship Week, this episode explores how modern apprenticeship programs are creating new pathways into meaningful careers across industries like insurance, IT, cybersecurity, and business operations. Discover how apprenticeships can bridge the gap between education and employment through paid, hands-on experience, mentorship, and career development opportunities through conversations with David Jaeger, Program & Operations Lead HR | Office of Apprenticeship at Zurich North America, and Peter Tobin, IT Apprentice. The episode also highlights the...
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E60: Mental Health at Work: Building Cultures Where People Thrive
Will Works Podcast
In this episode of the Will Works podcast, we are joined by Teena Mackey, Executive Director of the Will County Community Mental Health 708 Board, for a conversation about the growing importance of mental health in the workplace. Tune in to hear how organizations can move beyond surface-level wellness initiatives to create cultures that genuinely support employee wellbeing. Teena shares insights on recognizing signs of mental health challenges in the workplace, the importance of proactive leadership, the role of education and mental health first aid, and how compassionate workplace...
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E59: The Apprenticeship Advantage: Lessons from Germany
Will Works Podcast
In this episode featuring Jaymee Dhein and Myriam Klein, you’ll learn how Germany’s apprenticeship system actually works and why it’s often considered the gold standard for building a skilled workforce. You’ll hear how employers, vocational schools, and chambers of commerce work together to train talent through paid, hands-on learning combined with classroom education, and why vocational career paths are treated with the same respect as four-year degrees. You’ll also discover how this model supports low youth unemployment, prepares workers for advanced manufacturing and emerging...
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E58: Dreams Take Flight: How United Airlines Invests in Its Next Generation of Talent
Will Works Podcast
In this episode, you’ll hear how apprenticeships are transforming lives and careers across Illinois—with a spotlight on how United Airlines is using hands-on learning and mentorship to build the next generation of talent. You’ll meet a former apprentice who immigrated from Ukraine and, through the i.c.stars program, gained the skills, confidence, and opportunity to become a platform engineering associate at United Airlines. Her story reveals how apprenticeships can change the trajectory of a career and a life—bridging education and opportunity while helping businesses grow their own...
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E57: Building a Workforce for Everyone: Preparing Workers for a Changing Economy
Will Works Podcast
In this episode we are joined by Julio Rodriguez to explore how his personal journey—from first-generation roots and early challenges to becoming a leader in Illinois workforce development—drives his commitment to opportunity and public service. Julio shares how the power of work and mentorship carried him forward, and dives into how the state’s workforce ecosystem is evolving—through bridge programs for ESL learners, to the integration of adult education with career pathways. Julio also digs into major workforce trends like AI’s impact, clean-energy job growth, and the rising role...
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E56: Opening Doors for Young Talent: How Genesis Works Creates Career Pathways
Will Works Podcast
Jermaine Donaldson, Director of Business Development for Genesys Works, joins the podcast to discuss how the organization equips high school students from underserved communities with job training, professional skills, and paid internships. He shares how Genesys Works bridges the gap between talent and opportunity, helping young people launch meaningful careers and achieve long-term economic independence.
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E55: Building a Stronger Workforce: Lessons from Kraig Kistinger at National Tube Supply
Will Works Podcast
In this episode we sit down with Kraig Kistinger, Director of Human Resources at National Tube Supply Co., to explore what it takes to build and sustain a thriving workforce in today’s competitive market. Kraig shares how National Tube Supply invests in people through robust training, innovative tools like VR, and a culture that values authenticity and growth. We discuss practical strategies for recruiting and retaining talent, the power of community partnerships, and Kraig’s “three Bs of success” that guide both new hires and seasoned professionals. Whether you’re an employer, job...
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E54: From the Classroom to the Job Site: Preparing the Next Generation of Tradespeople
Will Works Podcast
In this episode of the Will Works podcast, you'll hear about how the Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program is preparing individuals for careers in the construction trades through hands-on training, evening classes, and industry-recognized certifications. Discover how the program helps participants build foundational skills, gain confidence, and connect with union apprenticeship opportunities—all at no cost. With multiple locations and strong support services, including financial assistance and follow-up job placement, this episode explores how pre-apprenticeships are opening doors to...
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