Tatiana’s Success Story

Empowering Local Residents Through Free Manufacturing Training: A Success Story from WorkAdvance

For many local residents, the thought of pursuing a career in manufacturing may feel out of reach. But thanks to the WorkAdvance program, a grant-funded initiative that offers free two-week training, those barriers are being removed. WorkAdvance is transforming lives by providing participants with the skills and confidence they need to secure high-demand manufacturing jobs. One woman’s journey through the program stands as a testament to how this opportunity can change lives, and her story begins with courage, commitment, and a passion for giving back.

A Story of Transformation: From Participant to Advocate

"My experience with WorkAdvance changed my life, and I can prove it."

These are the powerful words of a recent WorkAdvance graduate, Tatiana Romeiro. She faced an 8-year gap in her resume after moving to the U.S. and prioritizing family over her career. The idea of returning to the workforce was daunting, but a social media post from a former participant caught her attention—someone who, like her, was seeking a fresh start.

"I gathered the courage to ask the question that would soon change my life," she recalls. On her birthday, she timidly reached out to inquire about the program and soon found herself enrolled in the two-week training at Owens Community College-Findlay.

Training for a New Beginning

The WorkAdvance program offers participants more than just technical skills. It builds confidence, community, and a clear path to success. Trainees engage in hands-on learning, covering everything from manufacturing job skills to soft skills training, workforce readiness, and even a refresher on math. The training also includes plant tours, giving participants a firsthand look at the modern, innovative side of manufacturing.

"I was welcomed, and they believed in my potential," she says. "I met amazing people who, like me, were there because they needed a fresh start."

The program not only teaches job-specific skills but also provides career coaching, community resources, and job placement services. Graduates leave the program equipped with more than technical know-how—they receive a free Chromebook, $500 in work apparel and safety supplies, and continued support from a career coach for an entire year.

Giving Back to the Community

Inspired by the impact the program had on her life, she decided to give back. After completing her training, she volunteered with the program, helping others find their path to success. By August 2024, she was standing alongside the 8th cohort of WorkAdvance graduates, applauding their achievements, just as she had been applauded only months before.

Today, she’s employed by the Financial Opportunity Center for Habitat for Humanity, working to continue supporting others in their pursuit of better opportunities. Her journey from participant to advocate highlights the transformative power of WorkAdvance.

A Pathway to Opportunity

WorkAdvance is more than a training program—it’s a bridge to new possibilities. With manufacturing jobs offering competitive wages, professional development, and opportunities for advancement, participants are positioned to succeed in a field they may have never considered before.

Hancock County’s manufacturers are committed to investing in their employees by promoting from within and incentivizing education and upskilling. WorkAdvance partners with local manufacturers to ensure graduates are job-ready and comfortable stepping into new roles.

Ready to Change Your Life?

Whether you're worried about fitting into the manufacturing world, concerned your skills won’t translate, or unsure if this field is right for you, WorkAdvance can show you the way. The program’s comprehensive training includes Tooling-U, a manufacturing skills platform, and provides everything you need to feel capable and confident.

Graduates not only gain technical expertise but also receive ongoing career support to help them grow. As this inspiring graduate’s story proves, WorkAdvance isn’t just about landing a job—it’s about designing a career trajectory that can lead to greater opportunities, higher wages, and personal fulfillment.

Take the first step. Register for WorkAdvance today and receive a personalized call from a job coach who will help make this life-changing opportunity a reality.

WorkAdvance is empowering local residents to redefine their careers, and you could be next.