SPRING VALLEY — Dan Denis of Spring Valley seized upon an opportunity last fall and in less than a year he has set himself on a path to a successful career at American Nickeloid Company in Peru.

Denis enrolled in Illinois Valley Community College’s Certified Production Technician Program in October 2014 and completed the program in six weeks, qualifying him for an opening at American Nickeloid in early 2015. For the past 10 months he has worked as a “coater” operator.

“I saw an opportunity at Nickeloid and completed the program just in time,” said Denis. Following graduation from Hall High School, he enrolled in the University of Illinois’ Electrical Engineering program and later attended Bradley University before earning IVCC’s CPT. He plans to pursue an online bachelor’s in manufacturing technology from Northern Illinois University.

He is thrilled to be a member of the American Nickeloid team.

“Working here you feel like you are part of a family,” Denis said. “It is an excellent place to work; very stable.”

An entry-level certificate developed at the request of manufacturers, the CPT can be completed this spring and, as Denis’ story illustrates, will potentially lead to employment at one of the 16 companies endorsing the certificate.

“The CPT program does an excellent job of ensuring potential candidates for employment have a good understanding of what manufacturing entails,” said Nickeloid Vice President and General Manager Mike Stariha. “The program provides a solid foundation to build upon as they grow in manufacturing.”

Stariha said the time to act is now.

“American Nickeloid is anticipating numerous plant retirements in 2016 and will have a need to backfill the vast majority of the positions,” he said. “Given that CPT graduates are given preferential consideration when we look to hire, why would you not secure the certification and move to the front of the line if you’re looking for a career at American Nickeloid?”

Matt Sarver of Dalzell, who will soon complete the fast-track CPT program online, is a married father of one. He is happy he made a career switch from the 12-hour days building pole barns to working in American Nickeloid’s shipping department.

Online courses allowed him to pursue the certificate while working full-time.

“CPT has given me a good head start into manufacturing — especially in terms of workplace safety,” Sarver said.

Like Denis and Sarver, Matt Dresbach of LaSalle made a crucial career decision in 2014 and it’s paying dividends. He earned the CPT in 2014, was immediately hired by American Nickeloid and today he’s in the company’s finishing department.

“I am very happy I made the choice I did,” said Dresbach. “There is a lot of opportunity here.”

Starting wage range for an entry-level technician is $11-$21 per hour plus health insurance, said IVCC interim director of Continuing Education Jennifer Scheri.

“For people with technical skills, there are openings now and over the next three to five years — especially with the number of projected retirements,” Scheri said.

Total cost for the 16-credit, financial aid-eligible CPT beginning Jan. 14 is approximately $3,000 and students can continue to work while in the program. Cost of the online, fast-track CPT is an estimated $900.

CPT enrollees are also encouraged to apply for the $1,500 Illinois Valley Manufacturers Scholarship sponsored by four local companies including American Nickeloid. Applications are available in the Foundation office, Room C202, or can be downloaded at www.ivcc.edu/cpt. To speak to someone, call 815-224-0547.