ABOUT US
WHERE INDUSTRY COLLABORATES WITH EDUCATION
WHERE INDUSTRY COLLABORATES WITH EDUCATION
Mission:
To provide a work-based learning model that any industry can utilize to bridge the skills gap. Combining classroom instruction with on the job work based learning opportunities. This program integrates the classroom with employers to create an introduction to a career path of the student's choice.
What Our Program Provides:
The program simplifies the relationship between an industry lead business and vocational education that can lead into a career path. We ask for no money. Our “ask” is for your time. Time to integrate a student into your business to create a career fit. It starts with 10 hours and can grow into a new employee. Can you “Give Me Ten?”
Vision:
To integrate the students with a business partner to create a career path that is beneficial to both. To enhance education and career growth by providing the student with possible grant opportunities, internships, and apprenticeship paths. This pathway begins when the student and employer enter the “Give Me Ten” program.
Experience:
This program is designed to partner a student with a specific business/industry leader and combine classroom instruction with on-the-job training. One of the best ways a business owner can create its own skilled workforce is through internships.
Objectives:
Businesses partnering with students to explore a future career in the industry of their choice. Take the student out of the classroom and give them a work-based learning experience. Each student will be matched with a business near the home school location. Expose students to general operations of any industry/business from front office to general operations. This experience is not limited.
About Our Founder:
Early Beginnings:
Growing up, I was immersed in the automotive industry, with my father serving as a service trainer for Uniroyal in the 60s. On weekends, he would take my brother and me to flea markets to sell tires and parts. I never imagined or planned that I would one day become a shop owner. I pursued my formal education at Northeastern Illinois University, earning an associate degree. Initially, my plan was to be a stay-at-home mom once I started my family.
Family Business:
When Uniroyal sold off their retail stores and restructured, my dad lost his job. He decided to buy the Uniroyal store in Waukegan and renamed it Closs Tire & Auto. Needing help with back-office paperwork, he asked me to step in. As a dutiful daughter, I joined the business in 1984 and never left. In 2014, as my dad’s health declined, I began running the business under his guidance and officially became the sole owner in 2019. My dad passed away in 2020. Unfortunately, in June 2024, I officially closed Closs Tire & Auto due to the building being sold.
Automotive Education:
To better understand vehicle operations and answer customer questions intelligently, I attended automotive service repair classes at Triton College. This marked the beginning of my industry education. Over the past 44 years, I have attended numerous conventions and seminars to better understand the industry from the ground up.
Addressing Industry Challenges and Initiating Change:
As I took over the business, I noticed the challenges in hiring skilled technicians and understood the broader issues facing our industry in attracting new talent. In 2017, I attended my first advisory meeting at the local tech campus and learned about the struggles in establishing an internship program for the automotive program. I offered to help and created a simple internship program called Give Me Ten. Engaging a group of independent shop owners who eagerly supported the initiative, I designed the program to fit the needs of a small business while keeping profitability in mind. The Give Me Ten program encompasses many avenues of growth, including education and workforce development, effectively growing the next workforce.
Growing the Program:
Through my connections in the industry, the University of the Aftermarket, and local Career and Technical Education programs, I have successfully expanded the Give Me Ten program. I have presented at numerous ACTE conferences across the country, participated in podcasts, and have had my program adopted by several schools. I offer programs for both schools and businesses looking for a simple way to engage in work-based learning and grow their next workforce.