When Manny Antoniaz walked into a Rapid Response meeting at the Union Hall after being laid off from his position at John Deere Seeding Group, uncertainty loomed. A utility assembler by trade, Antoniaz faced a difficult question: What now? That day, Lori Warren, program director for the American Job Center, presented an unexpected answer—a path forward through workforce training.
Warren introduced training options for displaced workers, including a new computer numerical control (CNC) machining program at Eastern Iowa Community Colleges (EICC). Antoniaz immediately seized the opportunity, enrolling in the college’s 13-week CNC Entry-Level Technician course. “I saw the demand for CNC machining jobs and thought, why not learn a new skill and add to my résumé?” he said.
The experience proved transformative. “This program opens doors,” Antoniaz shared. “We’ve gone from learning shop math and blueprint reading to programming machines. One of the coolest moments was creating a hammer from scratch. To see the finished product and say, ‘I made this’—it’s so rewarding.”
Turning Challenges into Career Opportunities
In July 2024, John Deere announced significant layoffs affecting its Quad Cities facilities, including 287 employees at Harvester Works in East Moline, 80 at Davenport Works, and seven at the Moline Seeding Group. In response, the American Job Center approached EICC in late July to develop a tailored training program for displaced workers.
EICC CNC Instructor Taylor Reth had just two weeks to design a curriculum to equip workers with essential skills for new employment opportunities.
Taylor Reth, EICC CNC Instructor
“It was intense,” Reth admitted. “But our priority was making sure the program met local employers’ needs. We wanted to help these workers rebuild their lives as quickly as possible.”
The resulting program provides students with foundational skills in shop math, precision measurement, blueprint reading, and CNC operations. Fully funded by the American Job Center at $3,125 per student, the course ensures accessibility for those impacted by layoffs.
“Students aren’t just learning to push buttons on a machine,” Reth said. “They’re developing the skills to set up parts, troubleshoot, and become valuable contributors in their workplaces. The training connects directly to what local industries need, ensuring graduates are ready to step into meaningful roles from day one.”
Training for Tomorrow’s Workforce
The training takes place at EICC’s Blong Technology Center (BTC), a hub for workforce education in the Eastern Iowa Industrial Center. Since its opening, the BTC has become a cornerstone of the region’s skilled workforce, offering programs in engineering technology, additive manufacturing, CNC machining, truck driving, and welding.
“Our labs and equipment rival what you’d find in top-tier manufacturing plants,” said EICC Advanced Manufacturing Program Manager Brandy Poston. “Students train on the same machines and techniques they’ll use in the field. It’s all about giving them the best possible start.”
Brandy Poston, Advanced Manufacturing Program Manager
BTC instructors, many of whom bring years of industry experience, maintain close ties with local employers. “We work directly with businesses to ensure our training aligns with what they need,” Poston added. “Employers trust our graduates because they know the training mirrors real-world conditions.”
Rebuilding Lives, One Skill at a Time
For Ryan Kelly, a former forklift operator at John Deere Harvester Works, the CNC course was a lifeline. “The layoff was tough, mentally and financially,” he said. “But this program has given me new opportunities I wouldn’t have had otherwise.”
Ryan Kelly, CNC student
Kelly praised the hands-on nature of the course and the dedication of his instructors. “Taylor is an incredible teacher. She breaks everything down step by step, which makes it manageable for us to learn so much in such a short time.”
Antoniaz echoed this sentiment, describing the program as a turning point. “This program is an investment in yourself. It’s about opening doors and taking steps toward a brighter future.”
Both Antoniaz and Kelly see the program as a stepping stone to broader opportunities. While many graduates aim for positions at the Rock Island Arsenal, others plan to join local manufacturers or family-owned businesses.
Adapting to the Region’s Workforce Needs
EICC’s commitment to workforce development extends far beyond CNC machining. This spring, the college will launch new fast-track programs in HVAC, CDL, and maintenance technology to address ongoing workforce needs.
These programs are part of EICC’s expansive continuing education and workforce training offerings, which include:
- Certificate, diploma, and degree programs
- Non-credit and short-term skilled training programs
- Professional development and microcredential courses
- Customized training for businesses, including environmental, health, and safety training
- Apprenticeship programs tailored to industry needs
- Economic development initiatives, such as 260E and 260F programs
“Whether someone is starting fresh, advancing their career, or simply seeking new skills, we’re here to help,” Poston said. “This CNC program is just one example of how we can pivot quickly to meet the needs of our community.”
New Beginnings
As graduation approaches, the optimism among students is palpable. “This program has given me hope,” Kelly said. “It’s not just about a job—it’s about building a future.”
For more information about EICC’s continuing education opportunities, visit eicc.edu/business-industry or contact the EICC Office of Continuing Education at 563-441-4100.