CAIC Training Program Opens Doors to Advanced Manufacturing Careers at Gotion in Manteno, IL

Written By Marcellus Marsh

The Calumet Area Industrial Commission (CAIC) continues to make powerful strides in workforce development and industrial growth, most recently through its collaboration with Gotion, a global leader in battery innovation. A specialized manufacturing training program held at Gotion’s new Manteno facility is helping usher in a new era of skilled, high-tech careers for jobseekers in the region.

Led by respected industry professionals Doug Nelson and Jim Boguslawski, the training program provided participants with the skills needed to thrive in advanced manufacturing environments. The course is part of a Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA) Bridge initiative, made possible through funding from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity in partnership with the Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership.

With Gotion’s full support, the program was hosted on-site and emphasized hands-on learning in areas critical to Gotion’s production—such as safety, manufacturing processes, production systems, and quality control. For many students, this was more than training—it was a launching pad into a career.

“Gotion Illinois is proud to collaborate with CAIC in building a strong manufacturing workforce in Manteno and the surrounding region,” said Mark Kreusel, VP of Manufacturing for Gotion Illinois. “Programs like this reflect our shared commitment to creating real pathways to high-tech careers while investing in the future of the communities we call home.”

As a nonprofit that serves more than 1,500 companies across nearly 50 industry sectors, CAIC has long been at the forefront of workforce development in the Chicago Southland. With over 83,000 manufacturing jobs in the area, programs like this represent a vital bridge between training and employment, especially in fast-growing industries like clean energy and electrification.

Graduates of the program will be recognized at a special ceremony and reception on Friday, June 6, 2025. Importantly, each graduate will also have the opportunity to interview directly with Gotion—potentially converting their new skills into full-time employment with one of the region’s most forward-looking manufacturers.

“We’re proud to be working with Gotion on the jobs of the future that are here today,” said Ted Stalnos, President and CEO of CAIC.

This successful training initiative demonstrates the strength of public-private partnerships in addressing workforce needs and preparing communities for tomorrow’s opportunities. Through CAIC’s leadership and Gotion’s commitment, a new pipeline of talent is being built—one that not only supports economic growth but also empowers individuals with lasting careers in advanced manufacturing.

Marcellus Marsh

Marcellus Marsh is the Executive Creative Director and Founder of Bionic Content, a Chicago Southland-based marketing agency specializing in video, photography, and graphic design. The agency helps organizations tell their stories visually through crafted content for digital and print platforms.

Marcellus’s career in creative leadership spans over two decades and includes international experience in Kuwait, where he led a team in producing corporate branding, video production, and the development of marketing content for both online platforms and print campaigns.

Prior to his international role, Marcellus was the Executive Producer of the weekly television program I::DESIGN on the Fine Living Network. There, he managed a production team and produced over 30 episodes featuring documentary-style segments that explored the design stories of brands like BMW, Giorgio Armani, Virgin Airlines, Rolls Royce, Nike, and many more.

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