Man-tra-con Corp

What Man-tra-con Corp does

Man-Tra-Con Corporation (Management, Training and Consulting Corporation) is a private nonprofit workforce development organization founded in 1979 and headquartered in Marion, Illinois. It operates the American Job Center SI and, since 2026, the Carbondale regional CEJA Workforce Hub — one of 14 such hubs statewide — delivering free employment, training, and apprenticeship services to job seekers, dislocated workers, youth, and employers across Southern Illinois. Core WIOA-funded programs (Adult, Dislocated Worker, Youth) serve a five-county base, while the state-funded CEJA program has expanded clean energy training (solar installation, HVAC, with EV maintenance launching Spring 2027) across a 19-county region. Reported outcomes include a 77% employment rate for dislocated workers and 76% for adults.

The organization runs a service delivery platform built on government-managed case management (IWDS 2.0, Illinois JobLink) rather than proprietary technology, supplemented by in-person American Job Center resource rooms in Marion, Carbondale (at the Southern Illinois Multimodal Station), Perry County, and Jefferson County. Its product surface spans career coaching, resume and interview support, occupational training tuition funding, On-the-Job Training wage subsidies (covering 50% of trainee wages), Work Experience Programs, registered apprenticeships, and CEJA clean energy training with paid stipends. Employer services include recruitment assistance, apprenticeship program administration (Apprenticeship Illinois), and event hosting such as the annual Marion Summer Job Fair and Workforce Summit.

The business model is grant-funded rather than commercial: revenue flows from federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) grants administered through the U.S. Department of Labor and from Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) CEJA grants ($2,348,858 awarded February 2026). All services are provided at no cost to eligible job seekers, and employer services are likewise free, with Man-Tra-Con subsidizing a portion of apprentice wages through OJT. Leadership includes CEO Stephanie Robinson (appointed November 2025) and a staff of roughly 20-40 career specialists, program managers, CEJA-dedicated personnel, and support staff. The organization has been independent since founding with no parent company or private equity backing, sponsored by the Southern Illinois Workforce Development Board.

Name

Man-tra-con Corp

Legal name

Man-Tra-Con Corporation

Website

https://mantracon.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1979

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Man-Tra-Con Corporation is a private nonprofit workforce development organization founded in 1979 in Marion, Illinois, operating the American Job Center SI and the Carbondale CEJA Workforce Hub to deliver free job training, apprenticeships, and career services to job seekers, youth, and employers across Southern Illinois.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Workforce Development Services

NAICS

Employment Placement Agencies (561311)

SIC

Services-Employment Agencies (7361)

akta.pro primary industry

Public Workforce Development Programs (WIOA/One-Stop Career Centers) (EDAAAOAA)

Keywords

• Workforce development services
• Job training programs
• Apprenticeship programs
• Clean energy training
• Career coaching services

Headquarters

HQ city

Marion

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices4 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. Federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Grants: Primary funding source from federal WIOA grants administered through the U.S. Department of Labor, supporting workforce development services for adults, dislocated workers, and youth.
2. Illinois Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA) State Grant: State funding through Illinois DCEO's CEJA program, investing in workforce training for the clean energy economy. Man-Tra-Con operates the Carbondale regional hub as one of 14 CEJA Workforce Hubs across Illinois. Grant award of $2,348,858.
3. Apprenticeship Illinois Program Administration: Administration of Apprenticeship Illinois program, an industry-driven workforce pathway funded through state and federal workforce development funds, helping employers develop and retain skilled workers.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Man-Tra-Con Corporation operates a nonprofit workforce development organization delivering free job search assistance, career coaching, occupational training, apprenticeship programs, and employer recruitment services across 19 Southern Illinois counties. Core offerings include WIOA-funded Adult, Youth, and Dislocated Worker services; the CEJA Clean Energy Workforce Hub providing Solar Installation, HVAC, and Electric Vehicle training tracks; the Apprenticeship Illinois Program; On-the-Job Training (OJT) with 50% wage subsidies; and Work Experience Programs for youth.

Product overview

Man-Tra-Con Corporation is a workforce development organization operating as a single integrated service platform rather than a modular product architecture. The organization delivers workforce services through distinct but interconnected programs including WIOA-funded Adult, Youth, and Dislocated Worker services, the CEJA Clean Energy Workforce Hub (providing Solar, HVAC, and upcoming Electric Vehicle training tracks), the Apprenticeship Illinois Program, Work Experience Programs, and On-the-Job Training. The CEJA program includes a Bridge Program phase for foundational skills before specialized track training. All programs share common infrastructure including career specialists, the American Job Center Resource Room, and connections to employer partners. The organization serves job seekers and employers across Franklin, Jackson, Jefferson, Perry, and Williamson counties (with CEJA extending to 19 Southern Illinois counties), funded through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act and Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• WIOA Adult Services Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act funded program providing free employment assistance, resume development, career coaching, and training support for adult job seekers in Southern Illinois. Services include job search support, training funding (up to 2 years of college tuition), childcare support, and transportation assistance.
• WIOA Youth Services Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act funded program serving young adults (ages 14-24) with career guidance, work experience placements, GED assistance, and educational support to create a career plan.
• WIOA Dislocated Worker Services Free services for workers who have lost their jobs due to plant closures or layoffs, providing career coaching, resume assistance, interview skills, training funding, on-the-job training wage subsidies covering 50% of wages, and job referrals.
• CEJA Clean Energy Training Program Climate and Equitable Jobs Act program providing free training for careers in solar installation, HVAC, and electric vehicle maintenance across 19 Southern Illinois counties. Serves adults 18+ from equity-eligible populations including R3 community residents, former foster youth, formerly incarcerated individuals, low-income individuals, people of color, women, LGBTQ+, people with disabilities, and energy workers or dependents of displaced energy workers. All tuition, materials, certifications, and paid training stipends are covered.
• CEJA Bridge Program Foundation training phase within the CEJA program covering essential employability skills (resume writing, interviewing, financial literacy) and clean energy basics (OSHA 10 certification, construction fundamentals, electrical basics) before participants move into specialized track training.
• Solar Installation Training Track Specialized CEJA training track for designing, installing, and maintaining solar energy systems, preparing students for NABCEP (North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners) certification and employment in the growing Southern Illinois solar industry.
• HVAC Training Track Specialized CEJA training track for installing, servicing, and repairing energy-efficient heating, ventilation, and cooling systems, preparing students for NATE (North American Technician Excellence) certification.
• Employer Services Workforce solutions for employers including recruitment assistance, skills training, apprenticeship program development and administration, On-the-Job Training coordination with 50% wage subsidies, job fair hosting (e.g., annual Marion Summer Job Fair), and access to a pipeline of trained job seekers from WIOA and CEJA programs.
• Apprenticeship Illinois Program Industry-driven registered apprenticeship program helping employers develop, prepare, and retain skilled workforce through on-the-job training. Man-Tra-Con pays a portion of apprentice wages through On-the-Job Training subsidies, with employer partners including Pepsi MidAmerica, AISIN Electronics, IPG, D&D Electric, and Shawnee Health.
• Work Experience Program (WEP) Program allowing youth participants to earn wages while gaining marketable skills during training periods at host employers. Designed to provide paid work experience as part of career pathway development.
• On-the-Job Training (OJT) Program Program that pays 50% of participant wages at new positions as they learn job skills on-site with an employer. Man-Tra-Con subsidizes 50% of wages during the training period to offset employer costs of onboarding and developing new hires.
• American Job Center Resource Room Physical resource room open to the public with no appointment necessary at the Marion, IL American Job Center. Provides computers, internet access, printers, phones, and staff assistance for job search, skills assessment, online applications via Illinois JobLink, CareerBuilder, and Indeed, and training enrollment.
• CEJA Support Services Wraparound support services for CEJA program participants including paid training stipends, transportation assistance (gas cards, car repairs), childcare support, and emergency assistance for rent and utilities. Designed to remove economic barriers to completing clean energy training programs.

Quantifiable outcome

• 77% employment rate for dislocated workers
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers12 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

20 partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.

• Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 20 February 2026Primary government funding partner administering CEJA (Climate and Equitable Jobs Act) workforce development grants. Man-Tra-Con operates the Carbondale regional CEJA Workforce Hub, one of 14 hubs statewide. DCEO Deputy Director Julio Rodriguez visited Man-Tra-Con in July 2025 to discuss future clean energy workforce development plans.
• Southern Illinois Workforce Development Board (SIWDB)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMan-Tra-Con is sponsored by SIWDB, which governs workforce development priorities for the Southern Illinois region. SIWDB and Man-Tra-Con co-host annual Workforce Summits and collaborate on regional workforce strategy.
• American Job Center network / Illinois workNetcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMan-Tra-Con is a proud member of the American Job Center network and an Illinois workNet partner. The American Job Center SI in Marion provides free public access to workforce services, job listings, and training resources.
• Carbondale Branch NAACPcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNAACP Carbondale Branch serves as CEJA Energy Transition (ET) Navigator, helping community members learn about CEJA programs, determine eligibility, and take first steps toward clean energy careers. Man-Tra-Con CEJA staff partnered with NAACP to present at the Third Annual Southern Illinois Conference on Justice.
• Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerIDES partners with Man-Tra-Con on job fairs (including annual Marion Summer Job Fair), job listings via Illinois JobLink, and the Southern Region Re-Entry Virtual Job Fair project. Staff collaboration recognized through Excellence in Collaboration Award.
• AISIN Electronics Illinois, LLCmajorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerAISIN developed a registered apprenticeship program for employee training in their Engineering department. Man-Tra-Con celebrated AISIN for supporting apprenticeship programs in Southern Illinois. AISIN's Engineering Education Program is part of its 2026 recruitment and team enhancement strategy.
• Intertape Polymer Group (IPG)majorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerIPG developed a registered apprenticeship for Industrial Maintenance department employee training at their Carbondale, Illinois plant. Man-Tra-Con celebrated IPG for supporting apprenticeship programs in Southern Illinois.
• Pepsi MidAmericamajorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerPepsi MidAmerica is a major apprenticeship employer partner through the Apprenticeship Illinois program. Thomas Gibson completed a 4-year Industrial Truck Mechanic apprenticeship (2021-2025). Pepsi MidAmerica hosts events honoring apprenticeship completions. Pepsi Vice President of HR Justin Shewey has praised the program's impact on workforce development.
• Crisp Container CorporationmajorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerSubsidiary of Pepsi MidAmerica; hosts CDL driver apprenticeships through On-the-Job Training (OJT) program. Man-Tra-Con pays portion of apprentice wages. Jamonta McKnight and Joseph Tennant completed CDL apprenticeships at Crisp Container.
• D & D Electric, LLCmajorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerD & D Electric in Harrisburg, Illinois participates in the Apprenticeship Illinois program. Co-founder Dave Martin has explained how the program benefits both business and employees. Domarion Nunez and Kevin Robinson completed apprenticeships and were named Apprenticeship Ambassador (Robinson, 2025).
• Shawnee HealthmajorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerHealthcare apprenticeship partner offering NIMAA (National Institute for Medical Assistant Advancement) program. Man-Tra-Con pays a portion of apprentice salaries through On-the-Job Training. Shawnee Health OB-GYN in Marion employed Silvia Ambrocio and Kimberly Johnson as apprentices who became Certified Clinical Medical Assistants. Shawnee Health received IWP Business Leadership Award.
• Greater Egypt Regional Planning and Development CommissionmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerGreater Egypt co-hosts the annual Southern Illinois Workforce Development Board meeting with Man-Tra-Con. Presents Business and Industry Awards recognizing workforce development contributions. Executive Director Cary Minnis leads regional economic development initiatives.
• John A. Logan CollegemajorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerMajor educational partner providing GED programs, vocational training (CDL, nursing, construction management, computer networking). Co-host of annual Workforce Summits. Nathan Sullivan, Traci Smith, Henry Chrostoski, and others received training through the college.
• Shawnee Community CollegemajorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerEducational partner for Construction Craft Prep Program and Associate of Applied Science degrees. Henry Chrostoski transferred high school credits and enrolled in Construction Management degree program, graduating May 2026 with 4.0 GPA.
• 160 Driving Academy (Centralia, Illinois)minorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerCDL training partner providing 40 hours of classroom instruction (including permit exam prep) and 120 hours of behind-the-wheel training. Steven Higgason completed CDL training through 160 Academy and was hired by Pepsi MidAmerica.
• Adams ShoesminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerMan-Tra-Con has partnered with Adams Shoes for over 30 years to purchase steel-toed work boots for On-the-Job Training, Work Experience, and Apprenticeship Program participants.
• Heartland ForwardminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner sponsoring the Connecting the Heartland Jobs Board, a workforce connectivity initiative connecting job seekers with employers and training providers across the heartland through high-speed internet careers.
• Southeastern Illinois CollegeminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerEducational partner; Thomas Gibson studied Diesel Technology at Southeastern Illinois College before enrolling in the Apprenticeship Program at Pepsi MidAmerica.
• Illinois Manufacturing Excellence Center (IMEC)minorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerIMEC participates in Man-Tra-Con's Apprenticeship Illinois Program roundtable discussions. IMEC Technical Specialist Amy Murphy presents on how apprenticeship programs help attract high-quality employees, increase retention rates, and foster employee loyalty.
• Illinois Manufacturers' AssociationminorGTM or Marketing PartnerIMA participates in workforce development events and roundtable discussions. Senior VP Sarah Hartwick explains tax credits available to employers participating in the Apprenticeship Illinois program.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves9 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Land of Lincoln Workforce Alliance: WIOA administrative entity serving multiple counties in central Illinois, operating an American Job Center and providing workforce development services. Directly comparable to Man-Tra-Con in mission, funding structure (WIOA), and rural/regional service model.
• Pilsen Workforce Initiative: One of the other 14 CEJA Workforce Hubs across Illinois, providing clean energy and equity-focused workforce training. Directly comparable to Man-Tra-Con as a fellow CEJA-designated hub operator focused on clean energy training for underserved populations.
• Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership: The largest local Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act administrative entity in Illinois, operating American Job Centers and workforce development programs across Chicago and suburban Cook County. Directly comparable to Man-Tra-Con as a WIOA-funded operator serving job seekers and employers with career services and training programs.
• Workforce Connection (Peoria): Regional WIOA workforce development operator serving the Peoria area of central Illinois with American Job Center services and employer-focused training. Comparable to Man-Tra-Con in funding model, service mix, and regional employer engagement.
• National Able Network: Operates WIOA-funded workforce development programs, including American Job Center services, across Illinois and other states. Directly comparable to Man-Tra-Con in serving dislocated workers, adults, and youth with career coaching, training, and employer placement.
• Austin People's Action Center: Community-based CEJA Workforce Hub operator in Chicago delivering clean energy workforce training to equity-eligible residents. Comparable to Man-Tra-Con as a CEJA hub focused on community-based, equity-targeted training delivery.
• Quad Cities Workforce Network: Regional WIOA workforce development operator serving the Quad Cities region of Illinois and Iowa. Comparable to Man-Tra-Con in operating American Job Center services, employer engagement, and sector-based training initiatives.
• West Central Building & Construction Trades Council: CEJA-designated Workforce Hub operator focused on construction-trades pathway training in central/western Illinois. Directly comparable to Man-Tra-Con as a fellow CEJA hub delivering apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship pathways into clean energy careers.

Broad incumbents

• Year Up: National nonprofit providing workforce training and job placement for young adults from underserved communities, with employer partnerships across major U.S. corporations. Comparable to Man-Tra-Con in targeting young-adult workforce entry, employer partnership model, and outcome-focused training, but at a national scale.
• Goodwill Industries International: Large national nonprofit that operates workforce development, job training, and career placement programs through hundreds of local Goodwill chapters. Comparable to Man-Tra-Con in mission (workforce services for disadvantaged job seekers), nonprofit structure, and employer partnership model, though at vastly greater scale and geographic reach.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCoOdVA9vSFI5-IEgsIrir9A
• Facebookfacebook.com/ManTraCon-Corporation-108408322559228
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/man-tra-con-corporation
• Instagraminstagram.com/mantracon_corporation

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles14 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Man-tra-con Corp