Challenge Accepted

Eight years ago, Yannik Kabakaba took a chance on a new life in the United States. Born and raised in Kinshasa in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Africa, Kabakaba was granted a visa through the green card lottery. 

He came by himself and spoke no English. What brought him to central Illinois? “I get asked that question a lot,” he laughs. “Springfield is a great place to be.” He landed in Springfield thanks to his U.S. Sponsor.

“The United States is a country full of opportunity,” he says. “I’m the first African who challenged other Africans living here to try for a better job and to not let language be a barrier.” Among those who accepted the challenge was Max Kassa, who enrolled in LLCC’s English Language Learning program, went on to earn a certificate and associate of applied science degree in construction. 

“Max sent me a picture of his degree and said, ‘this is because of you, Yannik."

During this time, Kabakaba was mastering his English as a car sales associate with Green Nissan and holding down a second job as a school bus driver. He was doing well, but felt like something was missing. Receiving Max’s photo and message inspired him to take the next step in his own life. This summer, he enrolled in LLCC’s industrial maintenance technology Workforce Institute program.

The program teaches students how to troubleshoot industrial equipment. They learn about electricity and industrial controls; fluid power systems, including hydraulics and pneumatics; instrumentation in process controls; mechanical drive systems; and connecting, reading and troubleshooting a programmable logical computer (PLC.)

There is a high demand for this diverse skill set, which means workers are always needed. “Industrial maintenance offers practical skills I can use anywhere,” says Kabakaba. 

“Companies with automated and robotic lines need people who understand how to fix them and make sure they are working properly.” As workplace environments evolve with more automated features, the demand for industrial maintenance technicians will increase. 

Kabakaba's advice to others seeking to better themselves, is to focus on what they can do, and then do it to the best of their ability. “Contribute positively. Be genuine, build trust and have a good work ethic, and you can do anything.”