Illinois Talent & Industry Quarterly 2026

Welcome to Illinois Talent and Industry Quarterly, created by the Illinois Workforce Innovation Board as part of our strategic goal to keep Illinois businesses informed about workforce strategies, programs, and opportunities that support hiring, training, and growth.

This quarterly bulletin delivers timely insights and practical resources designed to help employers strengthen their talent pipelines.

In 3 minutes: funding opportunities, upcoming grant trainings, proven talent strategies, and a direct path to local business services support.

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Building a Manufacturing Talent Pipeline: Xcel Manufacturing

Illinois businesses continue to face workforce challenges, making youth workforce development more important than ever. Through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) programs and partner initiatives across the state, young people are gaining the skills, experiences, and confidence needed to become the next generation of employees and leaders.

Illinois success stories demonstrate that when employers invest in youth, the return extends beyond filling positions— it strengthens communities and creates sustainable talent pipelines.

Building a Manufacturing Talent Pipeline: Xcel Manufacturing

Xcel Manufacturing, Inc., a machining and fabrication company in Rock Island, Illinois, recognized a challenge facing many manufacturers: the potential loss of highly skilled workers as experienced employees retire.

Rather than wait for a workforce gap to emerge, President Tim Miner Sr. partnered with the American Job Center in Rock Island to develop a U.S. Department of Labor Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP) for CNC Programmers. With support from Business Services Manager and Apprenticeship Specialist Scott Terry, Xcel successfully registered its first RAP in July 2026.

Xcel is now preparing to enroll its first apprentice, combining on-the-job training with Related Technical Instruction through Eastern Iowa Community Colleges. Apprentices will have the opportunity to develop specialized CNC programming skills while working toward an Associate of Applied Science degree and a nationally recognized credential.

What Does This Mean for Employers?

Xcel's experience shows how manufacturers can use apprenticeship and workforce partnerships to develop skilled talent, strengthen their workforce pipeline, and prepare for future staffing needs.

“I recommend creating a DOL-RAP and working with the American Job Center… I've been telling other manufacturers about the benefits of apprenticeships.”



— Tim Miner Sr., President, Xcel Manufacturing, Inc.

Funding Opportunities

There are several Illinois funding programs that can help manufacturing employers offset workforce and training costs, invest in employee development, build talent pipelines, and support the growth of their manufacturing workforce.

NOFO Listserv

DCEO’s Grant Accountability and Transparency Unit maintains a listserv where organizations can receive notices of new funding opportunities. To subscribe to a weekly mailing list of new funding opportunities, send a blank email message to subscribe-omb-gata-grants@lists.illinois.gov.

Upcoming Grant Trainings

Stay informed about upcoming grant trainings designed to help manufacturing employers identify funding opportunities, understand application requirements, and access resources to support their workforce and business needs.

Workforce Wednesday Webinars

Workforce Wednesday webinars provide timely, practical information on workforce development topics, tools, and strategies. For employers, these webinars can offer insights to help strengthen recruitment and retention, build talent pipelines, connect with workforce partners, and better understand resources available to support their workforce needs.

If you would like to register for any Workforce Wednesday Webinar, you can access the upcoming webinars below.

Recruit Talent through Virtual Job Fairs

Illinois workNet Virtual Job Fairs provide employers with a convenient way to connect with job seekers and promote current employment opportunities. Employers can use virtual events to showcase their organization, highlight available positions, and reach potential candidates across Illinois.

Take advantage of this no-cost recruitment resource to expand your talent pipeline and connect with job seekers. Learn more about Illinois workNet Virtual Job Fairs.

Apprentice Podcast

Tune in to hear the stories of people who chose a nontraditional path to a family-sustaining career and how apprenticeship and work-based learning are impacting the future workforce in Illinois. Available on all major platforms. 

The Illinois Workforce Innovation Board (IWIB) brings together leaders from government, business, labor, education, and community organizations, all appointed by the Governor, to ensure that Illinois has the talent it needs for both today and the future.