April 2024

Looking for top talent and a path to sustainable growth? Look no further than the Lake County Business Services Team. Backed by the expertise of the Workforce Development Board, they connect you with the perfect local workforce – not just through connections, but with data-driven insights and innovative solutions. Their unwavering dedication extends to both businesses and job seekers. By empowering individuals to achieve their career goals, they foster a thriving environment where businesses flourish throughout Lake County. With the Business Services Team on your side, you're not just filling positions, you're building a future of success.

Click here to learn more about how the Business Services Team can assist you in maximizing your business operations.

Employers: Post Available Job Openings to Hire Lake County Website

Are you a local employer looking to spread awareness of your current job openings? Lake County Workforce Development has a valuable resource available via the Hire Lake County website.

Employers can post current job openings on the website, which are then available for job seekers to search online and apply for.

Click here to complete the Employer Job Opportunity Form.

Illinois Payroll Jobs Up, Unemployment Rate Stable in March

According to data released by the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the unemployment rate remains unchanged at 4.8 percent, while nonfarm payrolls increased +12,700 in March.

“Continued growth in payroll jobs serves as a testament to Illinois companies continuing to invest in our communities and workforce,” said DCEO Director Kristin Richards. “Looking ahead, DCEO will continue to support Illinois job creators and ensure jobseekers have the resources and tools they need to be successful.”

In March, the industry sectors with the largest over-the-month job gains included: Government (+3,300), Leisure and Hospitality (+2,900), and Trade, Transportation, and Utilities (+2,400).

More College Graduates Prefer Chicagoland Than Southern Markets

More proof that young talent prefers Chicagoland over other U.S. markets: Chicago joined the leading regional gateway markets of New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Boston in attracting 75,000+ graduates each, becoming home to a whopping 27% of college graduates and trouncing the major Sunbelt markets.

Meet the Board - Kevin Considine

Kevin Considine is a current Board Member and the President and CEO of Lake County Partners.

In addition to his commitment to the Workforce Development Board, Kevin was a pioneer of the groundbreaking Workforce Ecosystem partnership — in which the Workforce Board participates — that has been instrumental in shaping Lake County Partners’ workplan. Kevin also gives back to the local community by serving as Vice Chair for the Lake County Housing Authority, Secretary for the Partnership for College Completion, and as a College Connection Coach for the Schuler Scholar Program.

Lake County Partners, the go-to organization for economic development in Lake County, transforms economic opportunities into business realities by facilitating public and private collaboration to drive the local economy.

Partner Spotlight - Community Action Partnership of Lake County

For more than 50 years, Community Action Partnership of Lake County (CAPOLC) has worked diligently to reduce the causes and effects of poverty, promote self-sufficiency of families and individuals with low incomes, and improve the standard of living in the Lake County service area. CAPOLC serves more than 24,000 people a year and is one of 1,100 agencies across the United States established under the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964 to fight America's War on Poverty. As part of a national network, the agencies work to strengthen, promote, and represent the voices of more than 30 million people who are living in poverty.

CAPOLC is a key partner of the Lake County Workforce Development Board and is one of several organizations that participate in the Job Center under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA).

Job Seeker Success Story - Fernando

Fernando desired to settle in Lake County after retiring from a 23-year career as an Electrician’s Mate in the Navy, and learned about an opportunity with Lake County Public Works for his SkillBridge Internship.

Fernando began his internship in June 2023 and concluded in August 2023. Throughout the internship, he immersed himself in hands-on electrical and industrial work and crucial preventative maintenance electrical tasks across the county. In Fernando's words, the internship proved to be "very beneficial and helpful to understanding the electronic and control systems Public Works utilizes." 

After his internship, Fernando embarked on an exciting new chapter as a Maintenance Technician at AbbVie while simultaneously pursuing a Bachelor's Degree in Engineering Management and Electrical Engineering. His journey exemplifies the importance of seizing opportunities and embracing continuous growth.

LCWD Presents at IESMA Summit

Lake County Workforce Development (LCWD) presented at the Illinois Emergency Services Management Association (IESMA) Summit on April 25. LCWD was represented by Ashannti Ross, Training Manager.

The session focused on LCWD’s partnerships with the Work, Earn, and Learn program and Lake County's DOD SkillBridge Program. Titled 'Leveraging Unique Funding Opportunities to Increase Capacity Through Paid Internships,' the discussion focused on how LCWD’s partnership has expanded capacity and assisted job seekers in gaining exposure to a new industry and career through paid internships.

Save The Date: The Big Event 2024

Lake County Partners’ popular annual breakfast program is back and better than ever. Another sold-out crowd of local business and civic leaders is expected to be in attendance for an inspirational morning focused on ways we can strengthen, sustain, and leverage Lake County’s business assets. The event will feature Rajeev Kapur as the keynote speaker.

The Big Event will be held at the Lincolnshire Marriott Resort. Networking and registration will begin at 7 AM, and the program will be held from 8 AM to 9:30 AM.

The Big Event annually brings together 500+ business and civic leaders for unparalleled networking opportunities, expert insights, and important business updates. Lake County Workforce Development is a proud Partnership Sponsor of The Big Event.

Click here to learn more about The Big Event.

Customer Satisfaction Survey

If you or someone you know has recently received services via the Job Center of Lake County, please take a few minutes to complete the 2024 Customer Satisfaction Survey.

The feedback collected is valuable to helping Job Center staff ensure they continue to provide the best service to all clients.

Click here to access the survey.

Mark Your Calendars! The Job Center of Lake County has a full calendar of helpful and informative events. To view all upcoming Job Center events, including workshops and job fairs, click here.

Upcoming Board/Committee Meetings:

May 8, 2024 – Workforce Development Board, 8:00 AM CDT

May 10, 2024 – Operations Committee, 10:15 AM CDT

May 14, 2024 – Talent Pipeline Committee, 9:00 AM CDT

May 15, 2024 – Executive Committee, 8:15 AM CDT

May 17, 2024 – Equity Task Force, 10:00 AM CDT

The Lake County Workforce Development Board (WDB) is a workforce development leader in the county, region, and state. WDB collaborates with key partners and stakeholders to lead performance-driven and innovative strategies that develop, align, and integrate the workforce development system.



Lake County Workforce Development Board

1 N Genesee Street, 1st Floor, Waukegan, IL 60085 | 847-377-2224

Jennifer Serino, jserino@lakecountyil.gov

The Job Center of Lake County is an equal opportunity employer/program. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. All voice telephone numbers may be reached by persons using TTY/TDD equipment by calling TTY 800-526-0844 or 711. To request accommodations, please contact dharris@lakecountyil.gov or 847-377-3423.