August 2022

The Lake County Workforce Development Board is a workforce development leader in our county, region, and state. We remain committed to our notable collaborations with key partners and stakeholders to lead performance driven and innovative strategies that develop, align, and integrate the region and local area’s job-driven workforce development system.

Our commitment to improving and enhancing the local workforce development system is exemplified by the continued availability of career and resource fairs, hiring events, training and skill-building opportunities, and community outreach throughout Lake County. Additionally, recent unemployment numbers show the State of Illinois is continuing to perform well economically, seeing gains in many regions and across several key industry sectors.

Tuition Assistance Available to Job Seekers

Lake County Workforce Development works with colleges, universities, and private institutions to train in-demand skills to ensure job seekers find employment with sustainable wages. Up to $10,000 in tuition assistance is currently available across several different industry sectors. Workforce Development staff can also assist with career planning, internships, childcare, transportation, and other job seeker needs.

Available Tuition Assistance:

• Manufacturing – $7,000 towards training tuition. Careers can include welder, machinist, automation engineer, and more!
• Transportation / Logistics – $7,000 towards training tuition. Careers can include heavy and tractor-trailer drivers, logisticians, and more!
• Health and Medical – $10,000 towards training tuition. Careers can include registered nurses, medical assistants, pharmacy technicians, and more!
• Information Technology – $7,000 towards training tuition. Careers can include computer hardware engineers, project managers, and more!

Click here to learn more and to sign up for an informational session.

Statewide Unemployment Rate Continues to Drop, Payroll Jobs Up in July

According to the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the unemployment rate decreased -0.1 percentage point to 4.4 percent, while nonfarm payrolls increased by +31,200 in July.

The industry sectors with the largest over-the-month gains in employment include: Professional and Business Services (+10,000), Manufacturing (+6,300), and Trade, Transportation, and Utilities (+5,700).

“As the statewide unemployment rate continues to drop and continued claims levels for unemployment benefits remain at historic lows, IDES encourages employers and jobseekers to utilize the Department’s robust employment services tools for reentry into the workforce,” said Deputy Governor Andy Manar. “Whether it be participating in or a hosting a job fair, training or skills building, IDES has the tools needed to assist in the growth of the expanding labor market.”

Featured Career Path – Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Driver

Heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers transport goods from one location to another. Most tractor-trailer drivers are “long-haul” drivers and operate trucks with a gross vehicle weight capacity of more than 26,000 pounds. These drivers deliver goods over intercity routes, sometimes spanning several states. Some drivers are “short-haul,” transporting and delivering goods locally around town where they are back-and-forth within one day.

Potential future career opportunities may include: Bus Driver, Construction Equipment Operator, Delivery Truck Driver, Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Driver, Material Mover, Material Recording Clerk, or Terminal Manager.

Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Driver Job Stats in Lake County:

• Median Salary – $51,432
• Job Growth Over Next 10 Years – 5%
• Job Openings Over Next 10 Years – 2,950
• Education Level Needed – Certification
• Source: Emsi, 2021

Meet the Board – Board Member Jennifer Harris

Jennifer Harris is a current Board Member and President and Executive Recruiter at CR Search, Inc.

In addition to her commitment to the Workforce Development Board since 2016, serving as Past Chair and Board Member, Jennifer is the current Chair of the National Association of Workforce Boards (NAWB) and sits on the NAWB DEI Task Force. Jennifer is also an Advisory Board Member for NorthSide Community Bank.

Founded in 2013 by Jennifer Harris, CR Search, Inc. is a boutique executive recruiting firm committed to authentic and transparent communication that serves as the foundation of the firm. CR Search, Inc. offers direct hire full cycle recruiting services from sourcing to placement and provides retained and contingent search services with a national reach. The firm also helps find interim/contract talent depending on the scope of the project.



Partner Spotlight – Lake County Workforce Development

The Lake County Workforce Development Department (LCWD) operates the Job Centers of Lake County and offers a variety of resources, programs, and services for job seekers, youth, and local employers.

LCWD 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 – Chevannese

Chevannese remained employed during 2020-21 by taking multiple jobs as they were available, including working at a local laboratory making COVID test kits. It was here that a co-worker shared that she was pursuing medical training thanks to the Job Center of Lake County.

Chevannese received career coaching and guidance as she learned about different healthcare jobs requiring certifications and available training programs. She selected a medical assistant program at State Career College with the goal of becoming a Certified Medical Assistant. Chevannese was in the top of her class at State Career College and was hired as a Medical/Patient Support Assistant at Northshore University Health System in May 2022.

Chevannese is grateful that Workforce Development made it financially possible for her to achieve her career dream and that her Career Specialist supported her throughout the journey. She advises other job seekers to pursue career coaching through the Job Center and Workforce Development training, stating “You never know what will come out of the program until you enroll.”

Lake County Job and Resource Fair for Individuals With Disabilities

Wednesday, August 24, 2022

1:00 PM – 4:00 PM

Round Lake Area Park District – Sports Center

Sponsored by Goodwill Great Lakes, IDES, IDHS, Independence Center, and Sports Center Round Lake. People with disabilities have an array of skill sets, yet they are part of a hidden and underutilized labor market. This event is open to job seekers with any type of disability.

Catholic Charities Resource & Hiring Event

Wednesday, August 31, 2022

10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Catholic Charities Community Center

Employers will be ready to hire at the Catholic Charities Community Center. Learn about the resources of Catholic Charities, Job Center of Lake County, and 211 Lake County. Click here for more details.

Opportunities are available with local employers in fields including: Manufacturing, Food, Service and Housekeeping, Retail and Hospitality, Sales and Customer Service, and Transportation.

Just a few of the employers looking to hire include: Amazon, American Place Casino, Berry Global Libertyville, FedEx, Goodwill Great Lakes, Great Wolf Lodge, Illinois Central School Bus Co., Knollwood Club, Laser Precision, Northern Suburban Special Recreation Association, Pace Suburban Bus, People Architectural Group LLC, Woodland Food, and YouthBuild Lake County.

Please Note: Employers must pre-register to attend by August 24.

Grow With Google – Careers in IT

Are you or someone you know considering a career in Information Technology (IT)? Lake County Workforce Development can help!

Limited scholarships are still available. If you're interested, complete an interest form.

This unique learning program will offer job-ready skills taught by Google experts, provide fast and flexible learning that fits your life, and you’ll receive a Professional Certificate, upon completion, from Google.

#WorkforceInAction

Earlier this month, the Midwest Veterans Closet (MVC), Lake County Workforce Development, Consumers Credit Union, and 11 local veterans attended the Lake County Workforce Development "Veteran" Work, Earn, and Learn information session to be part of a paid internship with the City of North Chicago's – Midwest Veteran Closet.

This is a perfect example of community engagement and partner collaboration at its best!

Sponsored by Senator Melinda Bush, the 10th Annual Career & Resource Fair, held earlier this month, served as an excellent opportunity for the Job Center team to meet with partners, community-based organizations, employers, and job seekers from throughout Lake County. The event was a success!

Job Center staff pictured include: Omar Ramirez, Uma S., Rason Grant, and Eva Locke.

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:

September 14 – Executive Committee, 8:15 a.m. CDT

September 20 – Finance and Compliance Committee, 8:00 a.m., CDT

September 22 – Workforce Development Board, 8:00 a.m. CDT

October 17 – Operations Committee, 9:00 a.m. CDT

October 18 – Employer Connections / Talent Pipeline Joint Committee, 9:00 a.m. CDT