August 2024

With the month of August quickly coming to a close, now it is great time to gear up for September’s annual National Workforce Development Month celebration. This is an important opportunity to recognize and expand the role workforce development plays in ensuring a growing national economy.

Created by the National Association of Workforce Development Professionals in 2005, this monthlong celebration provides all of us with an opportunity to reengage with local elected officials, businesses, educational agencies, economic development organizations, labor unions, and customers.

Growth in Illinois Payroll Jobs, Unemployment Rate Up in July

According to data released by the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the unemployment rate increased +0.2 percentage points to 5.2 percent, while nonfarm payrolls increased +12,900 in July.

“Steady job growth continues to drive the Illinois labor market, creating fresh opportunities for new and existing jobseekers entering the state’s growing workforce,” said Deputy Governor Andy Manar. “IDES continues its role as a critical, key resource in connecting workers and employers to assist with employment needs throughout the state.”

In July, the industry sectors with the largest over-the-month job gains included: Government (+11,400), Private Education and Health Services (+3,400), and Other Services (+2,300).

Governor Pritzker Releases Five-Year Economic Growth Plan Outlining Vision to Advance Economic Development

Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) released Illinois' 2024 Economic Growth Plan, a five-year plan to guide Illinois' economic development priorities and programming. Building upon Illinois' success, this plan outlines a roadmap to attract record-level investments, create jobs, and support communities over the next five years while laying the foundation for economic growth for generations to come.

"In the last five years, we've seen unprecedented response from companies that are seeing the investment made in Illinois and deciding that is the kind of ethos and vision they need in the home of their next business expansion," said Governor JB Pritzker. "We're continuing that work more ambitiously than ever before, continuing to focus on a sustainable economic future that leaves no Illinoisan behind."

Illinois' 2024 Economic Growth Plan is guided by four overarching economic development goals:

• Focus on high growth sectors and continue overall business climate improvements
• Advance comprehensive economic development efforts for business growth and attraction
• Promote equitable growth by empowering workers, entrepreneurs, and communities
• Build out the new clean energy economy

Governor Pritzker Announces $20 Million Commitment to Propel Innovation and Semiconductor Leadership in Illinois

Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) announced a pivotal $20 million commitment to further elevate Illinois' position as a national leader in technology and innovation through the Venture Investment for Semiconductor Technology Advancement (VISTA) initiative.

"Illinois is investing in big ideas today to build a better future for everyone tomorrow," said Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton. "We're putting resources into advanced technologies and helping innovators turn their dreams into real-world solutions. This investment is not just about changing industries; it's about creating opportunities for all Illinoisans as we move into a high-tech future."

As part of DCEO's $114 million Illinois Innovation Venture Fund (INVENT) program, VISTA is designed to reinforce sectors and technologies aligned with the federal CHIPS and Science Act, including initiatives spearheaded by the National Semiconductor Technology Center (NSTC). The VISTA initiative will channel investments into businesses within these vital sectors: Advanced Computing and Software, Advanced Materials, Microelectronics, Quantum Science, and Semiconductor Manufacturing/Packaging.

Job Seeker Success Story – Jose Juan

Jose Juan first met representatives from Lake County Workforce Development when his employer Southwire announced a plant closure. After researching and discussing options with his Career Specialist at Workforce Development, he selected the field of healthcare.

Jose Juan graduated from the College of Lake County with an associate degree in nursing. He landed a position as a Certified Nursing Assistant at Heritage Woods of Gurnee, an assisted living facility, in June 2024.

Meet the Board – Board Member Edward Gallagher

Edward Gallagher is a current Lake County Workforce Development Board Member and a Community Relations Representative with Pace Suburban Bus.

Pace is the suburban transit provider in northeastern Illinois, safely and efficiently moving people to work, school, and other regional destinations. Pace's family of public transportation services offer affordable and environmentally responsible transit options for the residents in Cook, Will, DuPage, Kane, Lake, and McHenry counties.

In his role at Pace, Edward coordinates Pace services with local units of government, employers, non-profit organizations, and other stakeholders. He also represents Pace at the Lake County Council of Mayors Transportation Committee.

In addition to his commitment to the Workforce Development Board, Edward also serves on the board of the Alliance for Human Services, a Lake County-based non-profit that enhances the delivery of services by providing leadership that convenes local human service sector stakeholders and fosters collaboration.

Partner Spotlight – Dist. 120 Adult Education

Mundelein High School District 120 is a comprehensive one-building district housing grades 9-12. The district covers a 36-square mile area and serves the needs of approximately 2,000 students from Mundelein and surrounding communities. Mundelein is located on Chicago’s North Shore, approximately 40 miles north of Chicago.

Dist. 120 Adult Education 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 Center Continues to Assist High Volume of Customers

During the month of July 2024, the Job Center received 478 calls from customers and had 560 onsite. For comparison, during the last fiscal year (July 1, 2023 to June 30, 2024), the Job Center received an average of 346 calls and 507 onsite visitors per month.

Highlight: International Youth Day

International Youth Day, celebrated on Monday, August 12, offers the opportunity to raise awareness around ensuring the engagement and participation of youth.

In honor of this year’s International Youth Day, the Job Center highlighted Lake County Workforce Development's important partnership with Rosalind Franklin University's nursing INSPIRE Program.

As part of the program’s success, 12 high school juniors successfully completed a seven-week Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) class at the College of Lake County as part of the partnership. Kudos to one of the students who was a keynote speaker, and Happy International Youth Day to our future leaders!

Labor Day Holiday Office Closure

The Workforce Development offices and the Job Center of Lake County will be closed on Monday, September 2, in observance of Labor Day. Normal business hours will resume on Tuesday, September 3.

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 18, 2024 – Executive Committee, 8:15 AM CDT

September 26, 2024 – Board Meeting, 8:00 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.