February 2024

This year, being a “leap year,” gives us one extra day during the month of February and we’re making the most of it with plenty of helpful workforce development events at the Job Center, both in-person and online.

Additionally, as we close out February, and its important recognition as Black History Month, we look ahead to the month of March and its designation as National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month. This national event provides an excellent opportunity to better understand the relationship between the way people function and how they participate in society and making sure everybody has the same opportunities in every aspect of life to the best of their abilities.

Meet the Business Services Team

The Business Services Team, guided by the Lake County Workforce Development Board, connects employers with the local workforce. The Business Services Team is distinguished by their data-driven insights, innovative solutions, and unwavering dedication to employers and job seekers alike. Through their transformative services, they foster sustainable growth for businesses throughout Lake County, all while empowering individuals to achieve their career aspirations.

Pictured (Back Row, L to R): Omar Ramirez, Jeffrey Hubert; (Front Row, L to R): Uma Subramanian, Antonio Garcia, Sara Espeland.

Summer Youth Employment Program – Applications Open March 1st

Applications for the Summer Youth Employment Program will be accepted from Friday, March 1 to Saturday, April 20. This popular program, funded by the Lake County Board, will provide meaningful work experiences in various worksites for approximately 175 young people this summer.

To qualify for employment, youth must be:

·     Age 14 to 18 (by April 20) or age 14 to 22 with an Individualized Education Plan (IEP)

·     Attending middle school or high school

·     Receiving free or reduced-price lunch or meet low-income guidelines

Work opportunities for participants will begin June 17, 2024. The program lasts approximately six weeks. The Summer Youth Employment program is administered by the Lake County Workforce Development Department.

Youth Development Practitioner Apprenticeship Training Initiative Successfully Launches

As mentioned last month, the Lake County Workforce Development Board (LCWDB), supported by FHI 360’s National Institute for Work and Learning (NIWL), kicked off Illinois’ first-ever Youth Development Practitioner Apprenticeship (YDPA) training initiative.

FHI 360 serves as the supporting partner for the YDPA. They will deliver training to apprentices, train-the-trainer style sessions to employers and apprentice supervisors, and provide associated training materials.

Locally, the participating agencies include Boys and Girls Club of Lake County, Business and Career Services, Inc., Curt’s Café, Lake County Workforce Development, The Community Works, Inc., Youth Conservation Corps, and YouthBuild Lake County.

March is Development Disabilities Awareness Month

National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month (DDAM), observed throughout March, is a nationwide event to raise awareness about the inclusion of people with developmental disabilities and address the barriers that those with disabilities face. Inclusion is necessary since about 15% of the world’s population lives with a disability.

DDAM is about understanding the relationship between the way people function and how they participate in society and making sure everybody has the same opportunities in every aspect of life to the best of their abilities.

As a Job Center of Lake County partner, the Illinois Department of Human Services Division of Rehabilitation Services assists with day services, disability determination services, early intervention services, in-home supports, other supports, and residential living arrangements.

Job Seeker Success Story – Shane

Passionate about computers since childhood, Shane graduated with an Associate Degree in Information Technology from Harper College in 2021 with the support of the Illinois Department of Human Services Division of Rehabilitation Services (DRS).

Shane’s Vocational Specialist at DRS referred him to Workforce Development to gain additional workplace skills and job search assistance. He then qualified for a six-month work experience with the IT department at the Lake County Health Department and Community Health Center.

Governor Pritzker Announces $6 Million for CEJA Returning Residents Program

Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) launched $6 million in funding for the Illinois Returning Residents Clean Jobs Training Program as part of a larger strategy to equitably grow Illinois' clean energy workforce through the landmark Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA). The program will deliver clean jobs training, education, and support services in Illinois Department of Corrections facilities to individuals within 36 months of their release to prepare them to work in clean energy and related sector jobs upon release.

"The Returning Residents Program is exactly what we mean when we say we are shifting Illinois toward a more restorative justice system," said Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton. "The Climate and Equitable Jobs Act has always been rooted in equity. We're reimaging what reentry looks like while further diversifying the clean energy workforce."

Governor Pritzker Awards Over $18 Million in Grant Funding through the Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program

Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) awarded over $18 million in funding to 36 recipients, serving 1,700 community members statewide, to expand the Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program. The program creates a qualified talent pipeline of diverse candidates in construction and the building trades. The program was specifically designed to increase access to good-paying jobs in the trades for historically underrepresented populations.

"As Rebuild Illinois continues to transform every aspect of our state's infrastructure, my administration remains committed to building out a workforce that is as talented as it is diverse," said Governor JB Pritzker.

Locally, Lewis University – Grayslake received nearly $550,000 and YouthBuild Lake County received $330,000.

DCEO and IMEC Launch Made in Illinois Grant Program to Boost Manufacturing

On February 2, Governor JB Pritzker, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), and the Illinois Manufacturing Excellence Center (IMEC) launched $1 million in funding for the Made in Illinois Grant Program. The Made in Illinois program provides up to $50,000 in matching grant funding to small- and mid-sized Illinois manufacturers to support innovation and strategic advancements in manufacturing.

"Illinois has a storied history as one of the nation's largest manufacturing states and we are proud to partner with IMEC on the Made in Illinois initiative," said DCEO Director Kristin Richards. "This program helps small-to-mid-sized manufacturers meet market demands and enhance production, which supports the manufacturing sector and contributes to Illinois' economic prosperity."

Applications are open now through March 31, 2024, and manufacturers are encouraged to explore the benefits offered by the Made in Illinois Grant Program by visiting www.imec.org/madeinillinois.

Meet the Board – Board Vice Chair Dr. Carlotta Roman

Dr. Carlotta Roman is the current Board Vice Chair and Founder and Senior Business Psychologist of Collective Career Consulting, LLC.

In addition to her leadership role with the Workforce Development Board, Carlotta currently serves as Affiliate Research Faculty for the Chicago School of Professional Psychology. She also has more than 15 years of experience working with organizations on organizational development, learning and development, change management, workplace conflict, and DEI. Carlotta has a diverse background in speaking, consulting, and coaching business leaders, HR management, and individual clients to support behavior and organizational change, and is a certified Prosci Change Management Practitioner, EEO Investigator, and Crucial Conversations Instructor.

Collective Career Consulting, LLC is a consultancy providing advisory, coaching, and learning services. As a management consulting practice, Collective Career Consulting customizes client solutions to build inclusive and equitable workplaces through diversity, equity, and inclusion and change management. They focus on providing thought leadership through industry research and best practices, while their service approach is all in the name, “collective,” working collaboratively and in partnership with clients, project managers, and other consultants to scale the most efficient services for clients’ needs.

Partner Spotlight – Youth Conservation Corps

Youth Conservation Corps (YCC) is a non-profit organization committed to providing Lake County’s young people with education, certification programs, and career development to build skills for life. In the majority of programs, YCC serves youth 16-24 years old who have dropped out of high school and face other challenges, such as being low income, homelessness, disabilities, and more. Through hands-on job skills training, GED courses, and other career readiness work, YCC empowers these young people to get back on track, gain self-worth, and develop lifelong skills to achieve their goals.

Youth Conservation Corps 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).

Save The Date: Educator Job Fair

Saturday, March 16, 2024

8:00 AM – 11:00 AM

Lake Community High School

1600 Eagle Way, Lake Villa, IL 60046

Meet school leaders from multiple districts in Lake County. 20+ schools will be represented.

Career opportunities include, but are not limited to:

• Teaching
• Support Staff / Student Support Services
• Athletics / Activities
• Maintenance and Custodial
• Plus, many more!

Note: Early admission will be granted to Veterans at 7:30 AM.

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:

March 8, 2024 – Equity Task Force, 10:00 a.m. CST

March 13, 2024 – Employer Connections Committee, 9:00 a.m. CDT

March 20, 2024 – Executive Committee, 8:15 a.m. CDT

March 26, 2024 – Talent Pipeline Committee, 9:00 a.m. 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.