January 2024

With the new year upon us, now is a great time to reinforce our commitment to delivering performance-driven and innovative strategies that develop, align, and integrate the workforce development system throughout our region.

Always seeking out best-in-class and first-of-its-kind workforce solutions, our dedicated Board of Directors, staff of workforce professionals, and community partners all work together to develop and deploy innovative strategies that best serve our diverse and underserved populations.

LCWDB Kicks Off First-of-its-Kind Apprenticeship Training Initiative

Supported by FHI 360’s National Institute for Work and Learning (NIWL), the Lake County Workforce Development Board (LCWDB) is kicking off Illinois’ first-ever Youth Development Practitioner Apprenticeship (YDPA) training initiative.

Employers and job seekers in Lake County will be the first in the State of Illinois to benefit from this initiative. An initial employer training session for youth-serving agencies was held January 25-26, 2024.

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.

Lake County Businesses Spent $1.2B on Building Projects the Past 5 Years

Lake County Workforce Development Board Member and Lake County Partners President and CEO Kevin Considine said the development of a strong workforce, particularly for 21st-century manufacturing, is due to a partnership with the College of Lake County and Lake County Workforce Development.

“Companies are coming here because our set of resources really lines up with what businesses need,” Considine said. “It starts with a strong workforce, proximity to O’Hare (International Airport) and a strong base of businesses already here.”

In the past five years, businesses invested an aggregate of approximately $1.2 billion building new factories or repurposing existing buildings, according to the report. Along with the expanded plants, 786 new jobs were created last year. Not only were the new positions established, but Considine said 512 jobs stayed in Lake County as 12 companies flirted with relocating — seven considered Wisconsin — but stayed.

Illinois Tops Workforce Development Rankings

For the second consecutive year, Illinois has been named the number one leader for workforce development in the Midwest region. The top ranking highlights the State of Illinois' commitment to expanding access to innovative workforce programs and making critical investments through legislation and programming to reduce barriers to good-paying jobs in order to create a thriving business ecosystem for job seekers, employees, and employers.

"The hardworking people of Illinois are at the forefront of our state's economic progress, making us the top state in the Midwest for workforce development for the second consecutive year," said Governor JB Pritzker. "Since day one, my administration has been committed to making Illinois the best place to live. That's why we've made transformative investments in workforce development, education, and our businesses—ensuring that every Illinoisan has an opportunity to thrive."

DoIT Welcomes First IT Trainee Program Cohort

The Illinois Department of Innovation & Technology (DoIT) has kicked off the inaugural cohort for the highly anticipated IT Trainee program, giving trainees the opportunity to immerse themselves in a comprehensive curriculum at City Colleges in Chicago that will cover a wide range of cutting-edge topics in the technology field.

"IT professionals with a strong background in cybersecurity, coding, and database work are absolutely essential to the continued functioning of state government in the 21st century, and these trainees will form the next wave of information technology innovation thanks to this new initiative by DoIT," said Governor JB Pritzker. "I look forward to seeing what these trainees accomplish and thank them for their eagerness to improve their skills and serve the state of Illinois."

The next cohort is set to commence in March at Lincoln Land Community College in Springfield.

Illinois Payroll Jobs Increase, Unemployment Rate Up in December

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 +0.1 percentage point to 4.8 percent, while nonfarm payrolls increased +1,200 in December.

"Illinois continues to see positive economic growth as payroll jobs increase," said DCEO Director Kristin Richards. "DCEO remains committed to helping Illinois businesses and workers by providing a number of critical resources and opportunities designed to support Illinoisans and bolster the state's strong workforce."

In December, the industry sectors with the largest over-the-month job gains included: Leisure and Hospitality (+3,300), Educational and Health Services (+1,700), and Government (+1,100).

Eight Illinois Communities to Receive Nearly $2.4 Million for Local Outdoor Recreational Opportunities

Eight Illinois communities will share nearly $2.4 million in grants to expand access to outdoor recreation, Gov. JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) announced.

Locally, Wauconda Park District is receiving $750,000. Funds will be applied toward the acquisition of 4.4 acres along Bangs Lake that had been a privately owned marina and the only access point on the lake that can accommodate daily boat launches. Bangs Lake is a 306-acre natural glacier lake in the Fox River watershed that is a regional destination for boaters and anglers. Acquiring the property will enable the park district to preserve public access to the lake for future generations. The district intends to continue marina operations, including boat slips, daily launches, and rentals for boats, kayaks, and paddleboards. Site improvements will address disabled accessibility, parking, boat slips, and appearance of the site.

DCFS Offers Post-Secondary Scholarships to Current and Former Youth in Care

The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) is currently accepting applications for the 2024 DCFS Scholarship Program. Through the program, a minimum of 53 academic scholarships will be awarded to current and former youth in care for the upcoming school year, with four awards reserved for the children of veterans and two reserved for students pursuing degrees in social work in honor of Pamela Knight and Deidre Silas, two DCFS caseworkers who succumbed to injuries sustained in the line of duty.

Scholarship recipients receive up to five consecutive years of tuition and academic fee waivers to be used at participating Illinois state community colleges and public universities, a monthly grant of $1,577 to offset other expenses and a medical card. Last year DCFS awarded scholarships to 259 college-bound youth, the most in the agency's history.

Click here to access the online applications. Students are encouraged to submit their applications in advance of the March 31 deadline.

Featured Career Path – Certified Nursing Assistant

A Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) focuses on patient care, making sure that patients are comfortable and their needs are met. CNAs monitor the vital signs of a patient such as temperature, blood pressure, and check medicine levels, and will make sure patients are well fed and hydrated, and will bath, groom, clean, and feed patients, if necessary.

Potential future career opportunities may include: Dietician, Health Information Technician, Home Health Aide, Licensed Practical Nurse, Medical Technologist, Nursing Aide, Registered Nurse, or Rehabilitation Aide.

Certified Nursing Assistant Job Stats in Lake County:

• Median Salary – $31,977

• Job Growth Over Next 10 Years – 7%

• Job Openings Over Next 10 Years – 3,156

• Education Level Needed – Certification

Source: Emsi, 2021.

Meet the Board – Board Chair Kimberly Wimer

Kimberly Wimer is the current Board Chair and Human Resources Manager for Laser Precision, LLC.

In addition to her leadership role with the Workforce Development Board, Kimberly has supported key initiatives at Laser Precision that have advocated for promoting manufacturing careers via high school career path events, established a new internship program, and tapped into talent at local job fairs. Kimberly was also named one of Crain’s 2020 Notable Women in Manufacturing, which spotlights 34 accomplished professionals who are making a difference in the traditionally male-dominated field.

Laser Precision is a world-class innovator in metal cutting and fabrication. Based in Libertyville, Laser Precision operates a 130,000 square foot facility committed to delivering quality parts to its customers with laser accuracy, meeting the most demanding of requirements to ensure on time delivery, every time. Kimberly has been part of the Laser Precision, LLC team for nearly seven years. Laser Precision was also named the 2023 Youth Employer of the Year by the National Association of Workforce Development Professionals (NAWDP).

Partner Spotlight – YouthBuild Lake County

YouthBuild Lake County (YBLC) provides underserved young adults with the education, training, and life skills necessary to become gainfully employed and build a better future. YBLC believes every young person has the power to succeed and create a better life for themselves and their families with access to the right resources and support system. YBLC offers free programs for underserved youth in Lake County to obtain their high school diploma, earn industry-recognized credentials and certifications, develop career readiness skills, and complete hands-on work experience so they can move into careers, college, or vocational schools.

YouthBuild Lake County 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 – Stanislav

Stanislav, a refugee from the Ukraine, was determined to find a career and work toward financial independence to help his wife and son immigrate to the U.S.

He quickly identified truck driving as a desirable career and connected with Lake County Workforce Development to pursue his goal. Stanislav completed his training in eight weeks, passed the state exam, and is now gainfully employed as a long-haul truck driver, hauling new cars all across the U.S.

Learn more about Stanislav and other success stories throughout Lake County.

University of Illinois Extension is Hiring

The University of Illinois Extension is hiring for Community Outreach Workers with the option to work in Lake or McHenry County. There are currently multiple open positions with highly desirable benefits, including: medical, dental, and vision plans; vision, sick time, and 15 paid holidays per year; tuition waivers; life insurance; retirement plans; and group discounts.

Click here to view all available job openings.

Upcoming Office/Center Closures

The Lake County Workforce Development office and Job Center of Lake County will be closed in observance of the following holidays:



• Monday, February 19 – Washington’s Birthday (Presidents Day)

Please Note: Unexpected and/or severe weather conditions may also lead to unscheduled office closures.

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:

February 9, 2024 – Operations Committee, 9:15 a.m. CDT

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

February 22, 2024 – Board Meeting, 8:00 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.