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June 2023
June provides us with an opportunity to recognize and appreciate two underserved and at-risk populations. The month of June highlights an annual celebration of both the African American and LGBTQ+ communities.
The Workforce Board’s Equity Task Force continues to work diligently to develop and implement a framework of recommendations within Lake County’s’ workforce system to establish goals and improve inequality for all populations we serve. Our commitment to engaging underserved populations continues all year long.
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Celebrating Diversity, Equity, and Inclusivity
Juneteenth (short for June Nineteenth), also referred to as “America’s second Independence Day,” was celebrated earlier this month and commemorates the end of slavery in the United States. Juneteenth is considered the longest running African American holiday, with origins dating as far back as 1865. Click here to learn more about the historical legacy of Juneteenth.
June is also recognized as Pride Month in the US and elsewhere around the world. It is a monthlong celebration to honor the 1969 Stonewall Uprising in Manhattan, a tipping point for the Gay Liberation Movement in the United States. Click here to learn more about Pride Month.
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LCWDB Equity Task Force Releases Stakeholder Engagement Survey
The Lake County Workforce Development Board (LCWDB) Equity Task Force has released a Stakeholder Engagement Survey. This survey seeks to understand the experiences of workforce system stakeholders and their perceptions of the Board’s services through a diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) lens. Diversity, equity, and inclusion are key values for the County, the Board, and our community. This survey supports the Equity Task Force DEI goal to “use data collection and reporting to assist in assessing workforce system D&I efforts.”
Click here to participate in the survey and share your thoughts.
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WDB Chair and Vice Chair
Re-elected
Kimberly Wimer, current Workforce Development Board Chair, and Dr. Carlotta Roman, current Vice Chair, were both re-elected at the Board's June meeting in their respective positions. Ms. Wimer and Dr. Roman will serve a second term each and exemplify the type of leadership and commitment the Board needs to remain a workforce development leader in Lake County and across the region and state.
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Jobs Up in All 14 Metro Areas in May
Over-the-year, total nonfarm jobs increased in all fourteen metropolitan areas for the year ending May 2023, according to data released by the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
“Illinois continues to experience steady, persistent job growth across the state, a trend that has continued for more than two years,” said Deputy Governor Andy Manar. “IDES remains a critical resource connecting workers and employers to fill newly created positions as job growth expansion continues across industries and metro areas.”
The metro areas which had the largest over-the-year percentage increases in total nonfarm jobs were the Bloomington MSA (+3.2%, +3,200), the Peoria MSA (+2.9%, +4,900), and the Champaign-Urbana MSA (+2.7%, +3,200). Total nonfarm jobs in the Chicago Metro Division were up +1.6% or +61,500. Industries that saw job growth in a majority of metro areas included: Government (fourteen areas); Education and Health Services, Leisure and Hospitality, and Other Services (eleven areas each); Transportation, Warehousing and Utilities (nine areas); and Manufacturing (eight areas).
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Featured Career Path – Business Operations Specialist
Business Operations Specialists help improve the operations within a company or organization so that it is more efficient and effective. They review and analyze all aspects of the company’s operations, including finance and accounting, hiring and training practices, information technology and business data, compliance and regulations, sales and customer service, and supply chain management.
Potential future career opportunities may include: Accountant and Auditor, Business Operations Specialist, Credit Analyst, Human Resources Specialist, Logistician, Management Analyst, Market Research Analyst, Supply Chain Analyst, or Training and Development Specialist.
Business Operations Specialist Job Stats in Lake County:
- Median Salary – $83,438
- Job Growth Over Next 10 Years – 1%
- Job Openings Over Next 10 Years – 3,050
- Education Level Needed – Bachelor’s Degree
Source: Emsi, 2021
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Meet the Board – Board Member Julie Savitt
Julie Savitt is a current Board Member and President of AMS Elite Solutions, Inc.
In addition to her commitment to the Workforce Development Board, Julie is a mentor with SCORE Mentors, a community of experienced entrepreneurs, corporate managers, and executives eager to help entrepreneurs start and grow their business. Julie has also been recognized in the Chicagoland area as a successful entrepreneur, mentor, and volunteer who is committed to giving back to her community, both locally and abroad. Julie has been featured on a national broadcast of “NBC Nightly News,” in the Chicago Tribune, and Crain’s Chicago Business, and she has received numerous awards highlighting her commitment to technology, green initiatives, and business excellence.
AMS is a construction hauling and material supplier specializing in OS/OW moves, pilot cars, sweepers, heavy equipment, and labor. The company serves customers in Illinois, Indiana, and Wisconsin, and has been recognized as a “Top 10 Green Business” by the Green Business League.
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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).
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Save the Date: Local 150 Apprenticeship Program (Hybrid)
Tuesday, August 1, 2023
1:00 PM – 2:00 P.M
Virtual and In-Person
Interested in a career as an operating engineer? Attend this informational event, available online via Zoom and in-person at the Job Center of Lake County.
Marcus Jordan, DE&I Outreach Coordinator for the Indiana, Illinois, Iowa Foundation for Fair Contracting (III FFC), and current Lake County Workforce Development Board Member, will present information about the Apprenticeship and Skill Improvement Program (ASIP), various training opportunities, pay rates, and application process.
Click here to learn more and register to attend.
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Workforce Development Continues Tuition Reimbursement Program
Lake County Workforce Development works with colleges, universities, and private institutions to train in-demand skills and ensure job seekers find employment with sustainable wages.
The program offers:
- up to $10,000 in tuition assistance;
- assistance with career guidance and planning;
- transportation, technology, needs-related payments, and childcare assistance during employee training; and
- assistance with paid internships and sourcing job seeker resumes to employers.
Job seekers can learn more about the tuition reimbursement program by participating in a Virtual Information Session. Click here to get started!
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Workforce Development Staff Attend University Center Open House
Jeffrey Hubert, Business Services Project Lead with Lake County Workforce Development's Business Services team, attended the University Center of Lake County's Open House earlier this month. Staff met with students and discussed workforce programs and services.
| Pictured with Jeffrey is Agnes Monton, Director of Business and Finance, University Center of Lake County. | |
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160 Driving Academy Job Fair a Success
Earlier this month, 160 Driving Academy held a Truck Driver Training Job Fair. The event featured multiple employers and more than 35 job seekers were in attendance.
Visit the Workforce Development calendar to stay up-to-date on future job fairs.
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Workforce Development Staff Volunteer at Northern Illinois Food Bank
Each year, Lake County Workforce Development chooses an area of need to impact the community directly. For 2023, staff’s volunteer and donation opportunities are centered around food and nourishment.
On June 14, 2023, staff volunteered at Northern Illinois Food Bank, and came up with the team name Workforce Warriors. Together the team packed 2,700 pounds of food, provided 2,250 meals, and sorted 16,200 individual servings of cereal for our neighbors.
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Hire Round Lake Beach Job Fair Sees Strong Turnout
Thank you to the 39 employers and 140 job seekers that participated in this month's Hire Round Lake Beach Job Fair.
And a special thank you to both the Village of Round Lake Beach Cultural & Civic Center and Village of Round Lake Beach for your assistance.
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Independence Day Office Closure
The Job Center of Lake County will be closed on Monday, July 3 and Tuesday, July 4, in observance of Independence Day, and will resume regular business hours on Wednesday, July 5. Join us in celebrating safely and responsibly.
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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:
August 9, 2023 – Executive Committee, 8:00 a.m. CDT
August 11, 2023 – Operations Committee, 9:30 a.m. CDT
August 11, 2023 – Equity Task Force, 10:00 a.m. CDT
August 15, 2023 – Talent Pipeline Committee, 9:00 a.m., CDT
August 16, 2023 – Employer Connections Committee, 9:00 a.m. CDT
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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.
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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.
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