March 2024

With Spring officially here and some warmer weather on the horizon, workforce development in Lake County is in full bloom. From attending the National Association of Workforce Boards Forum this month to the National Association of Workforce Development Boards 40^th Annual Conference in May, Lake County Workforce Development staff and board members are diligently working to improve and expand access to services throughout the county.

NAWB Annual Conference – Forging Tomorrow’s Workforce Today

The Forum, the annual conference of the National Association of Workforce Boards (NAWB), just wrapped up in Washington, D.C.

Lake County Workforce Development (LCWD) representatives met with legislators, policy advocates, federal/state/local agencies, workforce experts, and board members from across the country, all with a common goal of closing the gap in our labor shortage, meeting people where they are, and focusing on enhancing their quality of life.

Job Center Launches New Web Experience

The Job Center of Lake County has launched a new website experience for job seekers and employers. The refreshed, modernized website offers an improved user experience, direct access to valuable resources, and houses the Virtual Information Session, the starting point for job seekers in search of training, a new job, or a career transition.

Click here to visit the new Job Center website.

Summer Youth Employment Program – Application Deadline is April 20

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.

Ashannti Ross Promoted to Training Manager

Congratulations to Ashannti Ross on her recent promotion to Training Manager! In this new role, Ashannti will expand her work with the dedicated team of Lake County workforce professionals and will contribute to the organization’s success.

Prior to her promotion, Ashannti served as Project Lead Planner for nearly five years and Career Specialist for three years, all with Lake County.

Illinois Leader Appointed to U.S. Department of Labor's Apprenticeship Advisory Committee

The U.S. Department of Labor has announced the appointments of 30 members to serve on the Advisory Committee on Apprenticeship to advise the Secretary of Labor on issues related to the national apprenticeship system. As part of the announcement, Daniel Serota, a member of the Illinois Workforce Innovation Board (IWIB) and Chair of IWIB's Apprenticeship Committee was appointed to serve on the Committee. As the Vice President of Government and Public Affairs at Aon, he will serve as an employer representative on the committee.

Locally, Dr. Andrew Warrington, current member and former Lake County Workforce Development Board Chair and President and CEO of UCC Environmental, has been an active member of the IWIB since 2017, serving as Co-Chair of the Business Engagement Committee and a member of the Executive Committee and Continuous Improvement Committee.

Governor Pritzker Announces $5 Million in Funding for the Home Illinois Workforce Pilot Program

Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) announced $5 million in funding for the Home Illinois Workforce Pilot Program. This program is a partnership between DCEO, the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS), and the Illinois Interagency Task Force on Homelessness to Prevent and End Homelessness and is an extension of the Illinois Job Training and Economic Development Program (JTED).

The goal of the Home Illinois Workforce Pilot is to support individuals experiencing homelessness by improving employment opportunities, helping them establish financial stability and improving their ability to afford permanent housing in their community. The program is an essential part of the JTED Program. The JTED Program was created to provide workforce training and wrap-around services to bolster equitable workforce recovery for Illinoisans struggling to gain meaningful employment as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Illinois Payroll Jobs Increase, Unemployment Rate Up Slightly in February

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 +23,100 in February.

“Job growth throughout the state across industry sectors is a testament to the strength and stability of the diverse Illinois workforce,” said Deputy Governor Andy Manar. “Continued statewide investment in workforce development is giving jobseekers and employers new tools and opportunities to thrive in the expanding state economy.”

In February, the industry sectors with the largest over-the-month job gains included: Government (+6,700), Construction (+6,200), and Leisure and Hospitality (+5,400).

Meet the Board – John Castillo

John Castillo is a current Board Member and Director of Operations for Domeny Tool & Stamping Company.

In addition to his commitment to the Workforce Development Board, John is an active member of the Army Reserve where he has served for more than 15 years holding jobs such as Firefighter, Drill Instructor, and Operations Management. John is also a huge advocate for upskilling the new and incumbent workforce within Illinois and often serves on committee boards or discussion panels involving school curriculums and talent management topics. He volunteers as a kid’s Jiu Jitsu coach in his spare time.

Domeny Tool & Stamping Company has been producing high-quality drawn metal stampings, precision machined components, and custom workholding solutions for customers across numerous industries for more than 60 years. With their combined production capabilities and value engineering services, Domeny delivers exceptional performance and rate of return to their customers throughout the manufacturing process. Additionally, due to John's exceptional leadership, Domeny is a registered apprenticeship site.

Apprenticeships Offer Valuable Pathways to Careers

Apprenticeships are an excellent way for job seekers to jumpstart their careers while also benefitting employers by providing direct access to a future talent pipeline.

Some of the many benefits of an apprenticeship include:

• Earn and learn

• Receive wage increases

• Earn a nationally recognized credential

• Mentorship

Visit Apprenticeshhip.gov to learn more and to find available apprenticeships near you.

Partner Spotlight – College of Lake County

Founded in 1969, the College of Lake County (CLC) is a comprehensive community college that has proudly served more than 400,000 students across its three campuses, multiple extension sites, and online learning. CLC’s major program areas include credit programs to prepare students for transfer or career entry, GED and adult basic education, non-credit offerings for personal or career development, and contract training and specialized services for businesses.

The College of Lake County is a key partner of the Lake County Workforce Development Board and is part of the Lake County Workforce Ecosystem, which also includes Lake County Partners and Lake County High Schools Technology Campus. The Ecosystem is a dynamic partnership that works to ensure local businesses have access to talent, training, and development resources for retention purposes.

Sign up for the Career Solutions E-Newsletter

Developed and published by the Job Center of Lake County, the Career Solutions e-newsletter offers valuable information for job seekers, including recruitment events, workshops, Job Center of the Move dates and locations, special initiatives and programs, success stories, and Job Center partner highlights.

Sign up to receive your very own copy today!

Baxter Credit Union Opens Gurnee Location

Earlier this month, the Job Center of Lake County supported the grand opening and ribbon cutting of Baxter Credit Union's Gurnee location. BCU continues to support community banking while creating career pathways through Lake County Workforce Development's paid internship program.

Thank you, BCU, for your continued partnership!

100+ Job Openings with Lake County

Interested in working for Lake County? There are currently more than 100 active job openings across the county’s many different departments, including engineering, technology, law enforcement, and health care.

From professional growth opportunities to abundant career choices and jobs that provide variety and the chance to make a meaningful difference, there are many to consider Lake County as an employer.

Click here to search available openings.

GCEP Issues First Annual Report

In celebration of its first anniversary, the Greater Chicagoland Economic Partnership (GCEP) has issued an Annual Report, detailing its work and wins in the region. Locally, one of the largest economic development wins includes Waukegan-based Henry Broch Foods, one of the largest U.S.-based international food ingredient, processing, and co-packing companies in the world.

Lake County Partners, part of the Lake County Workforce Ecosystem, led the charge on working closely with the company’s leadership to help it expand its existing Waukegan Headquarters by adding 160,000 square feet of new production, robotic warehousing, and distribution space. Not only is the company retaining 400 existing jobs, but it is also adding an additional 150 new jobs in Lake County. This project represents a capital investment of nearly $40 million.

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:

April 10, 2024 – Executive Committee, 8:15 a.m. CDT

April 19, 2024 – Youth Task Force, 10:00 a.m. CDT

April 25, 2024 – Workforce Development Board, 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.