March 2025

As we close out March and look ahead to April and May, we must all continue to do our part to spread the word about the critical services and measurable impact provided by the workforce development system locally and nationwide.

Lake County Workforce Development representatives are currently attending the 2025 NAWB Forum and will be visiting with legislators on Capitol Hill in support of Workforce Advocacy Day to make the case for workforce.

Reach out to the Lake County Workforce Development team and board members to learn more about how you too can make a difference and help us continue to spread awareness about the value and impact of the workforce development system.

LCWD Sends Delegates to NAWB Forum and Advocacy Day

Representatives of Lake County Workforce Development are attending the NAWB 2025 Forum in Washington, D.C. from March 29 – April 2. The Forum, the nation’s largest annual workforce development conference, provides attendees with the opportunity to learn directly from top experts about workforce policy, initiatives, and trends.

As part of the 2025 Forum, Workforce Advocacy Day, held April 1-2, will provide a critical opportunity for LCWD representatives to go to Capitol Hill to tell the story of workforce development in Lake County and to let Congress know how they can support this work locally.

To learn more about The Forum, click here. For additional information about Workforce Advocacy Day, click here.

CEJA Waukegan Hub Celebrates First Graduating Class

A dozen community members are ready to enter the green energy workforce after completing their training in one month. College of Lake County, in partnership with Lake County Workforce Development and The Community Works, announced the graduation of the first cohort of the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA) Waukegan Hub Training Program. This achievement reflects Lake County’s commitment to building a local workforce that is prepared for success in clean energy and other high-demand industries, while also promoting a more equitable and sustainable future for the region.

Twelve participants completed a comprehensive, four-week CEJA Bridge Training Program where they learned foundational technical skills relevant to working in clean energy jobs, in addition to crucial soft skills like communication, problem-solving and teamwork.

“This program was a blessing for me,” said Richard Martinez-Messner, a graduate of the first cohort. “They’re providing me with OSHA 10 certification, CPR certification; we did a bunch of stuff on electrical. I believe with all these skills I’ll be able to have a very successful career.”

Article reposted from College of Lake County.

Lake County Partners “Big Event” is Back

Lake County’s largest gathering of business and civic leaders is back! The much-anticipated “Big Event,” hosted annually by Lake County Partners, returns to the Lincolnshire Marriott Resort on Thursday, May 1.

This popular breakfast program will include an inspirational morning focused on ways to strengthen, sustain, and leverage Lake County's business assets.

Local Manufacturer Expands with New Incubator

Local robotics company ICR247 has been given the green light by the Village of Mundelein to expand and open a new manufacturing incubator to train apprentices and interns on state-of-the-art equipment. ICR247 manufactures and integrates automated equipment and systems for outside companies and offers training programs in industrial automation and robotics.

Advanced manufacturing continues to grow in Lake County as a result of the area’s immense talent pool and strong workforce development efforts – like those at the College of Lake County, Lake County Tech Campus, Grayslake Community High School District 127, the Job Center of Lake County, Lake County Workforce Development Board, and elsewhere.

Article reposted from Lake County Partners. Photo courtesy of ICR247.

Site Selection Magazine Names Illinois and Chicago as Top U.S. Destinations for Corporate Expansion and Relocation

Governor JB Pritzker, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), and Intersect Illinois announced that Site Selection Magazine, the leading publication in corporate real estate and facility planning, has ranked Illinois #2 for corporate expansion and relocation for the third year in a row, and Chicago was named the #1 metro for the twelfth consecutive year.

This achievement follows another year of success in attracting new businesses and economic opportunities through historic investments in site readiness, workforce development, and infrastructure improvements, making Illinois a top state to do business. Illinois saw 664 business expansion or relocation projects in 2024 (up from 552 in 2023) and also placed #2 in projects per capita.

"Illinois continues to attract leading businesses and with expansions and relocations increasing 20 percent increase over 2023, the State is growing its reputation as a premier global destination to do business," said Governor JB Pritzker. "With unmatched infrastructure and incentives, a talented and qualified workforce, and a diverse array of industry leaders, it's no surprise that Illinois has achieved this impressive recognition from Site Selection Magazine for the third year in a row."

Illinois Unemployment Rate Stable, Jobs Nearly Unchanged in January

According to data released by the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), nonfarm payrolls were almost unchanged, down -1,100 (0.0%), while the unemployment rate was unchanged at 4.9 percent in January.

“Despite significant uncertainty and disruption at the federal level, Illinois’ labor market and unemployment remained steady in January, and we’re encouraged to see 36,000 jobs created in Illinois compared to one year ago,” said Deputy Governor Andy Manar. “Looking ahead, IDES and its state and local workforce partners continue to serve jobseekers and provide resources to bolster Illinois’ unmatched workforce.”



In December, the industry sectors with the largest over-the-month job increases included: Government (+7,900), Financial Activities (+1,800), and Private Education and Health Services (+1,600).

Meet the Board – Board Member Noelle Kischer-Lepper

Noelle Kischer-Lepper is a current Board Member and the Director of Planning and Economic Development for the City of Waukegan.

In addition to her commitment to the Workforce Development Board, Noelle has served in numerous roles with the City of Waukegan since 1990 and currently serves on the Lake County Municipal League Land Bank.

The City of Waukegan, known as the “City of Progress,” is located along the shores of Lake Michigan, is the county seat of Lake County, and is also the most populous city in the county. From an economic development standpoint, Waukegan has the second busiest international airport in Illinois, is home to one of the Midwest’s largest lakefront and downtown redevelopments, has a strong downtown market foundation, and offers a 1,000-ship marina for commercial and recreational uses.

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 – Chris

Chris has successfully transitioned into the civilian workforce through the DOD SkillBridge Program, following an impactful internship with the Lake County Emergency Management Agency (EMA).

Thank you to EMA for providing such a valuable worksite, to Lake County for their SkillBridge program, and to the amazing team at Lake County Workforce Development Board who oversee this initiative. Most importantly, thank you, Chris, for choosing Lake County as your SkillBridge worksite.

With the support and hands-on experience gained during his internship, Chris is now beginning his next chapter as a Field Technician. His journey highlights the incredible opportunities that SkillBridge creates for transitioning service members. Congratulations, Chris!

Revive Lake County Express Pilot

If you or someone you know has an arrest or conviction negatively affecting employability, Revive Lake County may be able to help. This 3-week program provides returning citizens with the essential skills needed to ensure success in the labor force!

The Revive Lake County Express Pilot offers five workshops from March 31, 2025, through April 16, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM, at the Job Center of Lake County.

Workshop topics include:

• Foundational Skills

• Career Awareness

• Employability

• Essential Workplace

• Goals and Actions

Participants who attend and complete all five workshops will receive a certificate

endorsed by the Job Center of Lake County and Lake County Workforce Development.

Click here to register for future workshops.

Event Recap: Hospitality & Retail Workforce Summit

Held earlier this month, the Hospitality & Retail Workforce Summit provided an important opportunity to bring employers and job seekers together to drive growth, tackle workforce challenges, and strengthen Lake County’s hospitality and retail sector. The event was a huge success!

The keynote speakers shared valuable insights, including: Sam Toia with the Illinois Restaurant Association affirming that education is vital for staying competitive, and Michael Jacobson with Illinois Hotel & Lodging Association describing how hospitality offers rapid career growth opportunities.

Speakers from Great Wolf Lodge, College of Lake County, Lake County Workforce Development, and Lake County Health Department and Community Health Center shared strategies around mentorship, apprenticeships, and public-private partnerships.

Thanks to our partners: Lake County Workforce Development, Lake County Partners, Village of Gurnee, Village of Libertyville, Village of Lincolnshire, and Visit Lake County. We also extend our gratitude to Great Wolf Lodge for hosting the event and assisting with planning, ArtQuest for your floral centerpieces that brought warmth and beauty to the room, and Gurnee Donuts for sweetening up the day with your amazing treats.

Event Recap: 4th Annual Lake County Educator Job Fair

The Lake County Workforce Development team had a fantastic time at the 4th Annual Educator Job Fair at Grayslake North High School.

With 30+ districts and 140+ job seekers in attendance, it was a great turnout. This event provided an excellent opportunity to share valuable Job Center resources with local educators.

Thank you to Grayslake Community High School District 127 for hosting this amazing event in The Hub!

Event Recap: Round Lake High School Career Night

Lake County Workforce Development had the opportunity to engage with students at Round Lake High School’s Career Night, introducing them to career pathways through VR simulations.

With 150+ students and families in attendance, it was inspiring to see their excitement as they explored different industries in an interactive, hands-on way. This is just the beginning—innovative tools like VR are helping shape the workforce of tomorrow.

We look forward to more opportunities to guide students in their career journeys.

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 16, 2025 – Executive Committee, 8:15 AM CT

April 17, 2025 – Board Meeting, 8:00 AM CT

Connect With Us

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.