November 2022

The end of the year may be quickly approaching, but there is still plenty of time to benefit from the many available workforce development services. The Job Center continues to offer a full calendar of training and professional development opportunities and the outlook for 2023 is very promising.

Additionally, the Lake County Workforce Development Board continues to remain committed to being an innovative workforce leader. Recent activities include participation in the NAWDP Youth Symposium, rollout of the latest Work, Earn, and Learn internship opportunity with the Lake County Emergency Management Agency, and launch of the Board’s Equity Task Force Inclusive Leadership Campaign. Enjoy this latest newsletter edition to learn more about these initiatives and many other recent happenings throughout Lake County.

Internship Opportunity With Lake County Emergency Management Agency

On November 16, Lake County Workforce Development and Lake County Emergency Management Agency staff hosted the first of two information sessions for the upcoming Work, Earn, and Learn (WEL) Program, set to launch in early 2023.

Individuals interested in participating in the WEL Program attended the session to learn more about the upcoming opportunity, the Lake County Emergency Management Agency, the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) grant, and the employment services offered through the Job Center.

The internship will offer individuals the opportunity to work full-time for six months, earning $22 per hour, and develop skills such as preparing emergency response plans and procedures; participating in developing, executing, and evaluating exercises and trainings; and participating in community outreach and preplanned events.

Click here to download an informational flyer.



Inclusive Leadership Campaign

The Lake County Workforce Development Board and Equity Task Force have launched a new Inclusive Leadership Campaign. As we have learned, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) is vital in creating and maintaining a successful workplace. In the spirit of continuing education and the conversations that took place during the Board’s Inclusive Leadership Institute (ILI), the Board’s Equity Task Force is encouraging Board Members and Equity Task Force Members to share how they have leveraged the activities learned during the ILI that encourages inclusivity in their workplace. Together, we can continue to support progress in the DEI space and illustration the Board’s inclusive leadership in action.

Dr. Carlotta Roman, Board Vice Chair and Equity Task Force Chair, kicks off the new Inclusive Leadership Campaign by sharing what she is doing both personally and professionally to highlight inclusive leadership in action.

Click here to learn more about this important initiative.

Featured Career Path – HVAC Mechanic and Installer

HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) technicians install, maintain, and repair heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems. They work in residential homes, businesses, schools, or other buildings, often working outside in hot or cold conditions, and may need to work in tight spaces. This occupation is in high demand as outdated HVAC systems constantly need to be repaired and upgraded.

Potential future career opportunities may include: Automotive HVAC Technician, HVAC Engineer, Refrigeration Technician, Solar Technician, or Wind Turbine Technician.

HVAC Mechanic and Installer Job Stats in Lake County:

• Median Salary – $56,117

• Job Growth Over Next 10 Years – 13%

• Job Openings Over Next 10 Years – 576

• Education Level Needed – Certificate

• Source: Emsi, 2021

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 – Kyle

Kyle worked in a series of jobs, including retail and manufacturing, right out of high school and was trying to figure out a career. Unsure of all the opportunities in Lake County, Kyle connected with the Job Center and received career coaching and information on careers and businesses that are hiring.

Kyle qualified for a training grant and was approved for a 16-week training course in computerized numerical control (CNC) technology with quality control at Symbol Training Institute. Kyle was hired as a CNC Machinist at Nypro, a Jabil company, even before his coursework was complete.

Kyle performs setups on various CNC machines that form the parts used to create plastic injection molds. He plans to continue learning and to branch out into other areas of the manufacturing industry. He has advice for other young people who are starting their careers: “As long as you put in the time and effort, the results will follow—even if they’re not immediately apparent, the results will come.”



University Center Internship & Career Expo 2022

The University Center of Lake County is hosting an Internship & Career Expo!

Thursday, December 8, 2022

4:00 PM – 6:00 PM

University Center of Lake County

1200 University Center Drive, Grayslake, IL 60030

Numerous local businesses will be on-site seeking candidates to fill current internships and job openings. Employers include: A Safe Place, Allendale Association, Aramark Healthcare+, Community Consolidated School District 46, Consumers Credit Union, Durham School Services, Farmers Insurance, Great Lakes Credit Union, Illinois Department of Children & Family Services (DCFS), Illinois State Police, JQL Technologies (Defense, Satellite, Public Safety, Space), Lake County Health Department and Community Health Center, Meyer Machine Supply & Equipment, Nicasa Behavioral Health Services, NorthShore University HealthSystem, Primerica, Six Flags Great America, Woodland Community Consolidated School District 50, and Zacharias Sexual Abuse Center.

Click here to learn more and register online.

Small Business Networking Event

The Small Business Networking Event will focus on "Finding a Common Ground: Sharing Resources to Help Small Businesses Thrive," with discussion topics around training, recruiting, and culture; health resources; fringe benefits; small business business and grants; and government resources.

Click here to learn more and register online.

The Workforce Brief (Volume 22, Edition 3)

The latest edition of The Workforce Brief is out! Read about Incumbent Worker Training (IWT), Comprehensive and Accessible Reemployment Through Equitable Employment Recovery Dislocated Worker Grant (CAREER DWG), and recent job fairs and community engagement events.

Click here to view the latest edition as well as past issues.

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:

December 14, 2022 – Executive Committee, 8:15 a.m. CDT

January 13, 2023 – Operations Committee, 9:30 a.m. CST

January 13, 2023 – Equity Task Force, 10:00 a.m. CST

January 17, 2023 – Talent Pipeline Committee, 9:00 a.m., CST

January 18, 2023 – Employer Connections Committee, 9:00 a.m. CST

February 22, 2023 – Finance and Compliance Committee, 8:00 a.m. CST

February 23, 2023 – Workforce Development Board, 8:00 a.m. CST