|
October 2024
Building off the celebrations of Workforce Development Month and Manufacturing Month, November brings us National Apprenticeship Week (NAW). NAW will be celebrated November 17-23 this year.
NAW is a nationwide celebration where employers, industry representatives, labor organizations, community-based organizations, workforce partners, educational institutions, and Federal, State, and Local government agencies host events to showcase the successes and value of Registered Apprenticeship for strengthening our economy by developing a highly skilled workforce to meet industry needs, creating pathways for career seekers to catapult into good jobs, and advancing racial and gender equity.
2024 marks the 10th anniversary of NAW! Visit Appenticeship.gov to learn more.
| |
|
Applications Now Open for CEJA Waukegan Hub Program
Illinois is expanding its clean energy workforce and job seekers can now join a training program to begin a career in clean energy and employers can get support to grow their clean energy business. These programs are part of the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA) and are funded by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO).
Locally, College of Lake County (CLC) received a grant as part of CEJA. This program supports initiatives to create a pipeline of qualified workers for jobs in the clean energy sector, such as EV automotive technology, heating ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC), energy efficiency audits, and building and home inspection. CLC estimates this grant funding can ensure that 200 individuals living in the region will participate in training programs, resulting in at least 100 individuals working to reach energy employment outcome goals.
Partnering with the Lake County Workforce Development Board, the Job Center of Lake County, and other local community-based organizations, CLC will facilitate a variety of workforce training programs designed to prepare residents for in-demand clean energy jobs. Interested participants can apply online.
| |
|
Makers on the Move Bus Tour Comes to Lake County
As part of Manufacturing Month, Lake County Partners welcomed the Illinois Manufacturers' Association (IMA) and the Illinois Manufacturing Excellence Center (IMEC) to Lake County, to showcase Bristol Myers Squibb as part of the “Makers on the Move” bus tour.
In Spring of 2023, Bristol Myers Squibb announced the expansion of its global cell therapy manufacturing network to include a new U.S.-based manufacturing facility in Libertyville to enable in-house viral vector production, a critical component of the company’s CAR T cell therapies. The investment was a prime example of Lake County’s proud position at the intersection of life science and advanced manufacturing.
Article reposted from Lake County Partners. Photos courtesy of IMA.
| |
|
Illinois Payroll Jobs Up, Unemployment Rate Stable in September
According to data released by the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), nonfarm payrolls were up +7,100 while the unemployment rate was unchanged at 5.3 percent in September.
“Steady, consistent job growth throughout the state mirrors the strength and stability of the Illinois economy,” said Deputy Governor Andy Manar. “IDES remains a critical workforce tool for jobseekers and employers as new jobs and more opportunities are created throughout the state.”
In September, the industry sectors with the largest over-the-month job gains included: Private Education and Health Services (+4,600), Leisure and Hospitality (+3,600), and Government (+2,800).
| |
|
Governor Pritzker Announces Launch of $5 Million Manufacturing Marketing Campaign
Governor JB Pritzker joined the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), local leaders, and workforce partners at Richard J. Daley College to celebrate the launch of "Make It In Illinois," the State of Illinois' first manufacturing marketing campaign. This $5 million campaign aims to revitalize Illinois' manufacturing sector by attracting new talent and changing perceptions about careers in manufacturing.
"Over the past five years, with shoulder to the wheel, Illinois manufacturing has been undergoing a period of growth and transformation that is powering a notable economic turnaround. We're rebuilding and reclaiming our status as a manufacturing powerhouse," said Governor JB Pritzker. "With the launch of the Make It in Illinois marketing campaign, we are letting people know the doors of opportunity are open for thousands of Illinois workers and the state of Illinois is open for business."
Building upon the state's strong manufacturing industry and storied history, the key campaign objectives include:
• Increase applications for jobs at Illinois manufacturers
• Boost enrollment in manufacturing-aligned training programs and apprenticeships
• Promote manufacturing as a pathway to personal and professional growth
| |
|
Illinois Celebrates National Women's Business Month
The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) has been celebrating National Women's Business Month throughout October by recognizing the significant contributions of women-owned businesses across the state. Over the course of this monthlong celebration, DCEO is elevating resources and opportunities to help bolster Illinois' women-owned businesses.
Although Illinois has over 457,000 women-owned businesses, women business owners and entrepreneurs, especially women of color, have historically experienced barriers in accessing financial and social capital and other key business resources. DCEO prioritizes creating an equitable business environment through targeted initiatives and resources designed for women-owned businesses.
| |
|
Crain’s Business Chicago Names Lake County Companies Among Most Innovative in Chicagoland
Six of Chicagoland’s top 25 most innovative companies are in Lake County, according to Crain’s Chicago Business latest rankings. The success is particularly pronounced in healthcare, with AbbVie having earned 27 patents last year, and 103-year-old Hollister securing 33. Medline, CDW, Baxter and ACCO Brands round out the Lake County representation.
Medline is represented on the Lake County Workforce Development Board by Demetri Katsulis, Vice President of Manufacturing, US Kitting Operations.
Chicagoland continues to be one of the few U.S. regions with major pharmaceutical and medical device development, and it is the proud home of many industry leaders. Recognized companies are particularly adept at leveraging the area’s strong talent pipeline to drive digital innovation and new technologies that improve patient care and health outcomes.
Article reposted from Lake County Partners.
| |
|
Job Seeker Success Story - Marianne
Marianne worked for a large corporation for more than 20 years but was laid off from her most recent position as a Business Analyst in July 2023 due to a company-wide workforce reduction.
With the guidance of a Workforce Development Career Specialist, Marianne reviewed training options and decided to train at IT Expert Systems, which she completed in January 2024. Workforce Development funded a paid work experience where she participated in a seven-week mentorship program.
Marianne saw a job opportunity on LinkedIn with Apex Systems, applied for the position, and was hired as a Software QA Test Engineer in August 2024.
| |
|
Meet the Board – Board Member Jennifer Harrris
Jennifer Harris is a current Board Member and President and Executive Recruiter at CR Search, Inc.
In addition to her long-standing commitment to the Workforce Development Board, going back to 2016 and serving as Past Chair and Board Member, Jennifer is the Past Chair of the National Association of Workforce Boards (NAWB) and sits on the NAWB DEI Task Force. Jennifer is also an Advisory Board Member for NorthSide Community Bank.
Founded in 2013 by Jennifer Harris, CR Search, Inc. is a boutique executive recruiting firm committed to authentic and transparent communication that serves as the foundation of the firm. CR Search, Inc. offers direct hire full cycle recruiting services from sourcing to placement and provides retained and contingent search services with a national reach. The firm also helps find interim/contract talent depending on the scope of the project.
| |
|
Partner Spotlight – Job Corps
Job Corps is the largest free residential education and job training program for young adults ages 16-24. The program connects young adults with the skills and education needed to pursue a successful career.
Job Corps 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).
| |
|
LCWD Educates Local Employers on the Value of Apprenticeships
Sara Espeland, Apprenticeship Specialist with Lake County Workforce Development (LCWD), recently shared information about apprenticeship initiatives in the State of Illinois to help businesses understand how to register a program and support existing apprenticeships in Lake County.
Apprenticeships are a critical component of the current and future talent pipeline and play a significant role in how Lake County employers identify and recruit workers.
| |
|
Save the Date: Lake County Healthcare Job Fair
November 6, 2024 • 10A-12P
Rosalind Franklin University
3333 Green Bay Rd (Centennial Room #2.068), North Chicago, IL 60064
Please join us for our annual Healthcare Job Fair! Lake County’s top healthcare employers will be attending. Engage with recruiters with confidence, introduce yourself, and express your interest in their open positions.
Click here to visit our events calendar to learn more about this and other upcoming recruiting events.
| |
|
Thousands of Lake County Students Get Peek Into Potential Careers
Thousands of young students got a hands-on look into potential careers during the Career Navig8 Lake event at the Lake County Fairgrounds.
Throughout the day, 4,200 middle and high school students explored displays and activities from more than 100 area businesses and employers, according to Gina Schuyler, administrator for careers and community partnerships with Grayslake Community High School.
Click here to read the full article from the Lake County News-Sun.
Photo and article courtesy of the Lake County News-Sun.
| |
|
Recap: Manufacturing Career Fair
The College of Lake County hosted a fabulous Manufacturing Career Fair on October 10, 2024.
A total of 24 different manufacturing companies and more than 200 students were in attendance. The career fair provided an excellent opportunity for students to engage directly with local manufacturing employers.
| |
|
LCWD Supports Hispanic Heritage Month
In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, United Way of Lake County teamed up with John S. Clark Elementary School for the first-ever Somos Unidos reading event.
Lake County Workforce Development (LCWD) Business Services Team member Omar Ramirez joined in to help share stories rich in culture, tradition, food, and language.
| | |
|
|
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:
November 7, 2024 – Executive Committee, 8:15 AM CST
November 15, 2024 – Operations Committee, 9:15 AM CST
November 20, 2024 – Finance and Compliance Committee, 8:00 AM CST
November 21, 2024 – Board Meeting, 8:00 AM CST
| |
|
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.
| | | | |
