September 2024

As we wind down the September celebration of National Workforce Development Month, it's time to prepare for October and Manufacturing Month.

According to the Illinois Manufacturers' Association, Illinois is the fourth largest manufacturing state in the U.S. based on output. This month provides an excellent opportunity to celebrate the present and future makers across our great state and to learn more about manufacturing's rich legacy and robust ecosystem.

According to Lake County Partners, manufacturing generates more than $48 billion in economic output each year in Lake County and employs one in seven private-sector workers.

Be sure to follow our LinkedIn page to stay up to date on all our recent announcements, including highlights from Manufacturing Month. 

CLC, in Partnership with LCWDB, Secures $3.5 million Equity Grant to Create Clean Energy Jobs

College of Lake County (CLC) received a $3.5 million grant as part of the Illinois Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA), funded by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO). 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 Lake County communities 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 Lake County Job Center, 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.

"CEJA is about the community coming together to serve the community," said Executive Director of Lake County Workforce Development Jennifer Serino. "We're committed to ensuring our members have access to quality career pathways leading to good jobs in clean energy. Workforce Development and the Job Center of Lake County are ready to start, working alongside our partners to help individuals transition into training and meaningful employment."

Save The Date: Career Navig8 Lake County

Career Navig8 Lake County is set to be a large-scale event hosted at the Lake County Fairgrounds on October 30, 2024. This event will be open to all 8th graders and high schoolers in Lake County. It is designed to motivate students to continue exploring and planning their careers in partnership with area businesses. This Career Exploration Day, sponsored by Dr. Michael Karner, aims to give students a valuable opportunity to connect with various businesses representing multiple career clusters.

Click here to visit our events calendar to learn more about this and other upcoming recruiting events.

First Digital Skills Cohort Completes Training

A total of twelve individuals completed the first "Digital Skills for Beginners" cohort this month. Offered through a partnership between the Job Center of Lake County, ConnectLakeCounty, and Waukegan Public Library, graduates received a laptop computer to take home after completing 12 hours of computer training.

Personnel from ConnectLakeCounty led the 12 hours of content delivery that made these workshops successful for residents. ConnectLakeCounty also procured and distributed the laptops. After the event, a representative from the Waukegan Public Library spoke about free resources that graduates can use at the library to continue to build their computer skills. Graduates described the opportunity as life-changing!

Illinois Payroll Jobs, Unemployment Rate Up in August

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 5.3 percent, while nonfarm payrolls increased +800 in August.

"As payroll jobs steadily increase, DCEO is committed to our continuous efforts to invest in and support the state's workforce," said DCEO Director Kristin Richards. "Building a strong labor market will not only bolster the state's economic growth, but it will ensure Illinois continues to be the best place to live, work and do business."

In August, the industry sectors with the largest over-the-month job gains included Trade, Transportation, and Utilities (+2,300), Construction (+2,200), and Financial Activities (+1,600).

EV Manufacturer Ymer Technology Announces Opening of U.S. Headquarters in Illinois

Ymer Technology, a manufacturer of electric vehicle (EV) components for the heavy equipment industry, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), Lake County Partners, and the Village of Buffalo Grove, announced the grand opening of its new U.S. headquarters in Buffalo Grove. The company's $5.7 million investment, bolstered by a Reimagining Energy and Vehicles in Illinois (REV Illinois) agreement, will enable Ymer Technology to produce cooling technology and thermal management systems for EVs while supporting Illinois' clean energy economy.

"Ymer Technology's investment showcases Lake County's rich tradition of manufacturing—a $20 billion industry and the largest contributor to our gross regional product," noted Lake County Board Chair Sandy Hart. "We join the state in prioritizing new jobs and sustainability. Ymer is a global leader in this sector, and we are especially excited to welcome them to our community because their products directly support our goals to reduce carbon emissions, increase renewable energy, and address climate change.

Lake County Schools Top National Blue Ribbon List Rankings

The latest National Blue Ribbon Schools List is out, and of the 18 schools recognized in Illinois, 3 are in Lake County. This year, the U.S. Department of Education is honoring Lake Zurich and Oak Grove for their outstanding academic achievement and mastery of best practices in education. 

The schools represent the impressive fabric of Lake County schools because they hold students to high standards and support them through meaningful learning and opportunities that set them up for success in the workplace. Education continues to set Lake County apart when it comes to talent, and this national recognition is further proof of it.

Reposted from Lake County Partners.

Job Seeker Success Story - Parent Mentor Program

For three years, HACES (Hispanic American Community Education and Services) and United Way of Lake County have offered a parent mentorship program with the Waukegan Elementary School District. Parents are trained as mentors, volunteer in a classroom several times a week, and receive training on literacy, computer skills, etc. Parent Mentors who complete sufficient hours may receive a modest stipend. In 2024, the program included one Manager, six Coordinators, and 53 parent mentors.

Zuleima volunteered as a Parent Mentor for two years. Her previous experience was in cosmetology, but she wanted to transition into the educational field. She interned for five months before being hired directly by the Waukegan Public School District as a Paraprofessional.

Yolanda was also hired as a Paraprofessional and says that the internship positively impacted her life. Last school year, she was assigned to work with a student on a 1:1 basis, and this year, she will continue supporting the same student who will now be entering 2nd grade. Yolanda notes that she is still learning every day. Still, she feels more equipped for her role as a Paraprofessional as a result of her participation in the Parent Mentor Program and the Workforce Development internship.

Meet the Board – Board Member Christine Hammerlund

Christine Hammerlund is a current Board Member and Founder and Nurse Manager at Assured Healthcare Staffing.

In addition to her commitment to the Workforce Development Board, Christine, who has been a registered nurse for more than 40 years, is an active member of the Advisory Council on Agriculture, Small Business, and Labor for the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, and a Board Member for the Illinois League for Nursing.

Assured Healthcare Staffing, based in Gurnee, provides contract, contract-to-hire, and direct-hire opportunities for customers in the healthcare ecosystem. The company provides licensed and certified professionals such as nurses, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, doctors, pharmacists, pharmacy techs, medical assistants, phlebotomists, certified nursing assistants, and clinical research professionals to pharmaceutical companies, schools, clinics, medical offices, nursing homes, assisted living, private homes, and more.



Partner Spotlight – Illinois Department of Employment Security

The Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) administers state unemployment benefits, runs the employment service and Illinois Job Bank, and publishes labor market information.

IDES 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).

Save The Date: Bass Pro Shops National Hiring Event

October 9-10, 2024 • 10A-7P

6112 West Grand Avenue, Gurnee, IL 60031

Click here to visit our events calendar to learn more about this and other upcoming recruiting events.



Recap: Zion Job Fair

The Zion Job Fair was held on September 10 at the Zion Park District Leisure Center. Approximately 25 employers/organizations and 75 job seekers were in attendance. The event showcased the valuable partnerships that exist between various Job Center partners.

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:

October 8, 2024 – Talent Pipeline Committee, 9:00 AM CDT

October 16, 2024 – Employer Connections Committee, 9:00 AM CDT

October 17, 2024 – Executive Committee, 8:15 AM 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.