WIN: Workforce Innovation News

This episode features a discussion with guest Kate Pleasant, a professional development consultant. Kate delves into the crucial topic of character development and soft skills in the workplace, explaining why employers are increasingly valuing these attributes over technical expertise. She also shares practical strategies for cultivating soft skills, including mentorship programs, enhanced onboarding processes, and professional development opportunities. 

In this second part of a two-part conversation, we delve deeper into workforce development with Dr. Justin Arnold, Workforce Board Director at LWIA 17. Dr. Arnold offers valuable insights on state-level advocacy for workforce initiatives, discussing the importance of local control and the need for legislators to understand the existing infrastructure. He also explores different perspectives on workforce development, challenging the "creative class" framework and advocating for a multiple pathways approach. 

This two-part episode of Workforce Innovation News features a conversation with Dr. Justin Arnold, Workforce Board Director at LWIA 17. Justin discusses the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), its importance as legislation, and its impact on workforce development at national, state, and local levels. He also shares his personal journey from high school dropout to workforce development leader, emphasizing the role of WIOA in creating a national workforce development system. The conversation covers the structure of workforce boards, the challenges of public awareness, and the current status of WIOA reauthorization. 

In this episode, you'll discover the benefits and process of creating registered apprenticeships for businesses. Tune in for an insightful discussion with a business services specialist who shares their experience transitioning from the Air Force to helping companies establish apprenticeship programs. You'll also discover how apprenticeships can improve employee retention, the similarities between military training and apprenticeship structures, and the free support available to businesses looking to implement these programs. The conversation also explores the variety of industries embracing apprenticeships, the tax incentives available, and the positive impact these programs can have on both businesses and apprentices in the region.

This episode features a conversation with Kelly Denton, the new WIOA Program Director at CEFS. Kelly provides an overview of the WIOA services available in the 13-county region CEFS serves, including vocational training, paying for college, tuition, as well as supportive services such as transportation and childcare. She also talks about her vision to make sure everyone who is eligible has the opportunity to access these life-changing services and to strengthen the local workforce post-COVID.   

In this episode, you'll hear from two ROSC (Recovery Oriented Systems of Care) coordinators for two Illinois counties. An ROSC Council works to build communities that support those in recovery from addiction. The coordinators discuss their roles in helping set up support systems including Narcan distribution, 12-step programs, education, stigma reduction, and building partnerships with supportive employers. They outline upcoming projects including coat drives, free laundry days for those in need, virtual Narcan trainings, and more. 

This episode features a conversation with Stephanie Anderson, Internship & Employment Coordinator at Lakeland College's Career Services department. Stephanie discusses her role, which includes connecting students and alumni with employers, providing customized career support services and building transformational partnerships with local companies. She also reveals the importance of embracing innovation in the changing workforce landscape, including offering free platforms like the Handshake app. 

In this episode, you'll hear from two representatives from the Illinois Department of Employment Security about employment services available to veterans in Southern Illinois. Discover key services, including career coaching, job placements, connections to training programs, and disability benefits assistance. You'll also hear about workforce tax credits and education funding resources for veterans.

 This episode is the third of a three-part miniseries in celebration of Workforce Development Month. Tune in for a conversation with Lori Poorman, a workforce board member representing the private sector, about her passion for supporting youth and investing in the future workforce. Lori shares how her diverse professional background, from retail to manufacturing, helps inform her approach to workforce development. Discover the importance of engaging directly with young people to understand their needs and aspirations, and providing resources like student learner programs, mentorships, and internships to set them up for career success.

This episode is the second of a three-part miniseries in celebration of Workforce Development Month. Tune in for a conversation with Robert Woolum from North American Lighting about how his company partners with workforce, career, and technical education programs to develop talent pipelines. Robert discusses the apprenticeship program at his company, the importance of engaging with students early to expose them to local career opportunities, and how businesses can easily connect with education partners to close skills gaps and meet workforce needs. Discover the value of partnerships between industry and education for maintaining a skilled workforce. 

This episode is the first of a three-part miniseries in celebration of Workforce Development Month. Tune in to hear details about the LWIA 23 Business Services Team's inaugural Winning Workforce Solutions Summit. This Summit is for business representatives, workforce development stakeholders, and community leaders. We will feature several special guests, including Bonnie Moore from Lake Land College, Josh Doerner from New York University, DuWayne Owens from Illinois Department of Corrections, and James Ginder, Administrative Law Judge from Illinois Department of Employment Security discussing hot topics in the workforce today. Space is limited, so make sure to register today at:  https://www.eventbrite.com/e/winning-workforce-solutions-summit-2023-tickets-669450593747?aff=oddtdtcreator

Paola Velasquez, Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Manufacturing at IMEC ( Illinois Manufacturing Excellence Center), joins the program to discuss various DEI efforts underway in the manufacturing sector. Paola discusses the importance of keeping equity in mind during the hiring process and the importance for leaders of examining their own diversity story. Discover the benefits of a more diverse talent pool and takeaways for other industries. 

 In this episode, you'll learn about the manufacturing training programs available at Kaskaskia College. Discover how to prepare for a manufacturing career and the various types of career opportunities available within the manufacturing industry. You'll also hear about how to access funding sources and the range of support services available for students. 

Teresa Metzger, McKinney-Vento Liason for The Regional Office of Education #11, joins the program to provide an overview of the McKinney-Vento Act and how she supports students facing homelessness. Teresa debunks misconceptions about what it means to be facing homelessness and discusses the resources available to help individuals stabilize their living situations and achieve self-sufficiency, including support from the workforce system. 

In this episode, you'll learn about the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Illinois Eastern Community College and hear about some of the services that they offer. Discover the ways in which the SBDC can support new business owners in navigating everything from marketing and management to securing funding, and more. You'll also hear about some of the most important things to consider before starting a new business. 

Heidi Cade, Family Advocate for C.E.F.S Head Start, joins the program along with Michelle Henry, a service program participant. Michelle shares her journey and why she reached out for support after losing her job and why she decided to pursue additional training. She also reveals how she overcame multiple obstacles along the way, including managing her studies while caring for an infant child. Heidi also discusses how her organization got the word out about services, even during the pandemic. 

Heidi Cade, Family Advocate for C.E.F.S Head Start, returns to the program to discuss how her educational background in child and adolescent psychology has helped her in her current role doing WIOA career planning and case management. Heidi reveals the importance of building trust with individuals and how to create a judgment-free zone. She also provides details about the work experience program and shares tips for how professionals can avoid burnout. 

This episode features an interview with Jason Warfel, Vice Chair for the LWIA 23 Local Workforce Innovation Board. Jason discusses why he joined the board, and why he thinks it is important for private business representatives to serve on local workforce boards. He also reveals how he has benefited from serving on the workforce board and the connection between education, workforce development, and regional economic development. 

Tune in for part two of a conversation about the future of work and preparing the future workforce. Discover the importance of starting early when helping students start their career exploration and how busy educators can incorporate career exploration into their work. You'll also hear about innovative methods of engaging students and helping them identify their career interests and options. 

In this episode, you'll hear about the adult education welding program at Lake Land College. Discover the profile of students attending adult education welding classes and hear a success story of a former welding student who was able to significantly increase his earnings and develop a new career. 

In this episode, you'll hear about the efforts that are underway to prepare students for the workforce. Discover how the pandemic has created new career opportunities and the importance of working with business partners to best understand the needs of the future job market. You'll also learn about the growing popularity of industry credentials and the range of postsecondary education options that are available to young people. 

In this episode, you'll learn about the resources available for ESL students in the region. Discover the difference between the terms ESL and ELA and why there has been a move away from the term "ESL." You'll also hear details about how an area business was supported in their English language training needs for workers. 

This episode features a conversation with Michael Beavers, · Technology Department Chair at Lake Land College, to talk about changes in technology, and how advances in automation are impacting the local workforce. Michael provides an overview of some of the technology programs offered at Lake Land College and how a need for greater efficiency is driving innovation in artificial intelligence and machine learning. Discover the difference between AI and machine learning, and the range of skills needed to work in these fields. 

In this episode, you'll learn about The Center for Business & Industry at Lake Land College and the services they provide. Discover the importance of apprenticeships in workforce development and education and the importance of being flexible to keep up with employer needs. You'll also hear about the various industries that are utilizing apprenticeships to build a talent pipeline. 

In this episode, you'll learn about the creative efforts that are underway at Lake Land College to help meet workforce challenges. Discover the range of students who enroll at Lake Land, including the reentry population. You'll also hear about some exciting upcoming events! 

This episode features an interview with Lucinda Hart and Jeff Fritchtnitch from the Effingham County Chamber of Commerce. Discover the three prongs of the Effingham County Chamber's Workforce Development Committee. You'll also hear details about a partnership with Lakeland College. This episode is part of a Workforce Development mini-series in recognition of  Workforce Development Month. 

In this episode, you'll hear details about the reopening of the One-Stop Center and the variety of services available. Discover the benefits of in-person services vs. online services and the other organizations located at the One-Stop Center. 

In this episode, you'll discover the process of talent pipeline management and how to grow a local talent pool. Discover how employers can engage emerging talent and the importance of partnering with educational institutions. 

In this episode, you'll learn about the role of an apprenticeship navigator, hear from a navigator about the efforts underway to increase apprenticeships in the region, and discover how to establish apprenticeships in a wide variety of occupations. 

In this episode, you'll discover the details about the commercial truck driver training (CDL) at Lake Land College. You'll hear about some of the recent changes when it comes to obtaining your CDL and how to potentially access financial support. 

In this episode, you'll hear from an employer who has taken advantage of the incumbent worker training program and reveals what that experience was like as well as the benefits of the program. Tony Logue, WIA Operations Coordinator at Lake Land College, also joins in on this episode to provide additional insights.

It is estimated that over 50% of women in America and over 60% of men have experienced at least one traumatic experience in their lifetime. Additionally, 7 in 10 employees report that the COVID-19 pandemic is the most stressful time of their professional career. In this episode, you'll discover how supervisors, managers and HR professionals can get a better understanding of how trauma impacts employees, and how they can empower their workers and help them become more resilient.  Links for more information: https://nationalfund.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/A-Trauma-Informed-Approach-to-Workforce.pdf https://business.kaiserpermanente.org/insights/covid-19/trauma-informed-workplace https://blog.shrm.org/blog/trauma-informed-organizational-behavior-kindness-works-better https://ncsacw.samhsa.gov/userfiles/files/SAMHSA_Trauma.pdf https://permanente.org/adverse-childhood-experiences-health-care-outcomes-costs/      

In this episode, you'll hear from Chris Strohl, Dean of Workforce Development and Community Education at Lake Land College as she discusses the college's role in workforce and economic development. Discover the importance of business engagement and hear examples of how Lake Land College has rapidly responded to changing workforce needs. 

Courtney Yockey, President and CEO of The Effingham Regional Growth Alliance, joins the program to discuss the mission of his organization and the services available to help businesses mitigate their risks when hiring new employees. Discover the importance of partnerships and the various stakeholders that come together to help businesses grow. You'll also hear about some of the barriers to collaboration and the factors that help promote effective collaboration. 

In this episode, you'll hear about some of the challenges that women face in the workforce, and how employers can do a better job of recruiting and retaining women. You'll also discover coping skills for women who are experiencing burnout and feeling overwhelmed. 

In this episode, you'll hear about the importance of customer service, and why everyone should consider working in customer service at some point in their career. Discover some of the insights and lessons that you'll learn working in a customer service job, and why customer skills are integral to any career. 

In this episode you'll learn about incumbent worker training and the resources that are available to help businesses upskill their workers. You'll hear about an employer who took advantage of incumbent worker training, and how to learn more and access this program at no-cost! 

IIn this episode you'll discover the importance of apprenticeships for businesses looking to build a talent pipeline, as well as for job seekers who want to build a career. You'll also learn about pre-apprenticeships and youth apprenticeships and the range of employers that are utilizing the apprenticeship model. 

In this episode, you'll hear a success story from Becky Brown, Membership Director at Effingham County Chamber of Commerce, as she discusses her career journey and how she utilized workforce services to get to where she is today. Becky shares words of advice for anyone looking to start a new career or continue their education. 

In this episode, you'll hear from the manager of food and nutrition services at Sarah Bush Lincoln Fayette County Hospital, as she discusses how her organization hires and works with youth through the Youth Work Experience Program. You'll hear about the benefits to the hospital when it comes to partnering with LWIA 23, and also hear about a success story from the program.

Laurie Jennings, WIOA Director for C.E.F.S. Economic Opportunity Corporation, joins the program to discuss the work that her organization does to help people achieve self-sufficiency. Discover how C.E.F.S helps people identify and overcome barriers to employment, the tuition assistance available to training and education, and how C.E.F.S. partners with outside agencies to provide a network of support. 

In this first episode of Workforce Innovation News, you'll hear an overview of how LWIA 23 helps businesses thrive and helps job seekers find opportunities in the workforce. Discover the innovation that's been happening during the pandemic, the importance of partnerships, and how to access services including support with resume writing and completing job applications.