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.