WIN: Workforce Innovation News

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.