Workforce Development Month in the Jacksonville Region

September is Workforce Development Month — a month designed to remind elected officials, businesses and other organizations about the importance of workforce development programs and opportunities. Whether you are a business owner looking to recruit, hire and retain talent, or you are a job seeker looking to change or advance your career, the Jacksonville region offers incredible opportunities and resources to help you succeed. 

State and Community Resources

The Illinois Job Link is a free service that provides a range of tools to job seekers, employers and training providers. 

Illinois workNet is a workforce development portal that provides seamless access to a variety of tools and resources to help individuals, employers and workforce/education partners achieve their employment and business goals. Users have access to job search tools, training programs, financial assistance and other programs.

We, the Jacksonville Regional Economic Development Corporation, provide an Employment Opportunities board on our website. Here, businesses in the Jacksonville area can submit Employment Opportunities to be added to the website and promoted via our social media platforms and in our quarterly newsletter.

The Office of Regional Economic Development, a division of the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, offers region-specific free and confidential services to businesses looking to expand or relocate within the State of Illinois.  

Educational Institutions Prepare Talent in the Jacksonville Region

The Jacksonville region is home to several institutions of higher education, some of which specifically offer programs for workforce development.
 

Illinois College (IC) is a top-ranked, four-year college. The Phi Beta Kappa liberal arts school offers small class sizes, a multi-faceted approach to academics and hands-on learning in a variety of majors and programs. Faculty and staff help facilitate internships, research projects, service-learning projects and professional practice. IC has a variety of community partners that allow students to “test drive” career paths that help them make the right decision for their futures.  

John Wood Community College (JWCC)’s Workforce & Business Training programs aim to help the manufacturing and service community identify the skills that companies need now and will need in the future for workforce and manufacturing improvements. These programs include: short-term training for entry-level workers; career training for high-demand vocations; skilled technical training; workshops and classes to enhance labor force skills; or customized courses for your company’s needs. JWCC also offers programs to train the workforce of the future: the JDub Academy. Students K-12 can enroll in hands-on learning programs like Crime Scene Investigation, Let’s Get Cooking, Babysitting Basics, Intro to Game Design, Sewing, Talk With the Hands (American Sign Language) and more!

Lincoln Land Community College (LLCC) provides resources and support that helps create a more skilled and productive workforce in the region. Some of the programs and resources offered include: health care continuing education courses; customized industry training; sanitation certification; solar photovoltaics training; and other training and certification workshops. The Workforce Career Training Institute offers a variety of training options, including industry certifications, accredited certifications and associate of applied science degrees.

Why should you bring your business to the Jacksonville, Illinois, region?

The Jacksonville region offers many opportunities to businesses and job seekers. We offer a skilled, educated and hardworking workforce of over 16,000. The region is home to a number of growing industries including manufacturing, healthcare, retail, service and education. We have a business-friendly community that offers a low cost of doing business and a variety of incentives to attract and retain business. As a centrally located area, we are just a 40-minute drive to Springfield. Businesses will find fast, easy access to St. Louis, Indianapolis, Chicago, Kansas City and Des Moines via river, rail and highway access. 

If your business is looking to recruit, hire and retain talent, or you are a job seeker looking to change or advance your career, Jacksonville is the place for you. You can learn more about our workforce and opportunities for workforce and economic development here.  

Additional resources:
Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity Assistance for Businesses