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Welcome to WIN: Workforce Innovation News Podcast, the official podcast of Local Workforce Innovation Area 23 (LWIA 23). LWIA 23 aims to develop and support a skilled talent base as well as data-driven solutions that integrate education, workforce, and economic development resources across systems to provide businesses, individuals, and communities with the opportunity to prosper and contribute to growing the regional and state economies.
42 Episodes
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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.
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