Lester Freeman
The Workforce Investment Board (WIB) of Will County is a local board appointed by the County Executive, in collaboration with business, community, and education leaders, economic development agencies, and labour executives. The board is responsible for creating and implementing an integrated workforce system that meets the needs of job seekers, employers, and the communities of Will County. They provide services to job seekers throughout the county, including resume development and interview preparation, and have a Job Board with listings from Will County businesses. WIB also works with private and public sector partners to develop local and regional plans, coordinate activities with economic development entities, and ensure that Will County residents have the skills and knowledge they need to find and keep jobs that lead to economic self-sufficiency.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | Joliet, Illinois |
| Employees | 4 |
| Type of organisation | Government Administration |
| Appointed by | County Executive |
| Includes | Business, community and education leaders, one-stop partners, economic development agencies and labor executives |
| Responsibilities | Developing local and regional plans using U.S. DOL Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act funds; oversight and reporting requirements of the local service delivery workforce system; coordinating activities with economic development entities and employers in Will County; ensuring Will County residents have the skills and knowledge they need to find and keep jobs that lead to economic self-sufficiency; ensuring Will County employers have access to the skilled labor they need to compete in a global economy; identifying the needs of the local job market; overseeing the Workforce Center of Will County; workforce investment programs in Will County |
What You'll Learn
Job-seekers' needs
The Workforce Investment Board (WIB) of Will County is a local board appointed by the County Executive, in collaboration with the private and public sectors. The board comprises business, community, and education leaders, one-stop partners, economic development agencies, and labor executives. The board's primary role is to create and implement an integrated workforce system that addresses the needs of job seekers, employers, and the wider community in Will County.
WIB plays a crucial role in developing local and regional plans, leveraging resources, and overseeing the Workforce Center of Will County. They are responsible for identifying the needs of the local job market and ensuring that residents have the skills and knowledge to secure and retain jobs that lead to economic self-sufficiency. This includes providing job seekers with the necessary training and programs to enhance their employability and meet the demands of the local job market.
WIB also works closely with employers and the workforce development system to formulate policies and investments that align with public workforce system strategies. They support regional economies and promote effective approaches, including local and regional sector partnerships and career pathways. Additionally, they prioritize customer-centered service delivery, ensuring that job seekers have access to the information and resources they need to succeed in their job search.
Furthermore, WIB receives funding through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) to administer job training and employment programs. They periodically release requests for proposals and qualifications to agencies and organizations, ensuring that the programs and services provided are aligned with the needs of job seekers. WIB also collaborates with economic development entities to promote economic growth and ensure that employers have access to a skilled labor force.
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Employers' needs
The Will County Workforce Investment Board (WIB) is a local board appointed by the County Executive, which includes business, community, and education leaders, one-stop partners, economic development agencies, and labor executives. The board works to meet the needs of job seekers, employers, and the communities of Will County.
One of the key focuses of the WIB is to ensure that employers have access to the skilled labor they require to compete in a global economy. To achieve this, the board partners with employers and the workforce development system to create policies and investments that support regional economies and effective approaches, including local and regional sector partnerships and career pathways.
The WIB also provides resources to address workforce issues, such as promoting job openings, keeping employers informed of hiring events, arranging interview spaces, and providing career assessments. Additionally, they offer labor market information to help businesses understand the local workforce labor market conditions and trends, enabling businesses to make informed decisions.
Furthermore, the board assists employers in connecting with skilled job seekers through job-matching services, hiring and recruiting events, and customized training assistance, all offered at no cost. They also provide information on tax credits, such as the Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC), which incentivizes employers to hire individuals from targeted groups facing barriers to employment.
The WIB plays a crucial role in bridging the gap between employers and job seekers, ensuring that employers' needs for skilled talent are met while also supporting the economic growth and development of Will County.
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Local and regional plans
The Will County Workforce Investment Board (WIB) is responsible for developing local and regional plans to meet the needs of job seekers, employers, and communities in Will County. The Board's plans aim to create an integrated workforce system that supports regional economies and provides career pathways for individuals.
The WIB's local and regional plans are guided by the Workforce Innovation Opportunity Act (WIOA) and are developed in collaboration with private and public sector partners. These plans focus on identifying the needs of the local job market, ensuring residents have the skills and knowledge to find and retain jobs, and helping employers access a skilled labor force.
One of the key aspects of the WIB's local plans is the establishment of a person-centered service delivery system. This involves coordinating with service providers in the community to ensure that training programs align with the needs and priorities of local businesses. The plans also emphasize the importance of strong regional economies and the alignment of education and training services with regional industry sector needs.
The WIB's regional plans involve partnerships and collaborations with neighboring counties. For example, the Inland Empire Regional Planning Unit is formed by the San Bernardino County Workforce Development Board and the Riverside Workforce Development Board. Together, they created the Workforce Innovation & Opportunity Act 2021-2024 Regional Plan, outlining workforce development strategies for the Inland Empire Area.
The WIB's local and regional plans are designed to be flexible and responsive to changing labor market conditions and economic factors. They are also aligned with state and federal initiatives, such as the state's strategic plan for workforce development, to ensure a cohesive and effective approach to supporting the regional economy and its workforce.
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Economic self-sufficiency
The Workforce Investment Board (WIB) of Will County is a local board appointed by the County Executive, in collaboration with private and public sector partners. It includes business, community, and education leaders, one-stop partners, economic development agencies, and labor executives.
The WIB plays a crucial role in promoting economic self-sufficiency for Will County residents. One of its primary objectives is to ensure that individuals have the necessary skills and knowledge to secure and retain jobs that offer a pathway to economic independence. This involves developing local and regional plans, leveraging resources, and overseeing the Workforce Center of Will County.
To achieve this, the WIB identifies the needs of the local job market and collaborates with employers and the workforce development system. Together, they craft policies and investments that align with effective public workforce system strategies. This includes fostering local and regional sector partnerships, creating career pathways, and delivering high-quality, customer-centric services.
Additionally, the WIB is committed to ensuring that Will County employers have access to a skilled labor force, enabling them to compete in the global economy. By facilitating partnerships and providing oversight, the WIB helps create a robust foundation for economic growth and self-sufficiency within the region.
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Career pathways
The Workforce Investment Board (WIB) of Will County is a local board appointed by the County Executive, in accordance with the Workforce Innovation Opportunity Act (WIOA). The board includes business, community, and education leaders, one-stop partners, economic development agencies, and labor executives.
The WIB of Will County leads the creation and implementation of an integrated workforce system that meets the needs of job-seekers, employers, and the communities of Will County. The board is responsible for developing local and regional plans, overseeing the workforce center, and ensuring that Will County residents have the skills and knowledge they need to find and keep jobs that lead to economic self-sufficiency.
The board works to identify the needs of the local job market and develop policies and investments that support public workforce system strategies, including career pathways. These career pathways are designed to provide individuals with the necessary employment, training, education, and supportive services to overcome barriers to employment and achieve economic success.
The WIB of Will County also collaborates with private and public sector partners to ensure that employers have access to a skilled labor force that can compete in a global economy. The board's efforts contribute to the economic growth and vitality of the region, improving the quality of life for its residents.
Overall, the WIB of Will County plays a crucial role in enhancing career pathways, supporting individuals in their career goals, and driving economic development in the county.
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Frequently asked questions
The Will County Workforce Investment Board (WIB) is a local board appointed by the County Executive, in accordance with state criteria established under the Workforce Innovation Opportunity Act (WIOA). The board includes business, community, and education leaders, one-stop partners, economic development agencies, and labor executives.
The board, in collaboration with private and public sector partners, leads the creation and implementation of an integrated workforce system that meets the needs of job-seekers, employers, and the communities of Will County. They are responsible for developing local and regional plans, overseeing the Workforce Center of Will County, and ensuring residents have the skills and knowledge they need to find and keep jobs.
The board provides services such as resume development and interview skills workshops to job seekers throughout Will County. They also offer job listings from Will County businesses on their Job Board, and the Mobile Workforce Center travels throughout the county to assist job seekers in their communities.
Caroline Portlock is the current administrative officer for the Will County WIB. She has over 20 years of experience in marketing, public relations, and human resources. Other members include Will County Executive Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant, Ed.D., and various Workforce Board members, Workforce Services staff, and workforce partners.
