Workforce Center Report Will County, Illinois
Program Year 19 July 2019-June 2020
Dear Stakeholder: This year’s report will look nothing like previous reports...mainly because this year looks nothing like years past. This was no “business as usual,’ in fact, it was more like ‘build the plane as we fly!” Your local workforce system went from struggling to engage job-seekers with record low unemployment to being challenged to serve a record number of people who found themselves out of a job...in just one week. As a workforce system we have quickly responded to the changing needs of employers and job seekers created by the COVID-19 pandemic. We are happy to report that our system adapted to these challenges by: changing processes to provide seamless services to both employers and job seekers using virtual and contact-free methods. reaching out to the business community with grants to provide additional PPE supplies and/or equipment averting a layoff and keeping the business open. In fact, our workforce area secured over $164,000 to assist local businesses, that’s in addition to the nearly $125,000 allocated for worker training grants. providing employee recruitment assistance to support their efforts in this difficult time. This meant changing our hiring events with employers and job seekers in the same room—to employers greeting job-seekers individually in a parking lot. continuing to assist job-seekers with resume preparation, job search, skills attainment, and other critical services. It also meant preparing job seekers for this virtual world by providing tips for online interviews and eLearning. This pandemic has changed the world of work overnight. As the local workforce system, we will continue to adapt current services and implement new services that will meet these changes. If you have any questions about the information listed or would like more information about your local workforce system, please contact the Workforce Investment Board of Will County at 815-727-5670 or visit us at willcountyworkforceboard.com. Sincerely,
Elizabeth Gonzalez Elizabeth Gonzalez Board Chair
Caroline L. Portlock Director
One-Stop Center The Workforce Center of Will County is designed to offer seamless access to training programs and employment in an integrated system for job seekers and businesses who will provide guidance and access to resources and services that can help with entering or re-entering the workforce. While all partners are in one location, they provide both integrated and distinct programs and services for residents and employers.
Job Seeker Resources
Business Services
At the Workforce Center of Will County, job seekers have access to a variety of services to help conduct an effective job search, including:
Use of computers, copier and fax machine for employment search Assistance with cover letters and employment applications Consultation with Certified Professional Career Coach or Global Career Development Facilitator Assistance from a Certified Professional Résumé Writer Access to various workshops which held throughout the month and are livestreamed on social media and archived for a user to view at their convenience. Open Computer Lab to gain more knowledge of basic computer skills Access to job search websites
The Workforce Center maintains a website (will.works) which outlines programs and services available both at the Workforce Center and offsite. It also maintains a robust social media presence on Facebook (@W orkforceCenterofW illCounty) and LinkedIn to promote various events, services and job postings. A dedicated Job Board is accessible by visiting www.jobs4people.org.
The Will County Business Services Team is comprised of unique partners across the county offering a variety of recruitment, retention, and training services to businesses and organizations. The majority of services offered by our team come at no cost to the business. Our goal is to provide businesses with additional resources to make a significant impact on your recruitment, training, and retention needs. These services include:
Job Board, Hiring Events and Résumé Gallery Labor Market Information Employee Training and On-the-Job Training Grants Paid Internships Tax Credits and Fidelity Bonding
Team members recently completed and achieved the designation of Certified Business Engagement Professional. This program focuses on demanddriven business engagement and relationship building strategies to help in creating messaging and engaging local businesses. The Will County Business Services Team actively participates in a regional group to coordinate hiring events, outreach and projects to assist businesses that have more than one location in the region or are located close to the County border.
Workforce Center of Will County 2400 Glenwood Avenue Joliet, IL 60435
will.works
Adaptability This Program Year (July 1, 2019—June 30, 2020) started out like any other year—planning, evaluating, programming and analyzing—and of course, providing services to residents and businesses throughout Will County. The Workforce Investment Board of Will County has developed a strong labor market analysis process to assist in the determination of local and future needs. This analysis uses data to analyze trends, make projections, identify demand occupations, and assist in the development of programming for both businesses and job seekers. The Board did an analysis of key industries that are workforce drivers in the County. Based on the analysis, the following will be the key industry sectors for the next two years:
Healthcare Manufacturing Professional/Financial/IT Services Transportation/Distribution/Logistics
The Workforce Investment Board facilitated the service integration initiative that included next step goals that all partners agreed would help further integrate services available at the Center, making it a true one-stop. The Board also worked with partners on updating our local plan—the document that serves as our roadmap to ensure we are providing programs and services at the local level that make sense for our area, and a plan that compliments efforts outlined in the Regional and State plans. The Workforce Center of Will County, and its partner agencies, started this Program Year implementing strategies to increase customer satisfaction, service integration and job-seeker engagement. The Business Services Team developed a system for connecting local employers with services designed to help recruit, retain and train their workforce. The first two quarters of the Program Year saw the number of people visiting the Center was consistent with previous years, even though the unemployment rate continued to decline.
However, in March 2020 everything changed. Our Workforce Center went from in-person programing, career planning, advising and training, to providing all services remotely— virtually overnight. Traditional hiring events (employers lined up at tables greeting job-seekers) gave way to virtual platforms and drive-thru models. Meetings and job interviews went from everyone in one room to each in their own box on a screen. First impression worries were no longer just what you wearing and how firmly you shook hands, but included an emphasis on facial expressions, background items and lighting sources. Staff needed to not only change how they were delivering services but also the focus of services.
There are many lessons learned and best practices that will come out of this situation. Followers on social media channels increased as the number of people checking in and sharing posts increased. No longer confined to a specific time/date or 60 in-person capacity, videos were viewed multiple times throughout the day– when it was convenient for the viewer. Though the pandemic has adversely affected our ability to count customers as evidenced on the following pages, the situation has provided the opportunity to meet customers “where they are.” Remote résumé reviews, career planning meetings and eligibility screenings have made it easier to connect negating transportation or childcare barriers.
Like most organizations, we needed to find virtual methods of providing our services to both job seekers and businesses. Workshops, which were being held in person and simultaneously streaming live on social media, quickly switched to completely online and focused on virtual learning and online job interviews tips. Staff even created workshops on the various meeting platforms to help job-seekers feel more comfortable with online hiring events. Feedback was key to help shape the Center’s focus. Calls to customers were made to determine their needs given this new situation. In addition, a survey was sent to local businesses to better understand how their business and staffing levels had been affected.
It became an ‘all hands on deck’ situation. Staff typically scheduled in the Resource Room and Mobile Workforce Center took on the task of checking in with customers. They spent time connecting with community organizations to learn about resources and opportunities. The staff ramped up outreach through social media channels. The Workforce Center of Will County’s Facebook page became the hub for information on local jobs, training opportunities, as well as additional community resources.
I’m proud of how our staff pivoted very quickly and found creative ways to connect with our customers and provide them with the services they needed during this critical period of time. Susan Flessner, Manager Workforce Center of Will County
Managers and front-line staff continue to find new and creative ways to connect with job-seekers and businesses to provide services and resources. Evaluating and adjusting delivery methods ensures continuous improvement. Adapting the way we deliver service has provided opportunities to connect with more people, and more often, in a more efficient way. Though the delivery may have changed, the goal remains the same: removing barriers while providing services to job-seekers and connecting employers with their potential workforce.
Just the Facts The following tables provide general demographic data about the Will County customers who utilized the Workforce Center between July 1, 2019 and June 30, 2020. The source for all demographic information is G*Stars Customer Tracking System.
Workforce Center & Mobile Workforce Center Service
Jul - Sep
Oct - Dec
Jan - Mar
Apr - Jun
PY 19
PY 18
Total Services
4,943
4,210
4,014*
4,556*
11,319
17,723
Total Number of Customer Visits
3,916
3,389
3,327*
3,676*
9,206
14,308
Total Number of Unique Customers
1,726
1,487
1,596*
1,612*
3,066
4,765
*in person operations suspended March 17, 2020 to June 30,2020
Education Level
PY19
PY18
Master's Degree, Ph.D, or equivalent
3.63%
3.71%
Bachelor's Degree or equivalent
9.65%
9.40%
Associates Degree
6.45%
4.28%
Some College
30.07%
32.84%
High School Graduate/GED
38.12%
40.52%
Less than High School
8.74%
7.95%
Unknown
1.28%
1.28%
How Customers Heard of the Center Unknown
8.9%
Employment Office
22.2%
Other Newspaper/Radio
19.2% 2.0%
Joliet Junior College
5.7%
Internet/Social Media
8.9%
IDHS (TANF/SNAP)
6.3%
Friend/Relative Probation/Job Corp Church/Pastor
26.2% 1.0% 0.3%
48%
49% *3% not identified
Race
PY 19 PY 18
American Indian/Alaskan Native
1.64%
1.09%
Asian
1.51%
1.97%
African American
39.86%
44.58%
Hawaiian/Pacific Islander
0.36%
0.31%
More Than One
2.26%
2.04%
No Race Entered
7.40%
7.64%
White
46.96%
42.37%
Ethnicity
PY 19
PY 18
Non-Hispanic
83.02%
83.67%
Hispanic
16.98%
16.33%
IDES helps job seekers, including those collecting unemployment benefits, in finding work. IDES also assists employers with recruiting, and provides specific employment and training services for veterans.
RESP—Re-entry Employment Service Program
Illinois Department of Human Services Vocational Rehabilitation Services helps individuals with disabilities maximize their employability, independence, and integration into the workplace and society.
SNAP—Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
JJC’s Workforce Education Department provides basic skills services for adults. In addition, the Department has an advisor at the Center for adults who receive career scholarships and are attending JJC.
As noted above, reported service numbers started to drop in mid-March when the State of Illinois issued a Stay At Home Order as a result of COVID-19. Reporting system was not available for partners in the last quarter of the program year and all operations were virtual.
Workforce Services Division (WSD) helps job-seekers with career counseling, job search assistance, and job training. In addition, WSD assists employers in connecting with qualified candidates and helps in improving employee skills. In addition, WSD manages Connect to Your Future (youth) and On-the-Job Training Programs. Will County has a Mobile Workforce Center (MWC) which travels to five different locations in the more remote areas of the County, setting up at Libraries and Village Halls. The MWC allows for customers, both job-seekers and businesses, to access the same comprehensive services available in the resource room of the Workforce Center.
As noted above, reported service numbers started to drop in mid-March when the State of Illinois issued a Stay At Home Order as a result of COVID-19. As a result the Resource Room and Mobile Workforce Center were not utilized during the last quarter of the program year.
The Bottom Line When the US Department of Labor allocates funds to Local Workforce Areas to educate and train people for higher-paying jobs, they not only improve the individuals’ lifestyles, but that investment benefits employers, taxpayers, local and state governments. Workforce investments also produce widespread benefits for society as a whole, leading to sustained increases in productivity and economic growth. Returns from these investments are even more remarkable when considering the complexity of the barriers the investments are attempting to address. Below illustrates the most straightforward way of calculating the current return on workforce investments. Total Wages earned after training divided by the Total Investment or allocation received for the Will County Local Workforce Area. Using the total allocation, and not subtracting a portion for administrative use, still results in a positive return of $1.83 for Program Year 2019. It is worth noting that this ROI does not include the subsequent decreased usage of state funds through other programs as well as an increase taxes and benefits paid into the system which are considered indirect benefits of the workforce investment.
Workforce Innovation & Opportunity Act Works: Return on Workforce Investments in Will County Total Wages
earned by WIOA customers after training
Total Investment
July 1, 2018 through June 30, 2019 Includes training, operating costs, and subcontracts to fulfill services
Average Annual Wage
of customers who obtained a job after training
PY19 R.O.I.
Return on Every Dollar Invested for Program Year 2019*
ROI does not include: Decrease in Unemployment Insurance payments Decrease in TANF payments Increase in Income Taxes paid on wages Increase in FICA contributions (employee and employer) on wages Increase in Employer benefits from activities such as training grants, hiring events, and workshops Increase in Wages related to employment for the 5,450 visitors to the Workforce Center of Will County between July 1, 2018—June 30, 2019
Accountability The Workforce Investment Board of Will County is proud to be the catalyst for the local workforce system that brings together a myriad of employment, training, and educational services. The Board continues to build a system supporting an education and workforce system aligned with the skills that businesses need, ensuring continued local and regional economic vitality. Tracy Ardis Silver Cross Hospital
Damien Mc Donald IL DHS Department of Rehabilitation Services (DRS)
Herbert Brooks, Jr. Will County Board
Judith Mitchell, Ed.D Joliet Junior College
Jayme Cain-Casimere The Times Weekly
Patrick Mudron Mudron Kane Insurance Agency
Rocky Caylor Cadence Premier Logistics
Mike Paone Joliet Region Chamber of Commerce & Industry
David Conterio Hometown National Bank
Josh Potter Village of Romeoville
Gloria Dollinger Will County Board
Andy Rico IBEW Local 150
Susan Flessner Workforce Services Division of Will County
Suzanne Sallay ASG Staffing
Elizabeth Gonzalez, Board Chair Pace Suburban Bus
Anitarice Schmidt IL DHS Temporary Assistance Needy Families (TANF)
Donald ‘Doc’ Gregory UA Local 597 Pipefitters
Diana Sharpe ComEd
John Greuling Will County CED
Michele Smith Joliet Junior College Adult Education & Literacy
Linda Guerrero Illinois Department of Employment Security
Michele Stipe Newstream Enterprises
Maribeth Hearn University of Saint Francis
Ben Stortz Cornerstone Services, Inc.
Rita Herrick Lewis University
James Tromp Office of James Tromp CPA
Carlos Interial UPS
Shawn Walsh Will County Regional Office of Education
Kraig Kistinger, Vice-Chair National Tube Supply Paul Lauridsen Stepping Stones Treatment & Recovery Center Cornell Lurry Midland States Bank
Board Staff: Sue Davinger Administrative Assistant Mary Gacjak Business Liaison Caroline Portlock Board Director
willcountyworkforceboard.com