June 29, 2022- Workforce Investment Solutions received a grant for Job Training Economic Development, better know as JTED. The two-year grant is for $575,000 dollars.
The JTED grant will work on three occupational industries, including hospitality, CDL, and certified logistics technician. The grant will have a specific focus on working with customers who are unemployed, underemployed , underrepresented, and of low income.
In addition, Workforce will be collaborating with Richland Community College for the training component. Once students complete the program and meet the grant guidelines, the training will be free of charge for the students enrolled in the programs. Students will also have the opportunity to be paid while in class, as well as when they enter a paid work experience with employers. The main goal is to remove barriers that can make it difficult to enter the work force and retain employment.
Local partnerships for this grant will include Dove, Inc., Hickory Point Christian Village, Crossing Healthcare, the Good Samaritan, McLeod Express, and Doherty’s Pub and Pins.
“The partnerships are the key to any successful training program,” Rocki Wilkerson, Executive Director at Workforce Investment Solutions said. “Thank you for working together for the betterment of our community, as well as assisting the individuals to reach the goal of self-sufficiency. We have what it takes to be successful. We have the job seekers. We have the funding to pay for the training. We have the resources to assist the barriers, and we have the employers who want to hire. We will gain success.”
Since October of 2021, Workforce Investment Solutions has received three grants that addressed occupational training. The Youth to Career Pathways grant for $250,000 to encourage youth to pursue a career in construction and trades. The Illinois Works grant for $499,000 for pre apprenticeship program to constructions and trades field for adults. And now the JTED grant. For a total of $1,324,000.
“When you write these grants, you have no idea if they are gonna be funded, or what is gonna happen,” Wilkerson said. “Getting our legislators to understand what these grants are for, why we need them, what the community needs, and what the employers need. Get those training dollars and get them into our community so we can get the job seekers on the job, so I thank all the legislators that voted for us, to get these grants through, because we truly need them. Especially to rebuild after covid.”
To learn more about Workforce Investment Solutions, click HERE.
