Metro Suburban Region Receives $2 Million to Assist Manufacturers
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The Metro Suburban Region has received a $2 million grant award to work with employers in developing workers for high demand manufacturing jobs.
As manufacturers increase production, expand operations, and replace an aging workforce, they are faced with the challenge of finding workers with the right skills. There is currently a mismatch between the skills job seekers have and the skills required for today's manufacturing. The Metro Suburban Accelerated Training for Illinois Manufacturing Program (ATIM) is designed to address this skills gap - providing manufacturers with access to qualified job candidates for high demand jobs and job seekers access to good paying jobs.
Funding for the Metro Suburban ATIM Program is provided by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity through a U.S. Department of Labor Workforce Innovation Grant. The program is administered through a partnership that includes Workforce Investment Boards and respective local WIA Programs/IllinoisworkNet Centers, economic development organizations, industry associations, and manufacturers in DuPage, Kane, Kendall, Lake, McHenry, and Will counties. Key elements of the program include:
- Responding directly to regional demand for skilled workers to fill manufacturing vacancies for CNC Operators, Robotic Technicians, Welders, and Industrial Machinery Mechanics
- Providing industry-recognized skill training and education to approximately 170 individuals that is responsive to the needs of the region's manufacturers and delivered in an accelerated timeframe
- Testing new program delivery strategies to provide accelerated services, training and placement of qualifying individuals into available skilled manufacturing jobs as quickly as possible.
"The manufacturing industry is key to the recovery of our local and regional economies, as evidenced by increased hiring activity. The ATIM program provides us the resources needed to re-tool the skills of our workforce and insure our manufacturers have the workers they need to be competitive," stated Lake County Board Chairman Aaron Lawlor. Additionally, Chairman Lawlor put out a call to all manufacturers for their support, "This program requires unprecedented employer involvement. If you are a manufacturer in Lake County, please contact the Lake County Workforce Investment Board and pledge your participation."
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