Workforce Development
Workforce Development is “employment initiatives offered by agencies and government offices” that help create, sustain, and retain a viable workforce. The objective of workforce development is to create economic prosperity for individuals, businesses, and communities.
Workforce development focuses on an individual’s ability to grow their skills and develop the tools they need for business success. In other words, workforce development trains individuals to be more productive and prosperous in the workplace, which benefits both the employer and the worker.
At its core, workforce development is about maximizing the potential of your employees and providing them with the opportunities to effectively handle problems. When an employee feels like they are valued and trusted, they are more likely to stick around for the long haul.
Benefits of Workforce Development
The benefits of workforce development are two-pronged: on the one hand, the employees themselves stand to gain from retraining, and on the other hand, the employers also enjoy a higher-skilled team. Below, we have listed some of the main benefits of employee development.
- Increased job satisfaction
- Lower turnover rate
- Increased operational efficiency
- Improved productivity
Enhancements in innovative thinking - Proactive, not reactive, problem solving
An empowered workforce is one which feels like an asset to their employer. However, when an employee feels neglected or ignored by their management team, they may start looking for employment elsewhere. Plus, it gives employers the opportunity to communicate with their staff about best practices and how they can move forward in the industry together.
Workforce Clusters
There are currently five workforce cluster groups. The groups are education, healthcare, logistics, manufacturing, and technical services.
Each cluster is comprised of businesses in Vermilion County who have an invested interest in enhancing Vermilion County’s future workforce. As business leaders they have a sense of responsibility to assist in helping students learn how to apply academic principals by providing resources – such as guest instructors, student internships, and programs focusing math, science, engineering, technology, career exploration and awareness.
In addition to being a member of Vermilion Advantage, the workforce clusters support such programs and activities through additional financial contributions which are then offered to Vermilion County schools at no charge. Science, technology, engineering, or math impacts each of the individual business in some form.
Workforce Resources
Brittany Woodworth
Corporate and Community Education/DACC
Senior Director
Willie Christian
First Institute Training & Management
Youth Development Specialist
Kim Kuchenbrod
WBL & Sector Partnership Administrator
Illinois Worknet – Apprenticeship IL
- Kmkuch1@ilstu.edu
- 217-493-2555
- View Website
Jonathan Jett
Vermilion County Works
Executive Director
Brian Hensgen
Vermilion County Works
Director of Workforce Development/DACC
Nick Chatterton
VVEDS – Vermilion Vocational Education Delivery System/ College Express