Career Link operates through the Illinois workNet Center of Peoria Illinois, an integrated, job-driven workforce system that links diverse talent to businesses in need of recruitment, hiring, and training assistance. This workforce system functions under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), which offers essential tools to meet the changing demands of the modern economy and help companies remain competitive within their industry. The Illinois workNet Center provides local and federal resources to assist with business decisions, including market and economic development opportunities. They also offer career transition services to both employees and employers to help navigate layoffs. Workshop presentations include information on career planning, financial counseling, health insurance resources, job search assistance, resume design services, training assistance, and unemployment insurance benefits.
Training
Apprenticeship Assistance
Apprenticeship assistance provides financial resources to employers of WIOA-eligible apprentices. This federally-funded service helps cover the costs of the apprentice’s classroom training, provides supportive services to the apprentice during training, and reimburses employers a percentage of the apprentice’s On-the-Job Training wages. This registered apprenticeship model combines on-the-job learning with job-related instruction that can result in:
- Higher productivity
- More diverse workforce
- Job-driven training
- Reduced turnover costs
- Lower investment in recruitment
- Highly-skilled employees
Incumbent Worker Training
Incumbent Worker Training (IWT) helps local employers strengthen their company's workforce at little to no cost, boost competitiveness, and maximize employee productivity. To be eligible for an IWT training grant, your company must have the need to train existing workers to avert potential layoffs or increase your workers' skill levels. If eligible, your company can be reimbursed for up to 100% of the cost of training. With Career Link's Incumbent Worker Training, you can benefit from:
- Less company downtime
- Smaller decrease in profit margins
- Less headache for management
- Reimbursement for up to 100% of training costs based on company size
On-the-Job Training
Even existing employees require training when it comes to new systems, processes, or equipment. To avoid potential layoffs, you need a solution that’s cost and time-effective. On-the-Job Training (OJT) assistance is designed to help businesses manage the cost of training new WIOA-eligible employees. Through OJT, employers may be reimbursed 50 to 75% of an eligible new hire's wages during a customized training period. The duration of the OJT assistance is determined by the requirements of the job and the skills for the individual. With On-the-job Training, you can:
- Hire the candidate that’s the right fit for your company culture
- Train new employees on your company’s unique operations
- Focus on company growth
- Pay as little as 25% of training costs
For more information on Apprenticeship Assistance, Incumbent Worker Training, or On-the-Job Training, contact either of these two representatives of your county:
Fulton, Mason, Peoria, and Tazewell Counties
Mike Burress
Email:
Phone: 309.321.0255
Marshall, McLean, Stark, and Woodford Counties
Shelly Purchis
Email:
Phone: 309.807.1403
Recruitment
Illinois Job Link offers employers free advertising for job openings in Central Illinois. This valuable job posting service allows you to reach area job seekers easily and at no extra cost. All you need to do is:
- Create an Employer Account
- Create a Job Posting
- Search for Resumes
- Recruit and Hire Qualified Candidates
Hiring Events
Illinois workNet Center of Peoria organizes dozens of small job fairs each year, depending on local employer demand. Typically, five to ten employers are in attendance (events for single employers are also an option), and the events last up to two hours. Jobs presented at the event will be advertised in Illinois Job Link. For more information on recruitment, contact Thomas Pennell at
Local Employer Assistance Partnership (LEAP)
Career Link leads the Local Employer Assistance Partnership (LEAP), a team dedicated to providing integrated, high-quality resources and customized solutions to employers. The LEAP team will work with you to determine your current hiring needs and workforce shortages. Once we understand your specific needs, we can help your business build, retain, and train a talent pipeline of highly-skilled and qualified workers. If you're an employer needing assistance, we encourage you to find a local LEAP team near you. LEAP works in various counties across Central Illinois, including Fulton, Marshall, Mason, McLean, Peoria, Stark, Tazewell, and Woodford counties.
Are you tired of stressful employee onboarding and how it affects your company? We get it. Whether it’s lost time or decreased profit margins, training can often become a burden. At Career Link, we've developed custom systems to make onboarding easy and affordable. Keep your business moving forward.
