Tariq came to Goodwill to pursue CDL-A truck driving training. He enrolled and committed to the Accelerate program, diligently completing training to master a new trade. Despite challenges, Tariq never gave up on his dream of becoming a CDL-A truck driver. 
He finished his training in November 2024 and is working on finding the right job to use his new skills. Tariq stated that he appreciates the Accelerate staff for helping him accomplish his goals of entering a career field that will help him provide for his family. The Accelerate team is exceptionally proud of Tariq and wishes him well in his new career.

Da’sha’ela Sims joined the In-School Youth (ISY) – Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Youth program as a junior in high school. Eager to gain work experience, she expressed interest in participating in a Paid Work Experience while pursuing her high school diploma. Her first placement was at the Gateway Grizzlies, where Da’sha’ela developed valuable work skills and a strong work ethic. After completing her time there, she began working at Clara B’s Kitchen Table as a food server and busser. In this new work environment, she thrived and discovered a passion for culinary arts. Da’sha’ela graduated high school in May 2024, receiving her diploma. Throughout the summer, she continued her employment at Clara B’s. Additionally, Da’sha’ela took on a position at the Cahokia Public Library in the Paid Work Experience program. Her supervisors at both locations praised her performance. She worked at both jobs until her Paid Work Experience hours were fulfilled, after which she was offered a permanent position at Clara B’s, where she continues to work today. Da’sha’ela is currently exploring her options for post-secondary education. Moreover, she has become an advocate for the WIOA Youth Program, sharing information about it with her friends, coworkers, and siblings. As a result of her outreach, two active participants in the program were referred by her. Da’sha’ela has truly made a significant impact!

During the pandemic in 2020, Shawnee, like many employers, experienced substantial staffing challenges. Shawnee recognized that some individuals in our local communities wanted to work in healthcare but had experienced barriers to employment. Many individuals could not attend traditional educational institutions full-time while working to support their families, and some adults struggled with traditional classroom learning with practical application at a later date. Becoming a certified medical assistant took several months, and dental assistants faced years to complete the certification process.

To address these issues, Shawnee expanded their “grow your own” programs to include paid registered apprenticeships in partnership with Man-Tra-Con Corporation and the Department of Labor. The apprenticeship program trains individuals to become certified staff through an educational course, on-the-job training, and coaching from experienced clinicians. Apprentices are hired as employees and paid for all on-the-job training hours. In October 2021, Shawnee and Man-Tra-Con successfully registered for the Medical Assistant Apprenticeship Program. In November 2021, Shawnee and Man-Tra-Con successfully registered for the Dental Assistant Apprenticeship Program. In December 2022, Shawnee and Man-Tra-Con successfully registered for the Community Health Worker Apprenticeship Program.

In spring 2022, Shawnee began its first Medical Assistant Apprenticeship program in partnership with the National Institute for Medical Assistant Advancement (NIMAA). To date, Shawnee has completed four (4) apprenticeships, with two (2) currently in progress and one (1) upcoming for spring 2025. Shawnee has a success rate of 100% for apprentices completing the program, with the majority of them receiving high honors throughout the entirety of the NIMAA coursework. Thirteen (13) of the fifteen (15) apprentices still work with Shawnee as Certified Medical Assistants. 

Shawnee began its first Dental Assistant Apprenticeship with participants enrolled at Southern Illinois University – Carbondale in spring 2022. Shawnee has completed one (1) apprenticeship and has started three (3) additional apprenticeships. Of the eight (8) enrolled, two (2) have completed the apprenticeship program as Certified Dental Assistants. While one (1) apprentice exited the program, the remaining five (5) continue their progress toward certification. Even while in training, the apprentices serve approximately 1,800 patients per year.

In fall 2022, Shawnee began its first Community Health Worker Apprenticeship in partnership with NIMAA. NIMAA developed the educational coursework using guidance provided by the Illinois Public Health Association (IPHA) regarding the specific competencies the state of Illinois will require for future community health worker licensing. The apprenticeship program trains individuals through educational coursework and on-the-job training to become community health workers, serving as a liaison between health/social services and the community to facilitate access to services and improve the quality of service delivery. Apprentices are hired as employees and paid for all learning and on-the-job training hours. To date, Shawnee has completed one (1) apprenticeship with a success rate of 100% for apprentices completing the program. Of the six (6) apprentices, three (3) are still working with Shawnee as Community Health Workers. As the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) works on designing and implementing a licensing process for community health workers, Shawnee routinely provides feedback from both the perspective of an employer of community health workers and as community health workers working in the role.

Through apprenticeships, “grow your own” programs, and the assistance of local partners, Shawnee has successfully enhanced and stabilized its workforce while contributing to the economic viability of the local workforce and expanding access to care for its community.

Over the past 10 months, the Land of Lincoln Workforce Alliance and IMEC coordinated to provide occupational, workforce, management, leadership, and DEIA training as part of LLWA’s state-funded, innovative, sector-based manufacturing project. This project responded to local manufacturers’ calls for more occupational skills training opportunities and funding.

As this was a large and multi-faceted undertaking, the project’s success relied on robust planning, careful implementation, well-developed strategies, and strong partnerships with several stakeholders and businesses. IMEC has a qualified team of industry-improvement experts who tackle demanding workforce challenges and instill best practices across all aspects of organizations. They are dedicated to providing small and mid-sized manufacturers in Illinois with the tools and techniques to excel and compete globally.

The project resulted in high-quality manufacturing training for 198 employees across six companies. The training encompassed Continuous Improvement, Quality Systems, and Workforce Development.

Additionally, IMEC subcontracted CDL training for one local manufacturer to address costs associated with product delivery. Land of Lincoln Workforce Alliance also underwent up-to-date DEIA training to ensure better positive and constructive customer interactions.

The return on these investments will not only greatly benefit these manufacturers and these employees, but they will positively impact our local workforce and economic development in many ways for years to come.

Thank you, IMEC!

Walker Petersen, age 19, now 20, graduated from high school in May 2022. After a few summers of interning with the City of Beardstown’s Sanitary District and gaining interest in water purification systems, he decided to pursue training in the field. He completed the Water Quality Control Operations program at Southern Illinois University in Edwardsville. Walker consistently earned As and Bs throughout his training and participated in two internships. Before graduating, Walker secured permanent, full-time employment with the City of Beardstown’s Sanitation Department, earning $8.00 more per hour than he had as a summer worker. Walker has been in charge of online training programs and received his Class 4 Waste Water license. When asked about his experience, Walker stated that he feels very fortunate to have found what he wants to do for a living so early.

Mel-O-Cream International, a beloved Springfield, IL staple, continues to lead and enhance Local Workforce Area 20. In addition to participating in the On-the-Job Training program earlier in 2024, Mel-O-Cream demonstrated a leadership role within the local workforce by successfully engaging with a project requiring the formation of partnerships between the Land of Lincoln Workforce Alliance (LLWA) and IMEC.

This LLWA/IMEC manufacturer training project provided invaluable benefits to Mel-O-Cream. The partnership with LLWA and IMEC provided a solution to various financial and logistical challenges associated with a training program such as this, strengthening IMEC’s leadership role within our local workforce.

We are proud to have extended our Business Partnership Award to Mel-O-Cream International and the Larson family. Thank you for your efforts!

Jerry Taylor was eligible for and participated in the DWG QUEST Program. He had been unemployed for more than 10 years and faced several barriers to employment. However, Jerry was determined not to be deterred from achieving his occupational goal as a Truck Driver. Due to his persistence, hard work, and dedication, Jerry passed his exams and attained his CDL in January of 2024. He did not waste time searching for a job after completing his training. He received a few job offers within a short period and ended up settling on employment with HTH Companies. His starting pay rate is $28.00 an hour with full benefits, including life insurance, education assistance, and a 401K plan. After only 8 months on the job, he has also received a promotion and is now working as the 3rd shift supervisor, which allows him to save money for his truck, furthering his long-term goal of owning his own trucking business. In addition, Jerry hopes to mentor others about how to change their life paths for the better. Jerry also started volunteering at the Urban Justice Center.

After working as a Certified Nursing Assistant for approximately twelve years and raising two children alone, Jennifer decided it was time for her to pursue her education in the nursing field further to earn a more suitable wage to support a family of three. She also felt confident and ready to take on additional responsibilities. Jennifer enrolled in the Licensed Practical Nursing program at the Capital Area School of Practical Nursing, where she completed her training and passed her NCLEX exam. She is now a licensed practical nurse in Lincoln, and her hourly pay rate has increased by $11.00 per hour. Jennifer is also grateful for the transportation support services she received as she was required to travel approximately 80 miles round trip five days each week for training. This extra support helped her with the transportation expenses each week. Jennifer is working towards completing the admissions process for the BSN program at St. John's School of Nursing in hopes of starting this training in August of 2025.

Kiara Masters was a hardworking student at Fishes and Loaves Vocational Center who successfully pursued her goal of becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant and entering the healthcare workforce. Kiara participated in F.L.A.M.E.S., the Fishes and Loaves Academy of Motivation Empowering Students. Kiara also took on extra tutoring when needed. Kiara’s hard work culminated in her current St. John’s Hospital employment. She is studying and preparing to take her TEAS test to begin attending LPN (Licensed Practical Nurse) classes in February of 2025. She credits her participation in the WIOA Program as giving her more confidence and enabling her to provide exceptional patient support and services.

Quentin Douglas was a bright participant in Capital Area Career Center’s Skilled Trades Essentials Program (STEP) for Youth. Quentin consistently demonstrated a stellar work ethic, skill mastery, and leadership abilities during his training. These qualities helped Quentin earn his EPA and OSHA certifications while enrolled in STEP. His efforts placed him at the top of the class both in the classroom setting and in the shop. One instructor said that, “Quentin was always eager to learn more. He always asked for more work and opportunities to hone his skills.” In search of those opportunities, Quentin went on to Lincoln Land Community College’s HVAC training following the Skilled Trades Essentials Program. WIOA funding allowed Quentin to expand his skills into the HVAC world, and he is now successfully employed at Allied Heating and Cooling.

In 2019, Markita came to the Land of Lincoln Workforce Alliance, completed her training at the Capital Area School of Practical Nursing, and attained her LPN license. She flourished in her work experience as an LPN, working two jobs, completing nursing prerequisites, and supporting a family of four. She returned to the workNet Center in 2023 with the ambition to further pursue her education in the nursing career pathway to increase her skills to earn a higher wage in an in-demand occupation to help support her family and enrolled in the nursing degree program at Illinois Central College. Despite being a single parent of three teenagers, working, and traveling over 140 miles round trip each day to and from training, Markita persevered, maintaining her grades and clinical requirements. She attained her Healthcare Professional to RN Associates Degree in Applied Science in May 2024. She passed the NCLEX exam on her first attempt, the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses, and attained her Registered Professional Nurse License. She is now employed with Vonderlieth Living Center as a Registered Nurse, earning $40.00 per hour. Markita is grateful for all of the assistance, support, and opportunities she has received from the WIOA program to help her achieve her professional goal of becoming a nurse so that she can be an inspiration to her children.

Danielle Dennis was once unable to obtain employment, which led to self-sufficiency or higher wages through career services alone. She was underemployed, averaging 20-22 hours per week as a cashier, earning $17.00 per hour. In the 24 months before her training, her previous part-time employment with Orpheum Theatre ended more than once due to COVID-19. Danielle had been struggling financially, so she enrolled in the Dental Hygiene program at Lake Land College to increase her skills to earn a higher wage in an in-demand occupation and better support herself. Danielle wanted to be a dental hygienist because she had always “loved going to the dentist and talking to them about teeth.” She wants to be able to help people feel confident in their smiles. Danielle’s daily commute was 118.8 miles round trip between her home in Taylorville and Lake Land College in Mattoon, Illinois. Lake Land is the only Dental Hygiene program in the region. She was very grateful for the transportation assistance she received. Without it, she could not have carried the burden of high gas prices. Danielle’s perseverance, dedication, and many journeys to Lake Land’s campus finally paid off. She graduated with her degree on May 6th, 2024, and became a licensed Dental Hygienist on May 28th, 2024. She immediately secured training-related employment with 21st Century Dental during this period, earning $40.29 per hour.

On November 20, 2024, during National Apprenticeship Week (NAW), Heartland Community College hosted a memorable apprenticeship signing event in the Community Commons Building. The ceremony marked a significant milestone for 26 new apprentices and six employer partners in the Manufacturing, Healthcare, and IT industries.

The event opened with a powerful speech from Heartland Community College's President Keith Cornille, who highlighted the transformative role of apprenticeships in workforce development and community growth:

"Apprenticeships offer a direct pipeline for employers to strengthen their workforce with tailored, high-quality talent. Community colleges such as Heartland are uniquely suited to feed this pipeline. Since 2019, Heartland has added over 40 certificates or degrees focused on filling the needs of a growing industry, the expanding healthcare workforce, and the gaps that retiring trade specialists are creating. Our industry partners support their employees in apprenticeship programs because they know it is a sound investment in the most valuable asset: quality employees. We are fortunate to have several great employers who understand that value. Our student apprentices have been impressive and should be commended for their hard work on this educational journey. Their efforts to seize this opportunity, to develop new training and skills, and their commitment to professional development are the characteristics that employers are always seeking.”

Jake Banks, a proud graduate of Heartland’s Tool and Die Maker apprenticeship program shared his journey and the importance of perseverance in the trades:

“It’s hot. It’s dirty. You’re working. You’re sweating. It sucks. Not ‘gonna lie to you. But the rewards are endless through perseverance, determination, and dedication to the craft.”

Chris Hardy, Maintenance Manager at Bridgestone, one of Heartland’s employer partners, highlighted the success of their apprenticeship program, which has evolved from a six-year model to an efficient three-year program. Hardy credited the partnership with Heartland for this streamlined, impactful approach.

The event also symbolized a new chapter for the 26 apprentices who will continue to “earn while they learn,” gaining hands-on experience in their respective industries while progressing toward graduation in the coming years. Community interest in the event was strong, with WGLT, a local radio station, attending to spotlight the apprentices and their employer partners. Heartland Community College’s apprenticeship program exemplifies the power of collaboration in workforce development. By offering tailored education and fostering partnerships with local employers, the program is building a skilled and prepared workforce to meet the challenges of today’s industries.

Apprenticeship opportunities are unique because they allow individuals to grow their skills from the ground up while earning a living wage and having their education paid for, all while folding in support services to ensure success. In short, apprenticeship opportunities can change lives. Ayman Faruqi is no stranger to the life-changing benefits of apprenticeship.

Faruqi has worked as a Software Development apprentice with Northwestern Medicine for the past year through the Project Hire-Ed apprenticeship program at the College of DuPage. Being an apprentice has allowed him to apply the skills he is learning in the classroom to real-life applications. “My technical skills, compared to what they were a year ago, have seen exponential growth. I am in a position where I take care of some projects on my own and provide any contribution to my team.” He is also proud that his work “could somehow bring about a change in someone’s life.”

Sometimes, apprentices begin their program with certain expectations, such as learning new skills and gaining hands-on experience. But for Faruqi, he was surprised by all the things he didn’t anticipate! “I guess if there were one word that I would want to summarize my (apprenticeship) experience so far, it would be “new.” Yes, that may seem like a fundamental word, but it holds a lot of depth. I started knowing very little about my current role as an apprentice and did not even know what an apprenticeship was. It was something that I would not have expected to turn my life around, and I mean this in the most realistic way possible. This opportunity gave me a new perspective into the professional world, a view I think no other opportunity would have.”

The apprenticeship with Northwestern Medicine has introduced Faruqi to new technologies and work with highly skilled professionals with years of industry-leading expertise. “Having the privilege to work with them every day in a capacity to directly bring about some sort of difference in someone’s life, I think I would put this as a blessing in disguise.”

While Faruqi believes one of the best things about being an apprentice is the balance between school and work, wherein neither overpowers the other, he also encourages other apprentices to jump right in and immerse themselves in everything! “Just do it!  It sounds cliche, but it is what worked for me. Learn anything you can get your hands on, ask questions, do your homework on time, be helpful and approachable, and know how to conduct yourself.”