September is Workforce Development Month! Since 2005, the National Association of Workforce Development Professionals (NAWDP) celebrates Workforce Development Month as a way to "raise awareness about the importance of our industry to a growing economy." As workforce development professionals are crucial in their communities, it is important to recognize the work they do. From tips and activities to spreading awareness on social media and much more, visit NAWDP's website today to learn more about Workforce Development Month. 

Locally, the Illinois Workforce Partnership (IWP) is making a difference in workforce development throughout the state of Illinois. The Illinois Workforce Partnership are leaders in Illinois comprised of 46 workforce development professionals representing 10 Economic Development Regions and 22 Workforce Innovation Boards in the state of Illinois.

Please join us in celebrating Workforce Development Month! And save the date for October 12th as we host a state-wide luncheon in Springfield to celebrate the individuals who have overcome barriers to employment, business leaders who have made significant contributions to their local workforce areas and recognize programs and initiatives that have resulted in the economic growth of a community/region during the past program year. Visit www.illinoisworkforcepartnership.org for more information and to find out what is happening in your local area!

Be sure to add any of your local events to the Illinois workNet Calendar so others can see what is happening in your area. To get started: 

• Visit the Illinois workNet Event Calendar, 
• Select the Add Event button and agree to the terms, 
• Enter the event information in the event form, 
• Note: For the field titled "Series" be sure to select "Workforce Development Month" 
• Then select the Add event button.  
• Your event will then be approved within a few business days. 

Check out these Illinois workNet resources below for Workforce Development Month:

Illinois workNet Partner Benefits and Tools:

• Becoming an Illinois workNet Partner
• Partner Benefits – Resource Room Staff
• Partner Benefits – Instructors and Career Advisors
• Partner Benefits – Career Planners and Case Workers
• Assessment Tools for Partners
• Demand Occupations Search Tool
• Using Illinois workNet Resume Builder
• Service Finder Tool
• Advertise Local Services and Events
• Using the Event Calendar - Partners
• Submit Success Stories
• Simplify Your Experience with Widgets
• Curate IOER Resources

IWIS/Customer Support Center:

• Using IWIS/Customer Support Center
• Building a Career Plan in the Customer Support Center
• Telling the Story in Case Notes
• Helping Your Customers Stay Motivated and Engaged
• Referral Services
• Resource Rooms 

Follow us on Social Media for the latest on #WorkforceDevelopmentMonth including our upcoming livestreams that will cover tools and resources for job seekers, employers, and workforce partners!  

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