The Workforce Connection

We were so proud that Mayor Thomas McNamara declared September 2024 “Workforce Development Month” in the City of Rockford, Illinois! See what it means in the proclamation below: Proclamation from Mayor Thomas P. McNamara, City of Rockford Whereas, investment in the education, training, and career advancement of Rockford’s workforce is crucial to the ability of the city and the state to compete in the global economy, and to achieve echo and economic equity; and Whereas, The Workforce Connection, Goodwill Industries, Rock Valley College, and the workforce partners of the city of Rockford and it’s workforce system help job seekers identify their interests and skills, and assist them in developing a strong job search and training strategy, leading to fulfilling employment; and Whereas, aligning the workforce development system with employer needs and preparing job seekers to enter family sustaining employment are among the strategies to address employment and economic disparities based on race, disability, age, gender, veteran status, national origin, or justice system involvement; and Whereas The Workforce Connection and its partners prioritize collaboration among all members of the local workforce development system including industry partners, workforce development entities, educational institutions, labor unions, and community based organizations, which is crucial in preparing a workforce to meet the labor needs; and Whereas The Workforce Connection’s workforce development system proactively engages customers, works to achieve equity, and focuses on flexibility to provide tailored resources to help meet the needs of all Rockford employers and residents seeking employment; Now, therefore, I, Thomas P McNamara, as mayor of the City of Rockford do hereby proclaim the month of September 2024 to be “Workforce Development Month” in Rockford, Illinois and encourage all citizens to recognize the role our local workforce development agencies play in supporting workforce and growing our economy. #WorkforceDevelopmentMonth

Employers: Join us at The Workforce Connection's Fall Job Fair in Belvidere, IL. This event will be held: October 16, 2024 1PM-5PM (set up from 12PM-1PM) Community Building Complex of Boone County 111 W. 1st Street, Belvidere, IL 61008 Space is available for the first 40 employers who register! Sign up here: https://lnkd.in/gbjkrp7g #HotJobs

Happy #815Day! We love supporting the 815 through workforce development, training, & employment opportunities. Huge shout out to all of our employers & partners in the 815! You are what makes this community great.

Recently, Tad More Tailoring & Sustainability Institute created a new Sewing Apprenticeship program, the first of its kind in the state! Andrea (pictured on the right with Business Services Specialist Kelly) was the first person to enroll in Tad More Sustainability Institute's Sewing Apprenticeship! She is currently in her first-year of the apprenticeship to become an Industrial Sewing Machine Operator. She regularly attends classroom studies and has hands-on learning for the tasks required to earn her certification. Prior to coming into The Workforce Connection programs, Andrea was operating her own business. She really loves working with animals, but she needed another career path on her way to self-sufficiency. We all want to give a shout out to Andrea; she is the first, but there will be many more apprentices to follow at Tad More! #Apprenticeships

Thanks to all our partners, staff, employers, and job seekers - the Summer Job Fair yesterday was an amazing success! Approximately 400 job seekers attended and had the opportunity to meet with 40 employers at the UW Health Sports Factory in Rockford, IL. One employer had this to say "We have five positions to fill and we received a lot of positive engaging candidates...I'm very optimistic that we'll fill all positions."

We have a few more spots open for employers for the Summer Job Fair on Thursday, July 25th from 1-5PM at UW Health Sports Factory! Join us and share your opportunities! Learn more and sign up here: https://lnkd.in/emEBndbK

We are so proud of this partnership with UW Health SwedishAmerican, Harlem Consolidated School District #122, and Goodwill Industries of Northern Illinois! Congratulations to the students who completed the Pharmacy Technician program!

Join us at our Summer Job Fair on Thursday, July 25th from 1-5PM at UW Sports Factory! Learn more and sign up here: https://lnkd.in/emEBndbK

June 5, 2024 - A press conference was held for the official signing of a new apprenticeship in Rockford, Illinois at Tad More Tailoring and Alterations. As a result of the extensive collaborative efforts between Tad More Tailoring and Alterations, The Workforce Connection, Inc., the United States Department of Labor, and local and State elected officials, we are pleased to announce that a new Industrial Sewing Apprenticeship has been approved by the US Department of Labor. “This apprenticeship, the first of its kind in this field, will offer many individuals a life changing opportunity” said Dr. Gina Caronna, Executive Director, The Workforce Connection. “I’m proud to support Tad More Tailoring in the creation of a new sewing apprenticeship program. Sewing is a critical skill that improves focus and concentration, as well as teaches the importance of patience and self-control. Participants will learn life-long skills and sustainable practices during this job training program.” said City of Rockford Mayor, Thomas McNamara. “As the son of a master tailor and a small business owner, I spent more than 20 years working in the family tailoring business, learning not only skills of the trade, but also the importance of providing quality customer service,” said Winnebago County Board Chairman Joseph Chiarelli. “We are proud to support the Tad More Sustainability Institute Apprenticeship Program to encourage economic development in our community, promote job growth and pass on the art of tailoring.” “By championing immigrant integration, fostering a positive work ethic, and prioritizing inclusivity, Tad More Tailoring embodies the essence of community empowerment and cultural enrichment. Our commitment to nurturing a diverse and talented workforce while upholding the principles of sustainable fashion underscores our unwavering dedication to making a meaningful difference in the world.” said Sarene Alsharif of Tad More Tailoring and Alterations Thank you to everyone who attended to celebrate and to all of the speakers at the event. #workforcedevelopment #apprenticeship #jobs #rockford

We are thrilled to partner with the Tad More Sustainability Institute for this new apprenticeship which will provide classroom instruction and hands-on training in industrial sewing techniques and job readiness skills. #Apprenticeship https://lnkd.in/gx8yiyRE