Representatives of area business organizations and economic development agencies are launching an effort to help companies in this area recruit and train new employees. A press conference was held on December 5th to announce the regional efforts.

"We've heard for a long time that there are many companies having a difficult time finding skilled workers for available job openings," according to Tom McDunn of Rockford Area Ventures and the Rockford Chamber of Commerce Manufacturing Council. "We've come together in an effort to help both employers and potential employees."

The collaboration includes representatives from the Workforce Connection and Boone and Winnebago Counties Workforce Investment Board, the Rockford and Belvidere Chambers of Commerce, Growth Dimensions of Belvidere and Boone County, the Rockford Area Economic Development Council, Winnebago County, Abilities Center/TECHWORKS and Rock Valley College.

"There are companies looking for skilled employees, workers looking for jobs and money available for training," said Darcy Bucholz, Executive Director of the Boone and Winnebago Workforce Investment Board. "It appears there is a great opportunity here for something very positive to happen."

Employers in the Rockford and Belvidere region are being asked to complete a Workforce Needs Survey of their hiring and training requirements. The survey will be available on several websites. Click here to take the survey now.

The results of the survey will help workforce development agencies put together training programs that can be customized to fit the needs of different companies.

"The Workforce Connection has developed a unique training program that is helping provide much-needed machine operators for a local manufacturer, " added Bucholz, "and the program can be customized to meet the specific needs of other employers."

Under the program, newly hired employees work part- time for the company while completing several weeks of training. Federal funds can cover 50% of the cost of the training and 50% of the cost of part-time employment during the training period.

The program gives workers an immediate opportunity to apply what they are learning in the classroom. Training can be arranged through the Abilities Center/TECHWORKS, Rock Valley College or other entities.

There is also funding available to upgrade the skills of already existing employees.

"The elasticity of our region's economy to economic adjustments in employment is highly dependent on how well we collaborate as a region to connect displaced workers to new employment opportunities," said Mark Williams, Executive Director of Growth Dimensions. "A strong Workforce Connection program is critical to sustaining at least a stable economy; from here we become competitive."

To help make the connection between employers and potential workers, the business collaboration has announced plans for a Job and Career Fair, to be held January 23rd, 2008 at the Community Building in Belvidere, located at 111 W. First Street. Area companies with employment opportunities will be invited to participate. Agencies providing job skills training and other career assistance are also expected to take part.

Take the WORKFORCE SURVEY

The group's spokesperson, John Strandin, will serve as the Chairperson and point of contact. John can be reached at 815-395-6688 or JSTRANDIN@THEWORKFORCECONNECTION.ORG.