RPC’s workforce development staff told commissioners the division will open a fall application window for education and certificate programs and will run a regional manufacturing pilot beginning in October.

Justin, workforce staff, said the fall application window opens Oct. 20 and closes Nov. 21; staff hope to enroll “between a hundred and 200 folks into training” who would begin studies in January. The training generally targets low-income adults and typically results in a certificate or two-year degree tied to local labor-market needs.

Justin said a manufacturing pilot he will convene will be run across five local workforce areas — Champaign, Kankakee, Decatur, Peoria and Springfield — with most work done virtually and monthly meetings to share metrics and continuous-improvement practices. The pilot’s deliverables include employer engagement, American Job Center services and outreach to employers and training providers.

Staff also described two small grants: a $40,000 homelessness-prevention award targeted at training participants who face eviction or move-in barriers, and an award to support Career Spark (a career-exploration event) to help bring the program to Champaign. The homelessness-prevention funds will be available as a supportive service for Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) participants, with local policy to be developed before distributions.

Commissioners encouraged staff to promote the fall window to local networks and schools. Justin said he will send promotional materials to commissioners and expects to report back on enrollment and pilot progress.