Kane County workforce staff outline new training, kiosks and $9.3M WIOA grant increase

Jasmine Walker, the new workforce board manager for Kane County's Office of Community Reinvestment, told the county Jobs Committee on Oct. 17 that staff changes, a new training certificate and a kiosk rollout are central priorities as the office implements expanded WIOA funding.

Walker said the Waubonsee Community College hybrid and electric vehicle repair program has been approved by the workforce board and added to the list of training programs available to WIOA participants. "We pay up to $10,000 per participant," Walker said, describing WIOA's capacity to cover the program's listed cost of $4,660 for two semesters. She also said the program is ASE accredited and covers high-voltage safety, batteries, regenerative braking, HVACs and drivetrain systems.

Why it matters: Committee members emphasized that connecting program outcomes to livable wages helps residents evaluate training choices and supports workforce development goals. The county's larger WIOA allocation for 2025 gives staff more flexibility to fund training and supportive services, but also creates pressure to obligate the funds in ways that meet program rules and performance measures.

Walker reviewed staffing and governance updates: the office has added several staff roles including an assistant director, a fiscal manager and a one-stop…