Iroquois County workforce development outlines youth and adult training, business outreach

Ashley, a staff member with Iroquois County Workforce Development, told the county board Jan. 14 that the office will offer in‑person hours beginning in February and described current youth and adult training activities and upcoming outreach plans.

Ashley said she will be in the workforce office full time starting in February, available 9 a.m. to noon Monday through Thursday and by appointment after noon. She described youth programs for ages 16–24: 16–18-year-old participants must be high‑school dropouts to qualify for the out‑of‑school youth program, while 18–24 participants are for those who have graduated. Flyers describing eligibility were provided to the board; a Spanish version of the youth flyer remained in progress.

For adults, Ashley said open enrollment will begin in June for training that starts in fall 2025. Workforce Development focuses on six industry sectors: construction, health care, business services, ag tech, logistics and manufacturing. Ashley noted partnerships with local colleges and programs under way, including an RN program at UCC, a phlebotomy program at KCC and accounting coursework at Parkland. She invited board members to share upcoming outreach events and business contacts to help place trainees.

Ashley also reported plans to host a countywide development meeting in early spring and said business outreach materials and RPC services flyers had been distributed to board members. She encouraged county officials to refer eligible businesses and residents to Workforce Development for training and employer partnerships.