Category Archives: Workforce Institute

Workforce Institute at LLCC

04.25.25

Workforce Information Sessions happening this summer

A colorful graphic depicting various workforce programs at LLCCThe Workforce Institute at Lincoln Land Community College is hosting information sessions for students interested in high-demand workforce programs including commercial electrical and industrial maintenance, aviation, automotive technology, and hospitality management and culinary arts.

Each information session will provide an in-depth look at the curriculum, career pathways and real-world training available in these fields. With strong job growth expected in these industries, LLCC prepares students with the skills employers are seeking.

Please share with interested individuals in the community, or share a post from the LLCC Workforce Facebook or LLCC LinkedIn pages.

04.21.25

In the news

Dr. Nancy Sweet, dean of LLCC’s Workforce Institute, and Doug Hoy, program director, industrial and commercial electrical maintenance, provided an interview Friday, April 18 for WSMI about the availability of the industrial maintenance program at LLCC-Litchfield this fall.

The LLCC Electrical Distribution Lineman (EDL) program was featured on WRSP/WICS Friday as part of National Lineman Appreciation Day. Jim Miles, vice president of training, safety and loss control at the Association of Illinois Electric Cooperatives was interviewed along with Keegan Baker, LLCC EDL student.

04.16.25

Young Eagles Take Flight with LLCC Aviation Maintenance

LLCC Aviation/LRS HangarThirty-five young eagles took flight in near perfect weather last Saturday as LLCC Aviation hosted the first Young Eagles rally of 2025.

Families traveled from as far away as St. Louis for the experience. Pilots flew 35 kids, ages 8 to 17 for a free introductory flight to help open up their eyes to the joy and opportunities of flying. One participant turned eight that day and was excited to qualify for his first flight.Family with a child at the Young Eagles rallyAdditional Young Eagles rallies are scheduled for May 10, June 14, Aug. 9 and Sept. 13, weather permitting.

personal planes outside of the LRS/LLCC Hangar

04.14.25

Auto Tech Learns about Electric Vehicles

LLCC auto tech students checking out Rural Electric's Volkswagen ID4 electric vehicle.
LLCC Automotive Technology students experienced hands-on learning with electric vehicle technology last week with a visit from Rural Electric’s ID.4 EV. Jeff Lancaster, manager of member services, spoke to 25 students from three classes, about EV technology and the potential impact it may have on the transmission and electrical distribution systems, the future of EVs in rural areas and future availability of charging stations throughout the country.

04.11.25

LLCC Well-Represented at 2025 Central Illinois STEM Fair

LLCC had a strong presence at the 2025 Central Illinois STEM Fair, held April 9 at Rochester High School’s Athletic Complex. More than 1,000 people attended the event, including middle and high school students, families and educators from across the region. Faculty, staff and students from multiple LLCC departments—including natural and agricultural sciences, health professions, mathematics and computer science, workforce and others—came together to offer hands-on activities and highlight the college’s wide range of STEM-related programs.photos of LLCC staff and faculty at the STEM fair.

 

Participants included David Pietrzak, program director, aviation maintenance; Annabelle Sneyd, surgical tech program; and Scott Searcy, dean, math and computer science;  along with a team from Natural and Agricultural Sciences: Dean Butzow, Jennifer Davis, Karrie Prescott, Jennifer Ramm, Liz Stamberger, Brent Todd, Lisa Volk-Draper and Rosie the Boa. Mac Warren and Channing Fullaway-Johnson also supported from other areas of the college.

LLCC staff and faculty at the STEM fair.

Student volunteers played a key role in engaging with attendees. Representing the Agriculture program were Maggie Bland, Malena Kirgan, and Michael Matesa. From the Chemistry Club: Lauren Curry, Peter Dracos, Steven Lawrence, Aaron Robertson, and Tyler Lafountain. Environmental Club participants included Cameron Hudgins, Kyra Jagels, Rae Richards, and Eleanor Stuckey.

LLCC’s space featured interactive displays ranging from chemistry and life science experiments and GIS technology to live reptiles, drawing steady crowds and sparking conversations throughout the evening.

Special thanks to all who helped make LLCC’s presence at the STEM Fair such a success!

LLCC faculty and staff at the STEM fair.

04.10.25

Manufacture Your Future happens today

LLCC will host students from Lanphier High School today for Manufacture Your Future: A Hands-on Career Exploration Event, featuring Drew “The MFG” Crowe, a workforce social media influencer.

The day-long event includes tours of local manufacturers like Mel-O-Cream and Simplex, to experience real-world production in action, opportunities to speak with local industry experts and hands-on demonstrations. Drew “The MFG” Crowe will speak to students at 12:30 p.m. in the LLCC Student Union.

04.07.25

Hospitality Showcase 2025

High school students competing in the Hospitality Showcase.

Friday’s 2025 Hospitality Showcase was a success. Fifty-one students from family  and consumer sciences classes from three high schools lead by 10 LLCC Culinary students. The high school students participated in seven team-based challenges (plus an informational session) that showcased problem solving and teamwork present in hospitality, culinary and baking careers everyday.

Students competed in mixed-school teams during the rotations to improve their teamwork and communication.

Students also participated in a round table professional development opportunity hosted by Sheridan Lane, director, culinary program and operations; Mac Warren, assistant director, recruitment and admissions; and Joshua Dineen, chef specialist, in an effort to highlight LLCC learning opportunities, hospitality trends in our industry and future planning for additional professional development and collaboration in the near future.

Students competing in the 2025 Hospitality Showcase.