Category Archives: Workforce Institute

Workforce Institute at LLCC

08.11.23

LLCC at the Illinois State Fair

Linc standing with Illinois' Governor and Lt. GovernorLLCC is at the Illinois State Fair! Linc, LLCC’s mascot and No. 1 fan, took part in the fair’s kickoff event yesterday.

College representatives from public relations and marketing, natural and agricultural sciences and the Workforce Institute will be in the Governor’s Tent Sunday, Aug. 13, from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., providing hands-on activities and sharing information on educational opportunities.

Abe Lincoln with Linc at Illinois State FairYou can catch an LLCC Culinary demo Aug. 17 at 4 p.m. in the Hobbies Arts & Crafts Building.

The LLCC Ag Club will be volunteering at the Pork Patio on Saturday, Aug. 19, 10:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.

08.07.23

LLCC invites employers, high school students to Workforce and Ag Expos Sept. 21

Visitors walking through tents, seeing equipment and talking with local businessesLLCC invites employers and area high school students to its annual Workforce Careers and Ag Expos Thursday, Sept. 21.

The outdoor Workforce Careers Expo connects high school students with local employers to learn about careers in the skilled trades. Two sessions will be held: 8-11 a.m. and noon-3 p.m. Students can also observe professional line workers competing in the Association of Illinois Electric Cooperatives Line Workers Safety Rodeo. Registration for employers and high schools wishing to bring students to the Workforce Expo is available at www.llcc.edu/expo. Last year, approximately 500 high school students attended and visited exhibits and displays of interactive equipment and simulators brought by 50 employers.

The Ag Expo will begin at 9 a.m. in LLCC’s Kreher Agriculture Center. Students will participate in sessions led by LLCC ag faculty, tour the facility and hear from current ag students. Students and teachers may also visit the afternoon session of the Workforce Expo after lunch. More information and registration are available by emailing liz.bland@llcc.edu or calling 217-786-2868. Another Ag Expo will be held on Dec. 1.

07.27.23

LLCC student places seventh at national SkillsUSA competition

Dawson BakunasLLCC student Dawson Bakunas of Divernon earned seventh place in the culinary arts competition at the national SkillsUSA Championships June 21-22 in Atlanta, Ga. Culinary arts was among 110 hands-on skill and leadership competitions held at the event.

In the culinary category, competitors were provided the same ingredients and supplies, and had to write and prepare menus in five hours. Judges looked for such factors as creativity, taste, plating, sanitation and fundamental skills.

Bakunas also earned an American Culinary Federation certification at the event.

“Being a part of this competition really brought my skills to another level,” he said. “It was a chance to show off what I have been learning and test skills against others in the country.”

Bakunas advanced to nationals after being named a first-place gold winner at the state competition April 25-27 in Peoria. He was one of three LLCC workforce students to qualify for the national competition. He is pursuing an associate in arts degree in culinary arts at LLCC’s Workforce Institute.

The SkillsUSA Championships were part of the 59th annual National Leadership and Skills Conference, the nation’s largest showcase of skilled trades with approximately 15,000 students, teachers, education leaders and business representatives in attendance.

07.12.23

In the news

Dr. Nancy Sweet, dean, Workforce Institute, was interviewed by FOX Illinois for a story on workforce programs and financial assistance for students.

Alex Sidener, LLCC Ag student, was interviewed yesterday by RFD Illinois about the 10-day Ireland agricultural industry tour he participated in as part of LLCC’s agriculture program.

07.06.23

LLCC to hold industrial maintenance training open house July 19

Student in LLCC shirt working on control panelLLCC will hold an informational open house July 19 for its industrial maintenance training program. The event will be held from 5:30-7 p.m. at the Workforce Careers Center on the LLCC campus, 5250 Shepherd Rd. Registration and more information are available at www.llcc.edu/industrial.

Attendees will learn about in-demand careers in industrial maintenance and how to enroll in the program, which begins Aug. 21. They will also tour LLCC’s industrial maintenance lab and hear about local job opportunities.

“Machinery maintenance and repair remains an important manufacturing component due to the increased use of automated processes,” said Doug Hoy, program director. “The need for skilled technicians in manufacturing and industry-related technology is great.”

Classes will meet in the evening and focus on maintenance and repair of commercial and industrial machinery in buildings, plants and factories. The program also incorporates electrical and mechanical systems, process controls, programmable logic controllers (PLCs), pneumatics and hydraulic systems.

Graduates of the two-year certificate program will be equipped with professional and technical skills to be successful in the industry.

06.21.23

In the news

Kyla Kruse, director, communications, was interviewed by WICS about yesterday’s LLCC Open House, which provided fun and engaging activities and opportunities for prospective students to find their path by learning about programs and services, talking with faculty and staff, and taking tours.

Sheridan Lane, director, culinary program and operations, wrote “Let there be cake” published in this week’s Epicuriosity 101 column in the State Journal-Register.

06.20.23

In the news

Chris Edmonds, program director, construction trades, was interviewed on WTAX June 16 about the $200,000 Trade Schools Grant awarded to LLCC. The college will partner with Sangamon Menard Regional Office of Education 51 to expand the current Multi-craft Core Curriculum (MC3) high school program. High school students will explore construction apprenticeships, while learning through hands-on labs and field trips to work sites. Read more: llcc.edu/news/construction-grant.

Kim Wilson, recruitment specialist and co-chair of the Juneteenth Committee, was interviewed yesterday by WICS about LLCC’s Juneteenth activities, including the Freedom Walk and documentary showings of Juneteenth: Faith & Freedom.