National Career Development Week: Get Career Ready!

It is National Career Development Week! The LLCC Career Center is hosting “Get Career Ready,” four days of fun activities Nov. 13-16. The Student Government Association (SGA) has partnered with the Career Center to promote Handshake, and members of SGA will be at every event to help students activate their accounts. Faculty and staff are encouraged to join in on the fun each day and help support and engage with our students during the Get Career Ready activities.

Mark your calendars to volunteer at or attend these events. Any questions can be directed to CareerCenter@llcc.edu.

Monday, Nov. 13, 9:30 a.m.-noon

Image of My Story poster "From learning to earning." It includes spaces for name, job title, department, education and training, and careers. LLCC Celebrates National Career Development Month. November 2023.The “My Story” Kickoff in A. Lincoln Commons Rotunda — Students will be introduced to the “My Story: From Learning to Earning poster” project and invited to review posters that are popping up across campus. Reading about the educational and career journeys of their favorite professors and others at LLCC can be inspirational and informative. Students can visit with members of the LLCC Career Center and SGA to learn more about the Handshake job board and opportunities to win exciting prizes. Sign up to volunteer for Nov. 13.

Tuesday, Nov. 14, 9 a.m.-11 a.m.

“Teamwork Makes the Dreamwork” in A. Lincoln Commons, Large Lounge — Faculty and staff are invited to check out the Master the Cup Challenge. Students will join in this entertaining game and experience first-hand the role of teamwork in accomplishing what seems like a simple task. Students will be invited to get in on the Handshake action. Sign up to volunteer for Nov. 14.

Wednesday, Nov. 15, 10:30 a.m.-noon

“Hired or Not? You Be the Judge” in the A. Lincoln Commons Rotunda — Everyone will get a kick out of the improv job interviews! See faculty, staff and students get it right (or wrong), and support students who get to be judge and tell us “what went wrong.” Grab some popcorn and enjoy the show! Note: We need faculty and staff actors for our improv. Don’t be shy! Contact Marina Wirsing or sign up to volunteer for Nov. 15.

Thursday, Nov. 16, 9:30 a.m.-noon

“Get Hired!” in the A. Lincoln Commons Rotunda — This event will be devoted to Handshake, LLCC’s student-focused job board. Students will receive help to activate their account, complete a stellar profile and be entered into a drawing for an HP laptop or Amazon gift cards. Come see what all the Handshake buzz is about. Sign up to volunteer for Nov. 16.

National Career Development Week: Get Career Ready!

The LLCC Career Center is excited to announce, “Get Career Ready,” four days of fun activities to mark National Career Development Week Nov. 13-16. The Student Government Association (SGA) has partnered with the Career Center to promote Handshake, and members of SGA will be at every event to help students activate their accounts. Faculty and staff are encouraged to join in on the fun each day and help support and engage with our students during the Get Career Ready activities.

Mark your calendars to volunteer at or attend these events. Any questions can be directed to CareerCenter@llcc.edu.

Monday, Nov. 13, 9:30 a.m.-noon

Image of My Story poster "From learning to earning." It includes spaces for name, job title, department, education and training, and careers. LLCC Celebrates National Career Development Month. November 2023.The “My Story” Kickoff in A. Lincoln Commons Rotunda — Students will be introduced to the “My Story: From Learning to Earning poster” project and invited to review posters that are popping up across campus. Reading about the educational and career journeys of their favorite professors and others at LLCC can be inspirational and informative. Students can visit with members of the LLCC Career Center and SGA to learn more about the Handshake job board and opportunities to win exciting prizes. Sign up to volunteer for Nov. 13.

Tuesday, Nov. 14, 9 a.m.-11 a.m.

“Teamwork Makes the Dreamwork” in A. Lincoln Commons, Large Lounge — Faculty and staff are invited to check out the Master the Cup Challenge. Students will join in this entertaining game and experience first-hand the role of teamwork in accomplishing what seems like a simple task. Students will be invited to get in on the Handshake action. Sign up to volunteer for Nov. 14.

Wednesday, Nov. 15, 10:30 a.m.-noon

“Hired or Not? You Be the Judge” in the A. Lincoln Commons Rotunda — Everyone will get a kick out of the improv job interviews! See faculty, staff and students get it right (or wrong), and support students who get to be judge and tell us “what went wrong.” Grab some popcorn and enjoy the show! Note: We need faculty and staff actors for our improv. Don’t be shy! Contact Marina Wirsing or sign up to volunteer for Nov. 15.

Thursday, Nov. 16, 9:30 a.m.-noon

“Get Hired!” in the A. Lincoln Commons Rotunda — This event will be devoted to Handshake, LLCC’s student-focused job board. Students will receive help to activate their account, complete a stellar profile and be entered into a drawing for an HP laptop or Amazon gift cards. Come see what all the Handshake buzz is about. Sign up to volunteer for Nov. 16.

DoIT recruitment event today on Springfield campus

The Illinois Department of Innovation & Technology (DoIT) has launched a paid trainee program to build a pipeline of tech talent to meet the growing demand for skilled professionals and diversify the agency’s workforce. Cohorts will begin with initial classes of 20 participants, with additional cohorts launching as needed. LLCC developed the curriculum for participants and will host a training site in Springfield. A recruitment event is being held today, Nov. 7, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Kreher Agriculture Center at LLCC in Springfield.

Tell Your Story for National Career Development Month

Image of My Story poster "From learning to earning." It includes spaces for name, job title, department, education and training, and careers. LLCC Celebrates National Career Development Month. November 2023.The LLCC Career Center is gearing-up for a college-wide celebration of National Career Development Month (NCDM). We are excited to invite all faculty, administrators and staff to participate in our passive programming for NCDM. In the first week of November everyone will receive an 8 ½ x 14 poster titled “My Story, From Learning to Earning.” The poster has two columns denoting “My Education & Training” and “My Careers.” In support of NCDM, please complete the poster with your education, training and careers/job titles. Higher education organizations and activities, specialized certifications and related information can be included in the education section. Consider adding your high school or training at CACC if it applies.

Place the poster by Nov. 10 on your door, window, cubicle or other highly visible location where students will be able to see and read your information. The poster may prompt conversation and career engagement with students. Your poster can grow throughout the month, by adding photos, favorite quotes or even memes to add context and flair.

During our National Career Development Week activities (Nov. 13-16), we will encourage students to review the posters displayed throughout the college. Students may choose to connect with faculty, administrators or staff who have career paths in their interest area or who have a connection to a school they are considering transferring to for a bachelor’s degree.

Please reach out to the LLCC Career Center with any questions (CareerCenter@llcc.edu). We look forward to learning more about your story. Extra posters will be available in the LLCC Foundation office.

Thank you,
LLCC Career Center

Tell Your Story for National Career Development Month

Image of My Story poster "From learning to earning." It includes spaces for name, job title, department, education and training, and careers. LLCC Celebrates National Career Development Month. November 2023.The LLCC Career Center is gearing-up for a college-wide celebration of National Career Development Month (NCDM). We are excited to invite all faculty, administrators and staff to participate in our passive programming for NCDM. In the first week of November everyone will receive an 8 ½ x 14 poster titled “My Story, From Learning to Earning.” The poster has two columns denoting “My Education & Training” and “My Careers.” In support of NCDM, please complete the poster with your education, training and careers/job titles. Higher education organizations and activities, specialized certifications and related information can be included in the education section. Consider adding your high school or training at CACC if it applies.

Place the poster by Nov. 10 on your door, window, cubicle or other highly visible location where students will be able to see and read your information. The poster may prompt conversation and career engagement with students. Your poster can grow throughout the month, by adding photos, favorite quotes or even memes to add context and flair.

During our National Career Development Week activities (Nov. 13-16), we will encourage students to review the posters displayed throughout the college. Students may choose to connect with faculty, administrators or staff who have career paths in their interest area or who have a connection to a school they are considering transferring to for a bachelor’s degree.

Please reach out to the LLCC Career Center with any questions (CareerCenter@llcc.edu). We look forward to learning more about your story. Extra posters will be available in the LLCC Foundation office.

Thank you,
LLCC Career Center

LLCC announces $500,000+ gift from Roland Machinery Co. of Springfield

Members of the Roland Machinery Co. family pose with LLCC officials and diesel technologies students.

Diesel tech lab and classroom named in honor of Roland family

LLCC announced a major gift from Roland Machinery Co. of Springfield to LLCC’s new diesel technologies program yesterday. The college has named the diesel technologies lab and classroom in honor of the Roland family.

Dr. Charlotte Warren speaking“We are here to celebrate the incredible support of a local company and our continuing partnership that will impact the future of our local workforce,” said Dr. Charlotte Warren, president of LLCC. “Roland Machinery Company has been with us from the beginning, as we explored the idea of offering a diesel technologies program, assisting in developing the curriculum and providing support that ensured our program would succeed.

“I’m happy to announce that Roland has, and will continue to provide, over the next five years, more than $500,000 in equipment, scholarships and support for our diesel technologies program. To the Roland Family: the impact of your support will resonate throughout our first class and many to come, as they train to enter this high-demand career field. Our local employers will benefit by hiring trained and work-ready graduates.”

Matt Roland, president of Roland Machinery Co., commented, “We are proud to be a partner with LLCC in the creation of this new diesel technologies program. The highly trained young adults that graduate from this program will have great opportunities in the construction, agriculture and on-road truck industries.”

“Today, there are over 75,000 open diesel technician positions across the country, 400 of them right here in central Illinois,” said Dan Smith, vice president/general manager, product support at Roland. He told the first class of LLCC diesel technologies students, “What you will learn here, both personally and professionally, will serve you very well for whatever life brings you.”

Erin Barrick speakingTwenty students make up the inaugural class in the LLCC diesel tech program. “I am proud to be a diesel tech student here at LLCC’s Workforce Institute, and I am so appreciative to have support from local businesses like Roland,” said Erin Barrick, who will become a fourth-generation owner of her family’s trucking company. “I appreciate this opportunity to thank Roland for supporting the diesel program and providing such great resources to help us with our education and our futures.”

The dedication plaque outside the diesel technologies lab in the LLCC Workforce Careers Center reads: “In recognition of Roland Machinery Company, who provides services to the heavy equipment construction industry. Roland Machinery is committed to providing the Midwest construction industry with highly skilled diesel technicians for years to come. As a family owned Springfi­eld company since 1958, Roland Machinery’s generous support of the community continues at Lincoln Land Community College. This Diesel Technologies Lab and Classroom honor the Roland Family, who are dedicated to strengthening the LLCC Diesel Program, providing new opportunities to those in the diesel industry, and supporting LLCC students.”

LLCC partners with DoIT to develop tech talent pipeline

Gov. Pritzker announces paid tech trainee program to diversify and strengthen state’s workforce

Josh Collins, Theresa Carlton, Governor Pritzker, Laurel Bretz and Dr. Carmen Allen.
Joined by educators, lawmakers and advocates, Governor JB Pritzker announced yesterday that the Illinois Department of Innovation & Technology (DoIT) is launching a paid trainee program to build a pipeline of tech talent to meet the growing demand for skilled professionals and diversify the agency’s workforce.

“As Governor, I’m determined to make sure every Illinoisan can access good jobs — the kind that pays the bills and also supports the dreams of their families,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “We are launching an IT trainee program to build a pipeline of tech talent to meet the growing demand for skilled tech professionals and diversify our state’s tech workforce. From creation to consumption, Illinois is paving the way in the digital economy for all our residents.”

Trainees will receive a minimum yearly salary of $54,000 from DoIT while pursuing tracks in one of five high-need concentration areas: cybersecurity, networking, coding and database, end user computing and enterprise infrastructure. Additional tracks will be added as the program grows. Trainees will also receive formal mentoring from current DoIT employees and be offered a full-time job with DoIT after completing the program and meeting its benchmarks.

Cohorts will begin with initial classes of 20 participants, with additional cohorts launching as needed. Lincoln Land Community College developed the curriculum for participants and will host a training site in Springfield. DoIT is also pleased to partner with City Colleges of Chicago to provide a Chicago-based training site and expand the program’s reach.

Applicants should apply online at DoIT.illinois.gov. There will be two recruitment events:

  • Friday, Nov. 3 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at City College’s Harold Washington campus in Chicago
  • Tuesday, Nov. 7 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Kreher Agriculture Center at Lincoln Land Community College in Springfield.

Prospective applicants can email DoIT.Recruitment@illinois.gov with application questions.

“We are thrilled to collaborate with Governor Pritzker, City Colleges of Chicago and Lincoln Land Community College on this initiative,” said Illinois Department of Innovation & Technology Acting Secretary and State CIO Sanjay Gupta. “By investing in the development of a strong talent pipeline, we are not only shaping the future of our workforce, but also driving innovation and growth in our community. This partnership is a testament to our unwavering commitment to diversity and nurturing local tech talent, propelling our state to new heights of success.”

“Lincoln Land Community College is a leader in training individuals for vital careers in the technology and cybersecurity fields,” said Dr. Charlotte Warren, President of LLCC. “We’re proud to serve students with this innovative partnership that will help DoIT grow their own workforce, and we applaud DoIT and the Governor’s administration for recognizing the workforce training programs provided by community colleges.”

“Our thanks go to Governor Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Innovation and Technology for leading the creation of a new pipeline between community colleges and public sector technology careers,” said Chancellor Juan Salgado. “This collaboration will complement City Colleges’ growing suite of technology programs that offer our students relevant skills, hands-on experience, and a pathway into Illinois’ dynamic tech industry.”

DoIT will soon be accepting applications for the inaugural class of the trainee program. The program was designed to make the broadest possible group of individuals eligible to participate.

For additional information on the trainee program, applicant criteria and upcoming hiring events, email DoIT.Recruitment@illinois.gov.

Career coach points of contact

The LLCC Career Center is establishing specialty areas with each career coach serving as the main point of contact for faculty and staff. Below is a breakdown of departments/events and the career coach who is serving as point of contact. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Josh Collins.

Cathy Huffman’s programs and events:

  • Arts & Communication
  • Social Sciences & Business
  • Workforce Institute (including ESI 101)
  • Medical District programs
  • Healthcare Entry-Level Professional Skills
  • Phi Theta Kappa/Honors
  • Cooperative Work Experience (CWE 101)

Marina Wirsing’s programs and events:

  • English & Humanities (including EGL 103)
  • Health Professions
  • Math & Computer Science
  • Natural & Agriculture Sciences
  • Adult Education
  • Campus Visit Day/Open House
  • Career Launch
  • First Year Experience
  • Student Government Association (SGA)

Caterpillar Inc. donates engines and transmissions to LLCC Diesel Technologies program

Dr. Jason Dockter, Kody Letterle, Nick Johnson, Keith Heiar, Jeff Gardner and Dr. Nancy Sweet standing by one of the donated engines.
Photo: Dr. Jason Dockter, LLCC vice president, academic services; Kody Letterle, LLCC instructor, diesel technologies; Nick Johnson and Keith Heiar, Caterpillar Inc.; Jeff Gardner, director, LLCC diesel technologies program; and Dr. Nancy Sweet, dean, Workforce Institute at LLCC

Many thanks to Caterpillar Inc. for its recent donation of four engines and 12 transmissions to LLCC’s diesel technologies program. The equipment will serve as a hands-on teaching tool for students as they prepare for careers in the high-demand, high-wage diesel service industry.

Caterpillar Inc. is the world’s leading manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, off-highway diesel and natural gas engines, industrial gas turbines and diesel-electric locomotives.

LLCC diesel technologies program director Jeff Gardner said, “These engines will be used in our Diesel Engine Theory and Repair class, and the transmissions will provide for manual training needs in the Truck Power Trains class. This substantial donation will benefit our students greatly.”

Visit www.llcc.edu/diesel-technologies for more information about the program.

Career coach points of contact

The LLCC Career Center is establishing specialty areas with each career coach serving as the main point of contact for faculty and staff. Below is a breakdown of departments/events and the career coach who is serving as point of contact. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Josh Collins.

Cathy Huffman’s programs and events:

  • Arts & Communication
  • Social Sciences & Business
  • Workforce Institute (including ESI 101)
  • Medical District programs
  • Healthcare Entry-Level Professional Skills
  • Phi Theta Kappa/Honors
  • Cooperative Work Experience (CWE 101)

Marina Wirsing’s programs and events:

  • English & Humanities (including EGL 103)
  • Health Professions
  • Math & Computer Science
  • Natural & Agriculture Sciences
  • Adult Education
  • Campus Visit Day/Open House
  • Career Launch
  • First Year Experience
  • Student Government Association (SGA)