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State of the Workforce & Economy: Lake County 2026
Wednesday, January 21, 2026
This workshop offers a clear look at Lake County’s economic health, labor market trends, and the skills shaping today’s workforce. Participants will hear insights from business leaders, workforce experts, local chambers, and economic development partners about emerging opportunities and the industries driving growth. The session highlights new investments, workforce services, and training resources that support both job seekers and employers, while also providing an opportunity to connect with the Lake County Workforce Ecosystem, a collaborative network focused on future growth and opportunity.
Your Community by the Numbers: Introduction to data.census.gov Tool
Tuesday, January 13, 2026
Unlock the Power of Data: Data-driven Tools from the U.S. Census Bureau
Are you an employer, community-based organization, government local agency, or non-profit looking to make smarter, data-driven decisions? Join our free workshops designed to help you leverage valuable data to understand your community and grow your business.
Learn how to access data.census.gov for local, county, state and national level data using our various profiles to access a variety of topics such as population, race, sex, income and housing for communities. Event will be held on Zoom only.
Grant-Funded Training: How to Make It Work For You
Tuesday, January 27, 2026
Explore Your Career Options with Grant-Funded Training
Discover how our programs open doors to career growth and skill development through accessible training opportunities. This session will give you a clear overview of the support available and how we guide you toward employment success.
In this session, you will learn:
- How federal and state grants can help cover tuition costs
- Which growing industries and careers are supported by these grants
- What steps are involved in applying and getting started
- Learn more about our team of career specialists and how they support your success
Job Search Workshops
The following workshops are being offered during the upcoming month. The workshops are being held online and in-person. Registration is required:
- Job Search 2.0
- Crafting Your Career Story
- LinkedIn for Career Advancement (In-person Only)
- Interview with Confidence: Preparation to follow-up
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Job Center On The Move
Meet with a Job Center representative one-on-one to work on the next steps in your career. Choose from a menu of custom services when you register.
Job Center on the Move will be available at the following locations:
• Avon Township
• Catholic Charities
• Highwood Library & Community Center
• Legacy Reentry Foundation
• North Chicago Public Library
• PADS Lake County
• Waukegan Township
• Zion-Benton Public Library
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Basic Computer Skills Course
Take a Learn to Earn Basic Computer class this month! Participants who attend all classes in their course may earn a laptop to take home. Registration in advance is required and residents must meet specific eligibility requirements.
Location: Lake County Peacemakers, 2424 Grand Ave, Waukegan, IL 60085
Dates: Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, Jan. 5, 7, 9, 12, 14 & 16
Time: 5:30pm to 7:30pm
Download flyer
Register now
Location: Job Center of Lake County, 1 N. Genesee St. Waukegan, IL 60085
Dates: Tuesdays, Wednesdays & Thursdays, Jan. 13, Jan. 14, Jan. 15, Jan. 20, Jan. 21, Jan. 22
Time: 10:00am to 12:00pm
Download flyer
Register now
The Digital Growth Initiative offers basic computer & digital skills training across Lake County. See locations and times https://www.lakecountyil.gov/4930/Digital-Growth-Initiative
Call 847-377-3442 with questions.
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Collaboration in Action: A Graduate’s Journey to Employment
Alex began his career journey in high school when he participated in a program that helps students with disabilities get ready for life after graduation. His success story showcases how several organizations and a local employer joined forces to assist a young graduate to land a career in skilled manufacturing. His job requires strict adherence to safety procedures, consistent progress toward training goals, and the development of strong mechanical aptitude, attention to detail, and teamwork skills. His favorite part about his new job is how supportive his coworkers are. They help him learn new skills and make him feel comfortable asking questions. Robert Linderman, Account Executive with Workforce Development, reflected on this successful partnership. “This placement wasn’t just a win for the customer—it was proof that an integrated system delivers real results.” |
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CEJA Waukegan Workforce Hub
Illinois is expanding its clean energy workforce! You can join a training program to begin a career in clean energy or get support to grow your clean energy business. Participation in CEJA makes a participant an “Equity Eligible Person”, which can make them highly sought after by some clean energy companies. These programs are part of the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA). The CEJA Workforce Programs are funded by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) through the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act. Learn more about CEJA: https://www.lakecountyil.gov/5169/Climate-Equitable-Jobs-Act-CEJA
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The Job Center of Lake County is an equal opportunity employer/program. Staff, clients, and employers must adhere to the Lake County Workforce Development Internal and External Events Policy. Funds for this project were provided by the U.S. Department of Labor’s (USDOL) Employment and Training Administration. See our website for details. https://bit.ly/3EUjr6p. |
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