In late 2016, I was encouraged by a close family friend who previously owned multiple manufacturing companies in Lake County to consider employment opportunities in the industry. He insisted that the disciplines I had applied for 14 years to build a successful mortgage due diligence firm would transfer to manufacturing, which at that time was on the cusp of exponential growth. I began seeking these opportunities and was referred to Laser Precision, who at the time was looking to onboard a Human Resources Manager and expand their workforce due to increased business demand. After meeting with Jeff and Cameron Adams, it was an easy decision to join the family-owned organization in late February 2017.
Based on your experience, what jobs are most in-demand in manufacturing right now?
Currently, manufacturing has a number of in-demand career opportunities. These needs are largely due to an aging workforce population that is retiring, companies who have made the decision to discontinue outsourcing product creation outside of the US, and the need to expand business operations domestically that produce positive economic results for manufacturers.
Rampant demand has grown since the pandemic as we quickly learned that relying on goods from our international relationships can break down our supply chain. Open positions for careers in welding, metal forming, CNC machining, and maintenance are multiplying daily. Click here to see how local educators are building a manufacturing talent pipeline.
How does the Workforce Development Board help develop talent in Lake County?
The Workforce Development Board uses a number of methods to develop local talent through the programs offered and the relationships that have been formed with employers in the community. It all begins at the Job Center in Waukegan with the Workforce Development team and the family coaching that they provide to every client.
The idea that an individual is only seeking a job is a theory of the past. A person coming in for assistance is not only seeking employment; in most instances, they have other considerations like childcare, transportation and training. Individuals who find themselves impacted by a lay-off can apply for funding to skill-up and change career fields. Incumbent workers and returning citizens are being encouraged to enter careers that are in high demand and offer work experiences through on-the-job training.
In large part, the work being done with the local area high schools, the College of Lake County and the Lake County Tech Campus offer introductions to career paths with work-based learning experience and formal education. The youth summer camp programs being offered throughout the county also expose young adults to career paths and increase their interest in industries that will rely on a growing workforce. The Lake County Workforce Development Board does high-level work and is impactful because of the career specialists who are engaged one-on-one with clients to provide a holistic approach to a new career path.
