Laker Nation News

Lake Land College is working with community leaders to develop a plan to assist employees and families affected by the closing of LSC Communications in Mattoon and Rowe Foundry in Martinsville.

Lake Land College has an official role in the closing as the grant administrator for the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), the umbrella for the Dislocated Worker Program. The college also is a coordinator for the Illinois Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act better known as Illinois WARN.

In addition to partnering with the state and local agencies to serve impacted employees, Lake Land College faculty and staff are available to help employees explore education and training programs. Options range from eight-week bootcamp training programs to two-year degree programs offered in face-to-face and online options. The college also offers classes that assist individuals in transitioning back to school and acquiring basic skills in computers and technology.

“Lake Land College is here for the LSC and Rowe employees. We know this is a difficult time and we welcome individuals who are exploring new career paths and training and educational options to contact us,” Lake Land College President Josh Bullock said.

The Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity will schedule Rapid Response events on-site at Rowe Foundry and LSC Communications. C.E.F.S., Lake Land College, and other state agencies will be a part of the Rapid Response team. During these group meetings, Lake Land College and C.E.F.S. staff will be available to help those interested in retraining or educational opportunities.

Rapid Response is a federal service strategy which coordinates services with an employer and employee representative to maximize efforts and avert a planned layoff and/or minimize disruption for individuals and communities in dislocation events.

During the Rapid Response events, employees will learn of all resources available to meet their needs including unemployment insurance and training support services. Those interested in furthering or updating their work skills may set-up an appointment with a CEFS career planner, who will talk with them about their interests, skills and work history. The career planner will share area employment opportunities and projects and lead them to a plan for further training and education and/or area job openings.

The Dislocated Worker Program can provide funding to LSC employees who are interested in pursuing further education and training. “The goal is to help people secure a new job with a sustainable wage,” Gerry Schlechte, director of workforce investment, said.

In addition to providing services to each employee, WIOA is a resource for area businesses that are interested in hiring dislocated workers who could benefit from on-the-job training (OJT). Through this grant, a percentage of the employee’s salary will be reimbursed to the employer while the new employee is receiving the on-the-job training. To qualify for OJT, an agreement must be in place prior to the first day of employment.