Mattoon, IL-(Effingham Radio)- The Community Colleges of Illinois are the largest source of workforce development and trades training in the state, preparing students with the short-term skills they need to excel in high-demand career fields. By creating pathways to affordable, accessible credentials, these programs present unique opportunities for career development and economic mobility for the most underserved communities, such as low-income students.
Lake Land College is proud to share this commitment to strengthen local regions and offer pathways to success for all students. Earlier this year, the College received a grant from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to provide free CDL training for U.S. veterans and active service members, as well as their spouses and dependent children.
With the support of this grant, up to 30 veterans and their family members can earn a CDL license or licensure upgrade with all tuition, course and testing fees covered. As the only college in Illinois to receive this grant funding, Lake Land is proud to provide underrepresented veteran populations with rapid access to rewarding, in-demand careers to help them support their families as they return from service.
Lake Land College also provides innovative apprenticeship programs that strengthen both individuals and communities. Under the apprenticeship model, students develop crucial career skills with hands-on learning on Lake Land’s campus and apply those skills in real workplaces. The format provides students with a practical education, mentorship opportunities and the ability to earn a salary while their tuition is covered by a sponsoring business. While often associated with construction, manufacturing and other trade careers, apprenticeships have evolved to include sectors such as commercial driving, early childhood education, nursing and IT.
Sponsoring businesses also benefit from the apprenticeship structure, which expands the pool of qualified candidates for high-demand positions. The businesses also play a critical role in developing all apprenticeship curriculum, ensuring their future employees receive the precise training they need to succeed. As a result, businesses who participate in apprenticeship programs enjoy an impressive return on investment of $1.49 for every dollar spent, according to the Department of Labor.
Lake Land College also provides a wide range of workforce development solutions through its Adult Education programs. At Lake Land College, students can enroll in free High School Equivalency (HSE) courses to complete a GED, receive an in-depth introduction to the English language with English Language Acquisition (ELA) courses and upgrade their career skills through the Center for Business and Industry. These programs all help students develop crucial skills and maximize their career potential.
Lake Land College is proud to be among the Community Colleges of Illinois to serve the most underrepresented student populations and offer life-changing career pathways for all. When education and industry collaborate to develop accessible, affordable and relevant training opportunities, the result is a powerful workforce equipped for immediate and ongoing success.
To learn more about workforce development or trades training programs available at Lake Land College, contact Director of the Center for Business & Industry Bonnie Moore at 217-238-8260 or bmoore71258@lakelandcollege.edu.
Lake Land College District 517, located in Mattoon, Illinois, serves the second largest community college district in the state, with a total population of 189,869. The Lake Land College district comprises all or part of 15 counties and 31 public school districts in rural east central Illinois. Counties served by Lake Land College include: Christian, Clark, Clay, Coles, Crawford, Cumberland, Douglas, Edgar, Effingham, Fayette, Jasper, Macon, Montgomery, Moultrie and Shelby.
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