Career Link operates through the Illinois workNet Center of Peoria Illinois, an integrated, job-driven workforce system that links diverse talent to businesses in need of recruitment, hiring, and training assistance. This workforce system functions under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), which offers essential tools to meet the changing demands of the modern economy and help companies remain competitive within their industry. The Illinois workNet Center provides local and federal resources to assist with business decisions, including market and economic development opportunities. They also offer career transition services to both employees and employers to help navigate layoffs. Workshop presentations include information on career planning, financial counseling, health insurance resources, job search assistance, resume design services, training assistance, and unemployment insurance benefits.
Need to fill positions with qualified workers? We're here to help you connect with skilled job seekers. Job-matching services, hiring and recruiting events, customized training assistance, and other business services are all offered at no cost to you.
For more information
| Fulton, Mason, Peoria, and Tazewell Counties | Marshall, McLean, Stark, and Woodford Counties | |
| Mike Burress | Tony Jones | |
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| 309-321-0255 | 309-807-1403 |
Apprenticeship Assistance
Apprenticeship assistance provides financial resources to employers of WIOA-eligible apprentices. This federally-funded service helps cover the costs of the apprentice’s classroom training, provides supportive services to the apprentice during training, and reimburses employers a percentage of the apprentice’s On-the-Job Training wages. This registered apprenticeship model combines on-the-job learning with job-related instruction that can result in:
- Higher productivity
- More diverse workforce
- Job-driven training
- Reduced turnover costs
- Lower investment in recruitment
- Highly-skilled employees
Apprenticeship is a flexible training strategy that can be customized to fit the needs of your business. It can be integrated into current training strategies. Apprentices can be new hires or current employees.
Partner with us to develop an apprenticeship program. We can guide you through the process step-by-step of building and formally registering an apprenticeship program. Registered apprenticeships are employer-sponsored programs that include mentored, on-the-job learning, resulting in an industry-recognized credential for your employee. The pay is a portion of a fully-trained employee’s salary, and salary increases are tied to increases in skill levels.
Why is it importatn to register your apprenticeship program? In addition to the national recognition, you’ll receive a variety of other benefits including financial support from Career Link to defray training costs.
Hiring Events
Illinois workNet Center of Peoria organizes dozens of small job fairs each year, depending on local employer demand. We host monthly job fairs for skilled job-seekers. We would be pleased to include your recruiting booth in these events. Typically, five to ten employers are in attendance (events for single employers are also an option), and the events last up to two hours. Jobs presented at the event will be advertised in Illinois Job Link. For more information on recruitment, contact Thomas Pennell at
IllinoisJobLink.com
IllinoisJobLink.com is a free, online service allowing employers to connect with talented and skilled job seekers in just a few clicks. IllinoisJobLink.com is Illinois’ premier job board where employers can post available jobs, browse thousands of resumes, and recruit job seekers. This valuable job posting service allows you to reach area job seekers easily and at no extra cost. All you need to do is:
- Create an Employer Account
- Create a Job Posting
- Search for Resumes
- Recruit and Hire Qualified Candidates
For more information, contact Thomas Pennell at
Incumbent Worker Training
Incumbent Worker Training (IWT) helps local employers strengthen their company's workforce at little to no cost, boost competitiveness, and maximize employee productivity. To be eligible for an IWT training grant, your company must have the need to train existing workers to avert potential layoffs or increase your workers' skill levels. If eligible, your company can be reimbursed for up to 100% of the cost of training. With Career Link's Incumbent Worker Training, you can benefit from:
- Less company downtime
- Smaller decrease in profit margins
- Less headache for management
- Reimbursement for up to 100% of training costs based on company size
Integrated Business Service Team (IBST)
Career Link leads the Integrated Business Service Team (IBST), a group of workforce organizations dedicated to providing integrated, high-quality resources and customized solutions to employers. The IBST will work with you to determine your current hiring needs and workforce shortages. Once we understand your specific needs, we can help your business build, retain, and train a talent pipeline of highly-skilled and qualified workers. If you're an employer needing assistance, we encourage you to contact us today. The IBST works in various counties across Central Illinois, including Fulton, Marshall, Mason, McLean, Peoria, Stark, Tazewell, and Woodford counties.
Are you tired of stressful employee onboarding and how it affects your company? We get it. Whether it’s lost time or decreased profit margins, training can often become a burden. At Career Link, we've developed custom systems to make onboarding easy and affordable. Keep your business moving forward. Contact Career Link today to learn how our programs save local employers time, money, and stress.
On-the-Job Training
Even existing employees require training when it comes to new systems, processes, or equipment. To avoid potential layoffs, you need a solution that’s cost and time-effective. On-the-Job Training (OJT) assistance is designed to help businesses manage the cost of training new WIOA-eligible employees. Through OJT, employers may be reimbursed 50 to 75% of an eligible new hire's wages during a customized training period. The duration of the OJT assistance is determined by the requirements of the job and the skills for the individual. With On-the-job Training, you can:
- Hire the candidate that’s the right fit for your company culture
- Train new employees on your company’s unique operations
- Focus on company growth
- Pay as little as 25% of training costs
Rapid Response
For businesses that are experiencing significant layoffs or a possible plant closure, Career Link offers essential Career Transition Services to support the affected workers. To facilitate this process, Career Link activates a Rapid Response Team comprised of partner agencies, including the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES), to assist workers in navigating their career transition. These services, funded by the federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, benefit both businesses and individuals.
The Rapid Response Team conducts comprehensive Rapid Response Informational Workshops designed to prepare the affected workers for their upcoming separation. These workshops feature presentations from a range of experts, including representatives from Career Link, the local community college, and the Illinois Department of Employment Security, providing valuable insights and resources for a successful transition.
Work Opportunity Tax Credit
The Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) is a federal tax credit available to employers who invest in American job seekers who have consistently faced barriers to employment. Employers may meet their business needs and claim a tax credit if they hire an individual who is in a WOTC targeted group.
Employers must apply for and receive a certification verifying the new hire is a member of a targeted group before they can claim the tax credit. After the required certification is secured, taxable employers claim the WOTC as a general business credit against their income taxes, and tax-exempt employers claim the WOTC against their payroll taxes.
