(618) 692-9745

COUNTY WORKFORCE INVESTMENT BOARDS AND PARTNERS TO KICK OFF WORKFORCE CAMPAIGN TO LINK HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS TO THOUSANDS OF HIGH-PAYING JOBS OPENING UP IN MANUFACTURING AND THE TRADES

 WHO: Don Vichitvongsa, SunCoke Energy, Chair of the Leadership Council’s Southwestern Illinois Manufacturing Steering Committee; Ellen Krohne, Executive Director of the Leadership Council; Alan Dunstan, Madison County Board Chairman; Mark Kern, St. Clair County Board Chairman; Dave Stoecklin, Madison Bond Workforce Investment Board; Rick Stubblefield, MidAmerica Workforce Investment Board; Dr. Robert Daiber, Madison County Regional Superintendent of Schools; Susan Sarfaty, St. Clair County Regional Superintendent of Schools; Dale Stewart, Southwestern Illinois Building & Construction Trades, and representatives of various manufacturing firms based in Southwestern Illinois, as well as representatives of several local high schools.

WHAT: News Conference to kick off an important new initiative aimed at putting area high school students on the path to a successful, high-paying career in manufacturing or the trades.

WHEN:  Monday, September 14th 10:30 a.m.

WHERE:  Cope Plastics, Inc. 4441 Industrial Drive Alton, IL 62002
 

SIGNIFICANCE: With 1,500 job openings expected in the manufacturing sector in Southwestern Illinois in the next five years, and an additional 1,200 jobs opening up in the trades, regional leaders are teaming up to launch a marketing and outreach initiative to educate high schools students, their parents, guidance counsellors, principals and other influencers about the high-paying jobs that will be available in both sectors and the path needed to land one. Details about the campaign, its origins, the critical skills gap it aims to address and the plans for connecting with the target audiences will be shared. For more information, call 618.692.9745.