Champaign County RPC hosts drive thru job fair in Tuscola
Photos: Kendra Hennis
Tuscola residents visited the booths at the Champaign County Regional Planning Commission’s drive thru job fair in Tuscola on June 25.
By Kendra Hennis
The Champaign County Regional Planning Commission (RPC) hosted a drive thru job fair in Tuscola on June 25.
The event held some of Douglas County’s top employers, including the Libman Company, Carpenters Local #243, and VF Outlet seeking candidates. The companies are actively hiring in manufacturing, logistics, construction, solar, distribution, retail, and early childhood teachers and support staff. Workforce development staff from the RPC was also present with information on how to access paid training while still working or laid off and collecting unemployment benefits. Funds are currently available for eligible applicants who want to further their career or education.
Tuscola Chamber and Economic Development Director Brian Moody said that he was “excited about this job fair provided by East Central Illinois workNet and the opportunity it gives to both job seekers and employers.” He then noted that, “We are already seeing the benefits to Douglas County of having a local workforce development office located here in Tuscola.”
Workforce Development Program Director Cassanda Brown responded “the event went very well. We had quite a few cars come through to talk with the various companies, as well as walk-up customers interested in learning about the opportunities. This was our second event and we are planning another one in Watseka on July 14.”
The Workforce Center’s program is designed to assist individuals in becoming job ready. Either they need to return to school to obtain a degree or retrain in a new field, access on-the-job training to upgrade current skills and become marketable in today’s labor market, or need assistance with job search, resume writing, or interviewing skills. The center provides the necessary tools to enable individuals to secure employment and become self-sufficient.
East Central Illinois workNet assists clients with job search resources while providing specific education and training opportunities for low-income, underemployed, and dislocated workers in Champaign, Douglas, Ford, Iroquois, and Piatt Counties. Based at the Illinois workNet Center in Champaign, the program is focused on helping meet the needs of businesses, job seekers, and those who want to further their careers.
To contact the office please call the main Illinois workNet number at (217) 531-8282, email workNetservices@ccrpc.org, or apply through the website at www.eciwork.net/apply. There is someone in the Champaign office Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 2p.m., or you can leave a message and the call will be returned.