The Illinois WorkNet Center serves as a resource to the Champaign and Urbana communities to help economically disadvantaged individuals and others who face serious barriers to employment in order for them become productively employed. It is one of many WorkNet Centers located in the state of Illinois. A total of four separate units comprise Champaign's WorkNet Center: 1) the Illinois Department of Employment Secretary, 2) the Illinois Department of Human Services Division of Rehabilitation Services, 3) the Parkland College Workforce Development, and 4) the Champaign Consortium. The state of Illinois maintains and funds the WorkNet Center in accordance with the Workforce Investment Act (WIA), Trade Adjustment Act (TAA), and other programs.The Center is funded by the state of Illinois, but the building is owned by Parkland College.

This organization works closely with local officials, business owners, and community members to ensure that the provided services are tailored to clients’ needs. Programs like the Resource Room, Job Clubs, and the existence of the Digital Divide Computer Lab (through Parkland Community College) are essential in helping to provide job and technology skills.

1. The Illinois Department of Employment Security

The Illinois Department of Employment Security provides those searching for jobs or looking for job training access to their Resource Room. The Resource Room is equipped with computers, printers, and a comprehensive library of employment resources, as well as the following tools and services:

• access to a statewide job database
• free Internet and call center for job-search activities
• the latest in assistive technology for persons with disabilities
• a computer lab which offers instruction on basic computer literacy and business applications
• private interview offices and conference rooms for local businesses to use at no charge
• pamphlets containing information on the following: the state of Illinois; the Department of Employment Security; Spanish literature; the Illinois Migrant Council; the Urbana Adult Education Center; the Champaign County Regional Planning Commission; DHS/the Division of Human Capital Development; the Parkland Adult Workforce education; the Housing Authority of Champaign County; assistive technology; and the Job Corp

This division also offers a program in which prospective employers visit the Illinois WorkNet Center on the last Friday of every month. Individuals interested in employment opportunities are encouraged to attend these sessions. Additionally, free "Job Seeker" workshops are held on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesday, and Thursday each week.

2. The Illinois Department of Human Services Division of Rehabilitation Services

The State of Illinois Department of Human Services Division of Rehabilitation Services (DRS) is "the state's lead agency serving individuals with disabilities." [1] This division assists individuals with disabilities and their family members so that they "can make informed choices to achieve full community participation through employment, education, and independent living opportunities." [1] DRS works with these individuals who want to get or keep a job. Individuals can quality for these services if they have a disability, if they are getting help from Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), or if they are getting help from Supplemental Security Income (SSI).

Once an individual qualifies, this individual can work with a counselor to determine what services that he/she needs.

Selected resources: [2]

3. The Parkland College Workforce Development

The Parkland College Workforce Development Center is dedicated to "improving the educational level of working-age adults." It serves Local Workforce Investment Area #17, which includes:

• 261,232 residents in Champaign, Ford, Pratt, and Iroquois counties
• 18.619 business/community organizations
• 157,382 area workers
• 9,047 enrollments in Workforce Development Programs

This division also provides a computer lab at the Mattis location that offers basic, intermediate, and advanced computer classes. The computer lab is operated through State of Illinois digital divide grants. Classes are first come, first serve and students learn skills related to web-based applications and embedded applications, as well as gain knowledge of basic operating systems and resume skills.

4. The Champaign Consortium

Like the other three divisions of the Illinois WorkNet Center, the Champaign Consortium also provides key services to assist individuals with finding employment. This sector works alongside the Department of Employment Security, the Division of Rehabilitation Services, and the Parkland College Workforce Development.

References

[1] "Illinois Department of Human Services Division of Rehabilitation Services: Mission, vision, values." (2007). Handout.

[2] "Illinois Department of Human Services Division of Rehabilitation Services: Resources for information......" (2008). Handout.

This CU wiki entry began as a UIUC research project.  For more on that see Study of UC2B Anchor Institutions' Technology Use