In this update:
| Important Deadlines January 26 State Qualifying Events Registration Deadline February 9-15 State Qualifying Events |
We’re hiring a Senior Coordinator of Workforce Development!
This position will be responsible for the development and management of SkillsUSA Illinois’s work- based learning (WBL) initiatives. This position will focus heavily on expanding SkillsUSA Illinois’s role as a Department of Labor Registered Apprenticeship Program Intermediary. This will include collaborating with stakeholders (members, schools, state/national agencies, and industry partners), managing and reporting on a grant portfolio, and developing program procedures and policies. Click here to read the full description.
Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Application review and interviews will begin on Dec. 15. Please reach out to careers@skillsusaillinois.org with any questions.
Regional Advisor Meeting Recap
Over the last week, SkillsUSA Illinois held two in-person and one virtual Regional Advisors Meetings. These meetings focused on exploring the value of membership, work-based learning initiatives, as well as State and National Leadership & Skill Conference updates. Advisors were provided with this Program and Resource Guide Overview for 2021-2022. There were some great questions that came up. Our state office created this FAQ Document to help share answers to questions that were asked.
After review, please reach out to the SkillsUSA Illinois State Officer with any questions by email at membership@skillsusaillinois.org or 833.754.5545. Future regional meetings will be scheduled by the regional advisor officers or the state office this spring.
True Work-Based Learning in Action Between Chapters and Industry
After a two-year pilot program focused on exploration and research of work-based learning opportunities, SkillsUSA Illinois has launched our new Registered Apprenticeship Program this past May. The program implements the SkillsUSA Illinois proven model that improves college and career readiness, creates employment opportunities, addresses equity in underserved communities, and expands partnerships between the workforce system, education, and business. SkillsUSA Illinois, a certified U.S. Department of Labor Apprenticeship Intermediary, facilitates their Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP) process by connecting employers and schools to validate training, create apprenticeship opportunities, and then support apprentices from program start to finish. This opportunity will allow SkillsUSA Illinois to provide apprenticeships in high- growth industries to eligible students at current chapters focusing on high school juniors and seniors and first-year students in college to support workforce development and economic growth.
The first chapter to take advantage of this opportunity was Morton Community High School. SkillsUSA Illinois was able to create apprenticeship opportunities within the community at Morton Industries. Morton Industries LLC, a leader in the fabrication of OEM tube products. The manufacturer specializes in bending various alloys, assembly and sub-assembly, laser cutting, welding, and product paint and pack-out. Apprenticeship positions were created for members enrolled in welding training programs. Students from the Morton Community High School applied and interviewed for their position. Throughout the apprenticeship, members will complete 6,000 hours of training with industry professionals and 432 hours of instructor led instruction.
Through authentic work-based learning, SkillsUSA Illinois apprentices complete related technical instruction training in their classrooms and then receive on-the-job training at a worksite under the supervision of an industry expert. Apprentices are compensated for their work time on-the-job. Upon successful competition, graduates will earn the nationally recognized U.S. Department of Labor Registered Apprenticeship Credential, the SkillsUSA Career Essentials (career-ready) Credential, an industry-recognized employability skill development credential, and industry-specific credentials and certifications. This program truly fulfills the SkillsUSA Illinois mission, of “empowering members to become world-class workers, leaders and responsible American citizens.”
Plan Now for SkillsUSA Week
SkillsUSA Week is Feb. 7-11, 2022, and you can participate in many ways: Honor your community supporters, connect with local business and industry professionals, or make a presentation about your CTE program and SkillsUSA chapter at a school board meeting. We encourage you to celebrate by planning activities that follow the daily schedule of events using the SkillsUSA Week Chapter Guide. SkillsUSA is offering chapter grants valued at $200 each to purchase supplies for your SkillsUSA Week activities. A request for a chapter grant must be submitted by Jan. 1. Chapter grants will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis and 10 are available. The chapter grant application is here.
Educational Resources and Career Essentials Grants Now Available
SkillsUSA has partnered with Aerotek and The Swinerton Foundation to deliver 37 grants for high school and college/postsecondary chapters to receive SkillsUSA Educational Resources and Career Essentials access. Each chapter will receive a $3,000 or $4,500 grant, which will provide SkillsUSA Educational Resources that focus on integration of the SkillsUSA Framework in the classroom and chapter. Applications for a chapter grant must be submitted by Jan. 21, and recipients will be notified by Feb 11. Determine eligibility and apply here.
Earn Presidential Recognition for Service to Others
At the 2022 national conference, SkillsUSA will recognize advisors, students and registered alumni for their community service and volunteer activities through the President’s Volunteer Service Award (PVSA). To qualify, SkillsUSA members, advisors or alumni can submit a record of their service hours to SkillsUSA, which is a certifying organization. This presidential honor recognizes the valuable contributions of volunteers who are answering a national call to serve others through their current activities or lifetime efforts. Details on qualifying hours and requirements for submission are available here. Applications must be received by April 1 for recognition at the 2022 National Leadership and Skills Conference.
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