In celebration of Manufacturing Month this October, officially proclaimed by Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, the Business Employment Skills Team, Inc. (BEST, Inc.) hosted two impactful events to support manufacturers across its eight-county service region. Illinois ranks as the fourth-largest manufacturing state in the nation, contributing over $109 billion annually to the state’s GDP (source: StatsAmerica 2024). Its diverse industrial landscape spans heavy machinery, food processing, advanced manufacturing, agri-business and electric vehicle components, making it a vital engine of economic growth.
To recognize and support this critical sector, BEST, Inc.’s Business Services Team organized both an in-person and a virtual event, bringing together local manufacturers and training providers to discuss workforce development strategies. The sessions focused on how companies can strengthen their talent pipeline through Apprenticeship programs and Incumbent Worker Training (IWT), helping employers upskill current staff and prepare for future demands.
For more information about Apprenticeship opportunities or the IWT Program, please contact Dianna Schuler at (815) 631-2990.