Apprenticeship Navigator bei Lake County, IL

About the Department

Are you looking for a challenging role within an organization that provides rewarding compensation, an excellent benefit package and career growth opportunities? If so, Lake County Government is the place for you. Comprised of nearly 3,000 employees, it is our goal to positively serve the residents of Lake County while working with a purpose. We believe our employees should take pride in the work they accomplish while truly respecting a collaborative work environment.

The State of Illinois Workforce Innovation Board (IWIB) has developed the Apprenticeship Illinois framework that focuses on expanding apprenticeships and work-based learning/training opportunities. To sustain and expand the Illinois Apprenticeship Network, the State focuses resources on coordinating the Apprenticeship Navigator roles and responsibilities within the local integrated business service teams, including representatives from the WIOA core partners and other local workforce, education, and economic development partners.

The navigator is embedded in the Workforce Ecosystem and strengthens the development and implementation of apprenticeship programs. This approach facilitates effective outreach, fosters collaboration among stakeholders, provides direct assistance to employers and apprentices, enhances staff capacity, and drives continuous improvement to meet the evolving needs of the local workforce and support economic growth. 

The navigator position leads the work of the grant project plan as a strategic initiative. The position engages in continuous training and development from department leadership, state agencies, stakeholders, and the statewide apprenticeship network. The goal for the role to be the SME to the team as related to the goals and work of the Illinois Apprenticeship Network. The position participates in statewide apprenticeship professional development webinars, workshops, conferences, committee meetings and peer-to-peer exchanges, as well as receive technical assistance from other workforce development agencies and professionals.

Position Duties

• Outreach: Conduct targeted outreach efforts to raise awareness about apprenticeships among employers, youth serving organizations, educational institutions, community organizations, and potential apprentices.
• Co-create the ecosystem with one voice: develop informational materials, such as brochures, website content, and social media campaigns, highlighting the benefits and opportunities of apprenticeship programs. Participate in job fairs, career expos, and community events to engage directly with stakeholders and promote apprenticeships.
• Partner Coordination: establish partnerships and collaborations with key stakeholders, including employers, industry associations, educational institutions, youth serving and community-based organizations.
• Facilitate regular meetings and forums to bring together partners involved in apprenticeship development and expansion.
• Coordinate efforts and resources with partners to ensure alignment of apprenticeship programs with industry needs and workforce demands.
• Foster communication and information sharing among partners to stay updated on apprenticeship opportunities, best practices, funding opportunities, and emerging trends.
• Set aside time to provide direct assistance and technical support in program design, development, and relationship building to further build out capacity and enhance understanding of the apprenticeships process. 
• DEI: integrate services and strategies through the DEI imperative. 
• Continuous Improvement: Regularly review and update navigator functions based on feedback from stakeholders and emerging industry needs.

Minimum Qualifications

• Requires the ability to demonstrate competent listening, communication, and interactive and crisis management skills with clients and collaterals. 
• Candidates should have a working knowledge of computers and business applications including Microsoft Office - particularly Outlook, Word and Excel.
• Candidates must possess experience working with diverse constituencies, effective problem solving, organizational and analytical skills, and effectively communicate both written and verbally.  
• This Individual must have the ability to work independently and as part of a team and has been identified as having remote working flexibility. 

• Requires a bachelor’s degree in business, marketing, sociology, psychology, or up to 5 years of experience and capabilities.
• Requires two years of related experience and general knowledge of organization administration and management, with specific knowledge of workforce development experience preferred.

Other Qualifications

Lake County offers a competitive salary and benefit package. We also offer flexible working hours, and a comprehensive wellness and training program.  Visit our Prospective Employee page to get additional information on why you should work for Lake County!   

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background screening, drug testing and may include a pre-employment medical exam.

Lake County is committed to being a diverse and inclusive workplace and is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE).