[share]Developed by the Adams County Works Work Readiness Team, the Work Ready Toolbox helps job seekers build the skills they need to succeed in today’s workplace. The Toolbox, which is located on the United Way of Adams County website, includes videos, tips and mini-lessons designed for individuals who need assistance with essential workplace skills. 

The Adams County Works Work Readiness Team remains focused on their mission: Developing work ready citizens to become successful, productive members of the regional workforce. 

In addition to the new Toolbox, the Team is in the process of re-validating the Essential Workplace Skills (ESW) in an effort to ensure the skills remain relevant to the current expectations of regional employers. View the updated skills below and download the EWS endorsement form to sign and return to Angela Caldwell at caldwella@gredf.org. 

Adams County Works Keeps Focus on Workforce Development in the Region

[share]Community and business leaders and stakeholders are making progress on a shared vision for workforce development in the Adams County region and are underscoring these efforts with a new brand. Representatives from the three Adams County Works teams shared progress and accomplishments as part of a press conference held on September 1st, in celebration of Illinois Workforce Development Week.

Previously known as the Adams County Workforce Initiative, Adams County Works is an effort that began in 2013 to identify and address critical workforce issues.

 The overarching goals of Adams County Works are to:

1. Prepare youth to enter the workforce
2. Connect the willing to work
3. Advance current workers

Three teams have been established to achieve these goals:

1. Career Guidance Team: Working with businesses to convey to individuals the career opportunities and earning potential available in the Adams County region
2. Work Readiness Team: Developing work-ready citizens to become successful, productive members of the regional workforce
3. Transition Planning Team: Ensuring that as workers retire, the knowledge of those retirees stays with local companies and within the community

Adams County Works is being guided by a steering committee consisting of representatives from the Workforce Board of Western Illinois, John Wood Community College, United Way of Adams County, Quincy University, West Central Region Education for Employment System #240, Quincy Public Schools, Vatterott College and the Great River Economic Development Foundation. 

In the coming weeks, eDevelopments will feature the work and accomplishments of each Adams County Works team, as well as provide information about how employers and individuals may get involved. Anyone interested in becoming a member of one of the Adams County Works teams should contact Angela Caldwell at 217.223.4313 or caldwella@gredf.org.