Published: November 20, 2008 08:59 am      

Governor to unveil workNet partner

By TESA CULLI

tesa.culli@register-news.com

MT. VERNON — Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich will be in the King City this afternoon to unveil a state partnership that is designed to help individuals and businesses with job placement and career opportunities.

“I know that the national economic slowdown continues to challenge Illinois’ workers,” Blagojevich stated earlier this week. “The state of Illinois is doing our part to make sure Illinois workers have the resources needed to compete in today’s marketplace. The Illinois workNet Portal, and our new partnership with CareerBuilder.com provide crucial tools and resources for Illinois job seekers.”

The local workNet Center is located at the Rend Lake MarketPlace inside the state office complex that includes the Illinois Department of Employment Security and Department of Human Services. Blagojevich and those who have been helped by the program are expected to speak about workNet.

The partnership with CareerBuilder.com is an effort to help residents and businesses access additional career planning, training and job placement services, according to information from the governor’s office. The partnership provides “real-time access to job openings in high growth industries.”

High growth industries, according to research completed by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, Southern Illinois University and CareerBuilder.com, include healthcare, information technology, transportation, distribution and logistics and manufacturing.

Illinois workNet portal and program is funded by the DCEO, and implemented by Southern Illinois University. WorkNet allows people to search for jobs that match their interests and skills and find education and training programs to attain additional skills, according to information from the governor.

“Illinois workNet also provides assistance with resume writing and interview preparation,” the information states. “In addition, job seekers can obtain wage and salary data, labor market trends, health insurance overviews and information about unemployment compensation, money management, child care and other supportive services.”

Programs which will be featured during the event today include Low Income Housing Energy Assistance Program, All Kids, Family Care, Department of Human Service programs, IDES services and DCEO small business and incentive opportunities.