As part of the US Chamber of Commerce Talent Pipeline Management, case studies are being published to provide best practice examples of employer engagement with a new demand-driven approach to close America's skills gap.
Like several states, Illinois faces a critical shortage of skilled manufacturing workers because many job candidates lack the necessary competencies and industry-recognized credentials desired by employers. To help address this skill shortage, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic (DCEO) Opportunity used federal Workforce Innovation Funds to launch the Accelerated Training for Illinois Manufacturing (ATIM) in 2012.
ATIM provides competency-focused training and customized work-based learning experiences to meet employer needs across four high-demand occupations: machining, mechatronics, welding, and logistics/inventory. The ATIM program works with employers to identify key skills and certifications needed to be job-ready, and then partners with providers to develop flexible training cohorts and/or On-The-Job Training (OJT). Each job also receives standard baseline competencies that are vetted against national credentials and regional employers.
The DCEO is partnering with the Department of Employment Security, the Illinois Community College Board, Southern Illinois University at Carbondale Center for Workforce Development, and the Illinois Pathways Manufacturing Learning Exchange on this effort.
