Vermilion Advantage convenes regional efforts to address workforce development needs and challenges, focusing on Advanced Manufacturing, Education, Healthcare, Logistics/Distribution, and IT/Technical Services.
Vermilion Advantage’s role in Workforce Development began in 1998 after the closing of three major employers, escalating unemployment rates and rapidly aging workforce. It was a wake-up call to take action and the formation of the first industry cluster. It was an initiative to address workforce preparation gaps impacting both existing businesses and potential new business. Since then, Vermilion Advantage has served as the community’s natural convener to address workforce development needs and challenges. Since 2017, the organization has focused on five key industry sectors: Advanced Manufacturing, Education, Healthcare, Logistics/Distribution, and IT/Technical Services. Over 60 businesses and education institutes collectively make up the core economic pillars of Vermilion County’s economy. The collaborative focuses on two parallel strategies revolving around educational enhancement and community awareness.
The talent pipeline management system brings businesses together to speak as a single voice to the local education system and the community. Since its inception, the business collaboratives have created and supported educational programs focusing on work ethics and stem-based programs.
Vermilion Advantage
The partners in Vermilion County are preparing to launch Manufacturing Month in October. The group is also launching the Skyepack Advantage program.
The Health Occupations instructors at Danville Area Community College (DACC) have been working hard to ensure content delivery still happens if a student is suddenly removed
Tucked away in a corner of the second floor at Danville High School is an office where students can be paired with a job or an internship at a local business.
Danville District 118 students will have a better idea about what they would like to do with their life after high school thanks to a newly enhanced Career and Technical Education (CTE) program.
Danville Area Community College and Vermilion County Works secured a WIOA grant to create short-term training opportunities in manufacturing. Plus, Vermilion Advantage has taken steps to strengthening the career advisor process.
In Vermilion County, the dual credit Career and Technical Education program known as College Express started on August 21st.
