Since the formation of the Workforce Education Committee, Vermilion County has taken bold steps to enhance Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs and expand work-based learning experiences throughout the region. Under the leadership of Workforce Education Director Jodi Ingram, the committee has actively built strong industry-education partnerships and developed innovative programming to meet the needs of the 21st-century workforce.
One of the most exciting developments has been the creation of new partnerships focused on job shadowing, internships, and immersive Work-Based Learning experiences. These opportunities will provide high school students with access to real-world career pathways, enabling them to gain firsthand exposure to occupations that align with local labor market needs. By integrating work-based learning across all grade levels, the committee is creating a vertically aligned career development system that reinforces the value of vocational and technical education.
The Workforce Education Director and the team are also working to enhance career exploration activities for middle and high school students, including 9th-grade career fairs, 10th-grade industry tours, and 11th-grade job shadowing pipelines. Discussions are already underway to expand internship opportunities for 12th graders and to deepen industry engagement within the Xello platform to better connect students with mentors, career stories, and career pathway insights.
This momentum reflects the Committee’s unwavering commitment to building strong career-connected learning systems. Whether through dual credit courses, hands-on technical skill training, or collaborative programming with Danville Area Community College and the Vermilion Vocational Education Delivery System, these initiatives focus on student readiness for postsecondary success and high-wage, high-demand careers. Career literacy, technical skill attainment, and workforce alignment are guiding every effort.
Vermilion County continues to serve as a model for CTE innovation, workforce development, and the alignment of education and industry. The Workforce Education Committee is proud to lead these efforts—building a stronger, more career-connected future for all students in our community.