Workforce & Business Training

NFPA 70E

January 6 and 8 (8-hour course)
1 – 5 PM

Instructor: Dave Leonard
Cost: FREE (Space is limited!)
Location: JWCC Workforce Development Center, 2710 North 42nd Street, Room TBA

This eight-hour, instructor-led course teaches an understanding of the mandatory NFPA 70E, 2024 Edition safety standards for electrical safety in the workplace.

This course is intended for hands-on electricians and managers in charge of general electrical safety and covers:

• Hierarchy of electrical safety
• Lockout/tagout requirements
• Proper use of PPE
• OSHA and NFPA safe work practice requirements

Electrical Systems Analysis

January 7 – 30 (28-hour course)
Tuesdays and Thursdays, 2 – 5:30 PM

Instructor: Stan Barnhart
Cost: FREE (Space is limited!)
Location: JWCC Workforce Development Center, 2710 North 42nd Street, Room TBA

This course provides a comprehensive program of laboratory experiments to master the principles and operation of machines and devices that generate, transform, and use electrical power. Emphasis is placed on the analysis and assessment of complex electrical circuits.

Electrical Troubleshooting and Maintenance

February 11, 13, 18, and 20 (16-hour course)
1 – 5 PM

Instructor: Stan Barnhart
Cost: FREE (Space is limited!)
Location: JWCC Workforce Development Center, 2710 North 42nd Street, Room W114

Working with real-world components, students in this 16-hour “hands-on” Electrical Troubleshooting course will learn how to fix electrical problems quickly and safely.  This course was created to bring students up to speed in their electrical troubleshooting skills as efficiently as possible, and it was designed to cover the most commonly performed electrical troubleshooting tasks a maintenance technician faces in their job every day.  For the novice or experienced electrician, this training course provides a no-nonsense, practical and real-world systematic approach to electrical troubleshooting.  This course can also be adopted as part of a company’s regular Qualified Electrical Worker program.

Course Goals & Objectives:

• Identify parts of a circuit(s)
• Apply safety when troubleshooting
• Draw out multiple circuits, building the different circuits as they are drawn
• Have a working circuit when completed
• Know how to take voltage measurements from different points of the circuit
• Troubleshoot and repair, from drawing, to have a working circuit when completed

For more information, contact 217.641.4971 or email the Workforce Development Center.

Future Courses TBA

For more information, call 217.641.4971 or email the Workforce Development Center.

10-Hour General Industry

February 26 and 27 (2 days)
8 AM – 1:30 PM

Instructor: Bradley Gibbons
Cost: FREE (Space is limited!)
Location: JWCC Workforce Development Center, 2710 North 42nd Street, Room W141A

This course is intended to provide entry level general industry workers information about how to identify, abate, avoid and prevent job related hazards on a job site. This course offers the resources and tools to create or enhance an effective safety and health management system, a review of the OSHA Act, and highlights of many key General Industry Safety and Health Standards. Upon successful completion of the course, participants will receive an OSHA 10-Hour General Industry completion card. The course will be taught by an OSHA Authorized Trainer.

For more information, call 217.641.4971 or email the Workforce Development Center.

10-Hour Construction Industry

Future Dates and Times TBA (2 days)
8 AM – 1:30 PM

Instructor: Bradley Gibbons
Cost: $195
Location: JWCC Workforce Development Center, 2710 North 42nd Street

This course is designed for construction workers, foremen, job supervisors and anyone involved in the construction industry. OSHA recommends the 10-Hour Construction Industry training program as an orientation to occupational safety and health for workers covered by OSHA 29 CFR 1926. Workers must receive additional training, when required by OSHA standards, on the specific hazards of the job. Upon successful completion of the course, participants will receive an OSHA 10-Hour General Industry completion card. The course will be taught by an OSHA Authorized Trainer.

30-Hour General Industry

Future Dates and Times TBA (4 days)
8 AM – 4:30 PM

Instructor: Bradley Gibbons
Location: JWCC Workforce Development Center, 2710 North 42nd Street

OSHA 30 Hour General Industry Training course is a comprehensive safety program designed for anyone involved in general industry. This course offers the resources and tools to create or enhance an effective safety and health management system, a review of the OSHA Act, and highlights the General Industry Safety and Health Standards. Upon successful completion of the course, participants will receive an OSHA 30-Hour General Industry completion card. The course will be taught by an OSHA Outreach Authorized Trainer.

Learning Objectives:

• Understand the OSHA Act, the functions and resources of OSHA
• Become aware of the OSHA inspection priorities and describe the inspection process
• Know the rights and responsibilities of employers and employees under the OSH Act
• Learn the major hazards associated with general industry work and how to avoid, protect or control them. This includes:
  • Slips, trips, falls associated with walking and working surfaces
  • Effective egress and fire protection program
  • Outline the general requirements for general safety standards
  • Flammable and combustible liquids and gasses
  • Hazards of chemicals
  • Electrical hazards
  • Understand the value of personal protective equipment, usage and limitations
  • Learn the basic elements of a safety and health program

For more information, call 217.641.4971 or email the Workforce Development Center.

Lean 101 with Simulation

Spring 2025 Date TBA
8 AM – 4:30 PM

Instructors: Illinois Manufacturing Excellence Center (IMEC) Staff
Cost: FREE! (Space is limited)
Location: JWCC Workforce Development Center, 2710 North 42nd Street, Rooms TBA

The full day learn and do workshop will combine classroom style instruction with a hands-on Simulation of a production facility. IMEC specialists will introduce the basic concepts of Lean Manufacturing to the participants and demonstrate the tools and methodologies necessary to effectively implement lean in the operation. Then, working in a “mock” manufacturing facility, participants will apply lean tools to their individual workspaces as well as across the entire product line.  This learn-do technique over three “shifts” will illustrate the cause-and-effect relationships for each of the key lean strategies and offer real-world decision points for implementing changes within workforce constraints, budgets, and the natural resistance to change.

Key lean concepts covered:

• Value Stream Mapping
• Standardized Work
• Kaizen Event Facilitation
• Total Productive Maintenance
• Visual Controls
• Quick Changeover
• Pull Kanban Systems
• Batch Size Reduction
• Point of Use Storage

For more information, contact 217.641.4971 or email the Workforce Development Center.

Leadership Series

A series of three classes which focus on characteristics of effective leaders, ethics, service, and both leadership and communication skills—with special emphasis on listening and engaging with others effectively.

Become the Leader Others Want to Follow

January 30
8 AM – 12 PM

Instructor: Rich Ellerman
Cost: $95
Location: JWCC Workforce Development Center, 2710 North 42nd Street, Room W112

This course focuses on the practical aspects of self-evaluation and leadership growth. Attendees learn how to evaluate and recognize servant leadership, engage in effective listening and interaction, as well as learn leadership traits effective leaders have. Much class time is spent on discussion and relatable practices to reinforce continued learning of leadership concepts and actual leadership situations.

Leading From the Front

February 27
8 AM – 12 PM

Instructor: Rich Ellerman
Cost: $95
Location: JWCC Workforce Development Center, 2710 North 42nd Street, Room W112

This course focuses on personal development practices and leadership growth. Attendees learn how to identify the value and practices of personal goal setting and evaluation of their leadership. Additionally, they learn to be motivational and create an environment of teamwork. Much class time is spent on discussion and relatable practices to reinforce learning of leadership concepts and actual leadership situations.

Leading to Create Other Leaders

March 27
8 AM – 12 PM

Instructor: Rich Ellerman
Cost: $95
Location: JWCC Workforce Development Center, 2710 North 42nd Street, Room W112

This course focuses on the practical aspects of delegating and setting accountability in other leaders and encourages leadership growth. Attendees learn how to have relatable development conversations and set responsibilities by engaging in “Ownership Mindset.” Much class time is spent on discussion, relatable practices, and role play to reinforce continued learning of leadership concepts and review of actual leadership situations.

For more information, contact 217.641.4971 or email the Workforce Development Center.

Future Offerings TBA

For more information, contact 217.641.4971 or email the Workforce Development Center.

Beginning Excel

March 4 and 6
1 – 4 PM

Instructor: Ginny Skeffington
Cost: $95
Location: JWCC Workforce Development Center, 2710 North 42nd Street, Room W132

This introductory course covers general uses of a spreadsheet by offering hands-on examples of entering and editing various types of data.

Topics covered include:

• Spreadsheet Basics
• Excel Basics (Screen, Menu)
• Navigating Within a Worksheet
• Changing the View
• Using Help
• Entering, Editing, Deleting Data
• Working with Blocks
• Adjusting Column Widths & Row Height
• Creating & Filling Formulas
• Auto Fill
• Using the Spell Checker
• Saving, Opening & Printing Workbooks
• Setting Print Options
• Copying & Moving (Drag & Drop)
• The Office Clipboard
• Formatting (Alignment, Attributes)
• Inserting & Deleting Rows/Columns
• Using Built-In Functions
• Customizing Cell Formats
• Cell Styles
• The Format Painter
• Working with Charts
• Absolute Addressing
• Using & Creating Templates

Digital Marketing Essentials

March 18
9 AM – 12 PM

Instructor: Andy Skattebo
Cost: $65 (FREE to nonprofits!)
Location: JWCC Workforce Development Center, 2710 North 42nd Street, Room W117

Whether you are trying to reach new customers, improve your word-of-mouth referrals or are already busy and need to streamline your customer service, this Digital Marketing Essentials workshop can help you achieve your goals.

Using specific examples and hands-on demos, we’ll highlight how refocusing your online efforts around your customers can improve your SEO and optimize your word-of-mouth while reducing your workload and costs.

All new for fall 2024, we’ll help you leverage AI assistance to execute your marketing plan.

Together we’ll cover:

• Selecting the core components of your online marketing strategy
• How to ‘own’ your Google search results page
• Improving your Google Business Profile and why it matters
• Customer-centered website features and content that take your site from a brochure to a 24/7 marketing and customer service machine
• Integrating ‘word-of-mouth’ and referrals into your marketing strategy with reviews and social content
• Why it’s nearly impossible to ignore video today and how to take advantage of it even if you don’t want be on camera
• How AI assistance can supercharge your online marketing efforts

DIY Video Marketing

March 25
9 AM – 12 PM

Instructor: Andy Skattebo
Cost: $75 (FREE to nonprofits!)
Location: JWCC Workforce Development Center, 2710 North 42nd Street, Room W117

Designed for the busy small business owner or marketer and based on real-world examples, this workshop arms you with tips and techniques to shoot, edit, and distribute engaging videos.

We’ll help you leverage your smartphone, discover affordable gear and demo essential filming & editing tools. If you would like to use more video on your website or social media but aren’t sure where to start, this workshop is for you.

• The importance of video
• Using your smartphone for video
• Affordable apps & accessories to improve your videos
• Simple filming techniques, composition & lighting
• Tips for recording great audio
• Basic editing using low-cost software
• Leveraging AI for video production
• Sharing and hosting options and services
• Tons of ideas & examples to get you started

Intermediate Excel

March 25 and 27
1 – 4 PM

Instructor: Ginny Skeffington
Cost: $95
Location: JWCC Workforce Development Center, 2710 North 42nd Street, Room W132

Find out how Excel can operate as a database by creating, sorting,
filtering and entering information in a data form. Further your knowledge from the Beginning Excel class.

• Find/Replace
• Using Block Names
• Working With Dates
• Advanced Functions
• Creating a Database
• Sorting Records
• AutoFilter & Custom Filters
• Working with Tables
• Creating an Array Formula
• Linking Files
• Creating a Workspace
• Protecting Blocks/Worksheets
• Freezing Panes
• Splitting the Screen
• Hiding Columns/Blocks
• Multiple Worksheets & Tabs
• Working with Chart Sheets
• Hyperlinks
• Sharing Workbooks
• Tracking Changes
• Adding Cell Comments
• Conditional Formatting
• Formatting Shortcuts
• Custom Formats

Advanced Excel

April 29 and May 1
1 – 4 PM

Instructor: Ginny Skeffington
Cost: $95
Location: JWCC Workforce Development Center, 2710 North 42nd Street, Room W132

• Creating Outlines
• Pivot Tables & Pivot Charts
• Advanced Chart Options
• Adding Clipart, Graphic Files, AutoShapes
• Adding Word Art
• Using the Goal Seeker
• Creating Scenarios
• Adding an Outlook Task
• Consolidating Data
• Importing & Exporting
• Customizing the Toolbar
• Working with Styles
• Custom Views
• Themes
• File Properties
• Setting Program Options
• Sharing Workbooks
• Creating Web Pages

For more information, call 217.641.4971 or email the Workforce Development Center.

Computer classes customized for employers’ needs
Area employers may request customized classes for Microsoft Office programs, Facebook/Social Media, and Google/Digital Marketing. For more information, employers should contact 217.641.4971 or email the Workforce Development Center.

Nonprofit Board Member Development

Future Dates TBA
Tuesdays, 8:30 – 11:30 AM

Instructors: Clairice Hetzler and Pam Shaffer
Cost: FREE
Location: Attend online or in-person at JWCC Workforce Development Center, 2710 North 42nd Street, Quincy

The Board Member Development Course addresses the need within our community for knowledgeable and engaged nonprofit board members. This course will help cultivate the skills and characteristics needed to become an effective leader at work and in the community. Coming to understand the connection and need for balance between knowledge and human interest in things outside of self is where growth and development of a true leader begins. This interactive course allows emerging leaders to network with their peers and learn from each other throughout the course. Local nonprofit organizations will be featured allowing participants the opportunity to connect to a mission that speaks to them, and in return allow their specific expertise to be utilized for a greater good.

For more information, contact 217.641.4971 or email the Workforce Development Center.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) Lunch and Learn

February 5
11:30 AM – 1 PM
OR
April 9
11:30 AM – 1 PM

Instructor: Andy Skattebo
Cost: $45 (lunch included)
Location: JWCC Workforce Development Center, 2710 North 42nd Street, Room W141

What would you do this year if you could hire a half-dozen assistants or interns? How about an assistant for each of your employees? How would that change your business and workday?

AI is no longer a novelty, but it can be tough to figure out how it’s relevant and useful to you in your day-to-day work. Maybe you’ve briefly tried ChatGPT and given up with a shrug, not sure what all the hype is about. If so, this is a session you don’t want to miss.

Spend a few minutes together stepping back and imagining how to make the latest AI models and  tools work for you. We’ll dive into their strengths, as well as where they’re falling short, to help you avoid wasting time and giving up in frustration.

Explore ways to “hire” AI to help you with:

• Meetings and presentations
• Website updates and optimization
• Social Media
• Advertising and Sales
• Employee training
• Customer service
• and more

Get a peek at what the most innovative people are doing with AI today and what’s coming soon. Leave with a wealth of ideas and a list of resources to help you get started right away.

Practical Artificial Intelligence (AI) 

February 18
9 AM – 12 PM
OR
April 22
9 AM – 12 PM

Instructor: Andy Skattebo
Cost: $75
Location: JWCC Workforce Development Center, 2710 North 42nd Street, Room W117

In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, Artificial Intelligence (AI) is more than just a buzzword—it can be a game changer for your small business. It can be like hiring a team of assistants and interns to help you accomplish your tasks and reach your goals.

This workshop builds on our AI lunch & learn to cover topics more in-depth. We’ll get a broad overview of what’s available to you and how to get started.

We’ll demo practical tools and strategies tailored to small business needs. You’ll get an insider view of what other people are doing with AI in their businesses and also where it’s ‘not quite ready’ to help.

You’ll see how AI can be used to:

• Streamline everyday tasks
• Assist with content creation, repurposing and editing
• Act as a business coach or executive assistant
• Optimize your website for search, lead generation and customer service
• Build meeting presentations and summarize follow-ups
• Streamline your sales process
• Improve your hiring process

Equip yourself with the knowledge and tools to navigate the AI landscape. Dive into real-world applications, understand the limitations, and embark on a journey to harness the full potential of AI for your business.

For more information, call 217.641.4971 or email the Workforce Development Center.

Using the Power of Story in Your Nonprofit

March 11
9 AM – 12 PM

Instructor: Andy Skattebo
Cost: FREE to Local Nonprofits
Location: JWCC Workforce Development Center, 2710 North 42nd Street, Room W117

Your nonprofit does great things and has big plans. Unfortunately, it can be hard to communicate that to donors and the people and communities you serve.

This workshop is designed to help you improve your nonprofit’s communications strategy across all channels. You can use the tools and methods provided in this workshop to clarify your messaging, communicate your immediate value, connect with your community, and grow your nonprofit.

The human brain is hardwired to prefer stories. Stories help you make your message easier to understand and remember, so donors and clients pay attention.

Using the Story Framework, you’ll learn to simplify your message using a story-based approach that places the people you serve, and the donors who help you, first.

In this information-packed 3-hr workshop we’ll cover:

• An introduction to the storytelling framework
• The 7 Parts of your story
• Hands-on time to work on your own story framework
• Specific copywriting techniques and samples to improve your communications
• Using AI to jump-start your efforts
• Examples of applying Story to your website, emails, videos and other marketing

You’ll leave with the tools, techniques and confidence to apply what you’ve learned in your own organization.

Digital Marketing Essentials

March 18
9 AM – 12 PM

Instructor: Andy Skattebo
Cost: FREE to Local Nonprofits
Location: JWCC Workforce Development Center, 2710 North 42nd Street, Room W117

As a nonprofit, it can be a struggle to communicate your value and services to both donors and clients. In this workshop, we’ll highlight free & low-cost tools and techniques to make sure your nonprofit stands out online.

We’ll cover:

• How to ‘own’ your Google search results page
• The best ways to optimize your Google Business Profile as a nonprofit and why it matters
• Using the power of story in your website to reach both clients and donors
• Real-world examples of what the most innovative and creative nonprofits are doing online today
• New for 2024: Leveraging AI tools and tech in your online marketing efforts
• A bonus checklist and resources to jumpstart your online marketing efforts

DIY Video Marketing

March 25
9 AM – 12 PM

Instructor: Andy Skattebo
Cost: FREE to Local Nonprofits
Location: JWCC Workforce Development Center, 2710 North 42nd Street, Room W117

Designed for the busy small business owner or marketer and based on real-world examples, this workshop arms you with tips and techniques to shoot, edit, and distribute engaging videos.

We’ll help you leverage your smartphone, discover affordable gear and demo essential filming & editing tools. If you would like to use more video on your website or social media but aren’t sure where to start, this workshop is for you.

• The importance of video
• Using your smartphone for video
• Affordable apps & accessories to improve your videos
• Simple filming techniques, composition & lighting
• Tips for recording great audio
• Basic editing using low-cost software
• Leveraging AI for video production
• Sharing and hosting options and services
• Tons of ideas & examples to get you started

For more information, call 217.641.4971 or email the Workforce Development Center.