BSL By the Month for Education
Aligning Champaign County's Workforce and Schools
September 2022
What is a BSL?
BIG PICTURE? I'm here to serve you.
Let me know how I can help your school and how I can connect you to the businesses in Champaign County!
Monthly Focus
Legislation Update
Senate Bill 166
What does this mean for schools? We can look to get more students into businesses that were not an option in the past. Let's capitalize on this opportunity! Talk to your students, find out their interests and reach out to me if I can set up a job for them. Businesses are on board and excited to get started!
Pre-Apprenticeships
Overview
As I am sure you are well aware, pre-apprenticeships are a new pathway to graduation. Unfortunately, there is currently only one business (Rittal) that is approved for apprenticeships and pre-apprenticeships. I am currently working with businesses and the state to increase the number of businesses that offer apprenticeships across all career pathways. Not only do businesses need to complete this paperwork, but schools do as well. You can learn more about this and access the paperwork by visiting ODE's web page. I have included the link below. Please let me know if there is a specific business(es) that you would like to offer pre-apprenticeships so that I may reach out to them to get this process started. As West Liberty Salem can attest, this can be a long process so the sooner we begin the better. Thank you to West Liberty Salem for being pioneers in this process!
Here's the basics of apprenticeships and pre-apprenticeships:
Apprenticeship stakeholders – employers, educators, and workforce professionals – across the country are launching pre-apprenticeship programs for youth ages 16-24. These programs combine classroom instruction with paid work experience. Schools connect students that are in career-tech programs to local employment opportunities during their junior and senior years to increase the potential for career success. Businesses gain access to a talent pipeline of entry-level workers to address skills shortages in the workplace. High schools and businesses can work together to develop pre-apprenticeship programs that make a difference in the lives of youth while supporting economic and workforce development. They provide new opportunities for youth and ways for businesses to recruit new talent.Manufacturing Mentorship Program
School Connection
Jobs and Careers in Champaign County
Save the Date!
Monthly District Representative Meetings
Just a reminder to join me on Friday, September 16th at 9 am. We will be meeting at The Depot in Urbana. I look forward to seeing you on Friday!
Business Advisory Council Meetings
Mark your calendars for our upcoming Business Advisory Council Meetings!