(The Center Square) – Amidst Illinois having the nation’s second-worst unemployment rate a new law now requires the State Board of Higher Education to annually compile a list of the most in-demand jobs in Illinois, their starting and median salaries and the typical education level for each.
Senate Bill 2862 became law this summer. State Sen. Andrew Chesney said the law is a step in the right direction.
“It certainly doesn’t address the underlying challenges. We have an outmigration of population, the young and the brightest don’t want to stay in the state and we are being backfilled because we are a sanctuary state in Illinois, and those that are coming here illegally are taking up a lot of our resources. Those that have the proper skill sets are leaving the state because of the adverse business climate,” said Chesney.
Like the legislature, John Wood Community College is trying to get creative when it comes to job marketing. JWCC launched the Federation for Advanced Manufacturing Education (FAME) program. State Sen. Jil Tracy explained the program allows students to intern and attend college simultaneously.