Workforce training and, just as importantly, re-training, is available through programs at Rend Lake College, John A. Logan College, and Man-Tra-Con.
Education has been one of the region's strengths since the 19th century. As the Franklin County workforce hones its skills to compete in the global economy, it is appropriate and critical that workforce education leads the way.
Rend Lake College, John A. Logan College, and Man-Tra-Con are proactive in aggressively attacking worker training. The results, evidenced at local industry on a daily basis, give the region optimism for a solid economic future.
Rend Lake College, named the nation's fastest-growing community college a year ago, has a solid relationship with area industry through its Center for Business Services, Co-operative Education and Employment Services, and Workforce Investment Act.
The best example of the positive effect Rend Lake has on area industry is its partnership with Continental Tire North America, Mt. Vernon, the largest employer in the Rend Lake College district.
The institution has been educating Continental Tire workers since the plant opened in 1974. Today, Rend Lake and Continental Tire have created a training center at the plant.
The John A. Logan Center for Business and Industry is devoted to training and retraining the area's workforce. The Center is designed to offer customized training for area employers and employees. And, training can be conducted on campus or a program can be developed off-campus at a work-site.
Programs available include, but are not limited to, human resources, quality, supervisory, and management courses, occupational safety, industrial topics, computer training, and workplace skills courses.
Man-Tra-Con provides assistance to the region's business community and the area's workforce in Franklin, Jackson, Jefferson, Perry, and Williamson counties. The organization serves the five-county area by connecting employers with qualified job applicants.
Man-Tra-Con is more than an employment matchmaker, however. Man-Tra-Con partners with area business to offer assistance involving worker recruitment, worker retention, and worker training.