Workforce & Business Training

Ensure a competitive advantage

JWCC is here for the business community!

Local businesses are a vital part of our community and JWCC is proud to provide the training and education your company needs:

  • Short-term training for entry-level workers
  • Career training for high-demand vocations
  • Skilled technical training in a variety of areas
  • Workshops and classes to enhance your existing labor force’s skills
  • Courses customized for your company’s needs

A strong community is the goal of John Wood Community College

Workers meeting

Learn more about these training specialties
(click on the plus signs for details)
:

Leadership Series

Introducing 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

February 22
8 AM – 12 PM

Instructor: Rich Ellerman
Cost: $85*
Location: JWCC Workforce Development Center, 2710 North 42nd Street, Room W112
CRN: TBD

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

March 21
8 AM – 12 PM

Instructor: Rich Ellerman
Cost: $85*
Location: JWCC Workforce Development Center, 2710 North 42nd Street, Room W112
CRN: TBD

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

April 25
8 AM – 12 PM

Instructor: Rich Ellerman
Cost: $85*
Location: JWCC Workforce Development Center, 2710 North 42nd Street, Room W112
CRN: TBD

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.

*$65 for each class if enroll in all three courses prior to the first class

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

NFPA 70E

April 5
8 AM – 4:30 PM

Instructor: Rick Gertz
Cost: $195 plus $155 book (one book required per company; lunch included)
Location: JWCC Workforce Development Center, 2710 North 42nd Street, Room W143
CRN: TBD

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 Troubleshooting and Maintenance

April 19 and 26 (2-day course)
8 AM – 4 PM

Instructor: Rick Gertz
Cost: $1,095 (materials and lunch included)
Location: JWCC Workforce Development Center, 2710 North 42nd Street, Room W143
CRN: TBD

Working with real-world components, students in this two-day “hands-on” Electrical Troubleshooting course will learn how to fix electrical problems quickly and safely.  This two-day 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.

10-Hour General Industry

March 6 and 7 (2 days)
8 AM – 1:30 PM

Instructor: Bradley Gibbons
Cost: $195
Location: JWCC Workforce Development Center, 2710 North 42nd Street, Room W112
CRN: TBD

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.


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
CRN: TBD

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.


10-Hour Construction Industry

Future Dates and Times TBA (2 days)

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

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.

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

Local Business Boost: Digital Marketing Essentials

March 5
9 AM – 12 PM

Instructor: Andy Skattebo
Cost: $65
Location: JWCC Workforce Development Center, 2710 North 42nd Street, Room W132
CRN: TBD

Does your small business struggle to stay in front of potential customers and rise above the noise online? Do you rely heavily on word-of-mouth referrals and wonder how to encourage and improve your results? Frustrated with social media? Wish you could reduce ad spend while actually increasing your exposure and sales?

This workshop will show you how to use free and low-cost online tools & services to showcase your local business, attract customers ready to buy, and improve your referrals.

We’ll cover:

  • How to ‘own’ your Google search results page
  • The best ways to optimize your Google Business Profile and why it matters
  • Improving your word-of-mouth referrals with digital marketing
  • Real-world examples of what the most innovative and creative small businesses are doing to market themselves 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: Small Business Edition

March 26
9 AM – 12 PM

Instructor: Andy Skattebo
Cost: $75
Location: JWCC Workforce Development Center, 2710 North 42nd Street, Room W132
CRN: TBD

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.

  • 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
  • Tons of ideas & examples to get you started

 

Beginning Excel

April 8 and 10
1 – 4 PM

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

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

 

Intermediate 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
CRN: TBD

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

May 13 and 15
1 – 4 PM

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

  • 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 217.641.4929 or email the Workforce Development Center.

Nonprofit Board Member Development

Spring 2024 Dates TBA
Fridays, 9 – 11:30 AM

Instructors: Clairice Hetzler and Pam Shaffer
Cost: FREE
Location: JWCC Workforce Development Center, 2710 North 42nd Street, Room W112
CRN: TBD

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 in-person 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.

AI for Small Business Lunch and Learn

February 28
11:30 AM – 1 PM

Presenter: Andy Skattebo
Cost: $45
Location: JWCC Workforce Development Center, 2710 North 42nd Street, Room W112
CRN: TBD

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 AI for Business

April 23
9 AM – 12 PM

Instructor: Andy Skattebo
Cost: $75
Location: JWCC Workforce Development Center, 2710 North 42nd Street, Room W112
CRN: TBD

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

You’’ll learn how to ‘hire’ AI assistants to:  

  • Analyze and update your website 
  • Build meeting presentations and follow-ups 
  • Improve customer service and employee training 
  • Assist with your social media, email, video and other content creation 
  • Streamline advertising and sales 
  • Act as a business coach or executive assistant 

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. 

Start the new year with new ideas and a solid blueprint to get started right away. 

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

Using the Power of Story in Your Nonprofit

February 20
9 AM – 12 PM

Instructor: Andy Skattebo
Cost: FREE to Local Nonprofits
Location: JWCC Workforce Development Center, 2710 North 42nd Street, Room W141C
CRN: TBD

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.


DIY Video Marketing: Nonprofit Edition

March 12
9 AM – 12 PM

Instructor: Andy Skattebo
Cost: FREE to Local Nonprofits
Location: JWCC Workforce Development Center, 2710 North 42nd Street, Room W141C
CRN: TBD

This workshop is designed to be a quick, basic intro to creating video for social media or your website. We concentrate on using what you have and starting where you are. 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 for nonprofits
  • Using your smartphone for video
  • Affordable apps & accessories to improve your videos
  • Simple filming techniques, composition & lighting
  • Tips for recording great audio
  • Leveraging AI for video production
  • Basic editing using low-cost software
  • Sharing and hosting options & services
  • Tons of ideas and examples to get you started

 

Digital Marketing Essentials for Nonprofits

April 9
9 AM – 12 PM

Instructor: Andy Skattebo
Cost: FREE to Local Nonprofits
Location: JWCC Workforce Development Center, 2710 North 42nd Street, Room W132
CRN: TBD

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


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

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

What does your company need to succeed?

Customized training for your company’s challenges

JWCC’s Workforce & Business Training programs aim to help the manufacturing and service community identify the skills that companies need now and will need in the future for workforce and manufacturing improvements. Working together, we can prepare the area workforce to meet these needs effectively and efficiently.

Access a comprehensive range of training programs

  • Microsoft Office training, including Access, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Publisher, and Word
  • Computer-Assisted Design (CAD)
  • Electrical
  • Welding
  • Manufacturing (CNC Programming, Machining)
  • Industrial Maintenance
  • Professional Development
    • Leadership and supervisory training
    • “Soft Skills” training
  • Truck Driver Training
    • CDL Class A Training
    • Refresher Training
    • Defensive Driving
    • New Employee Road Test
  • Forklift Training
    • Refresher Training
    • New Hire Orientation
    • Incident Retraining
  • Safety Training
    • NFPA 70E
    • OSHA 10-Hour General Industry
    • OSHA 30-Hour General Industry
    • OSHA 10-Hour Construction Industry  

Rely on expert instruction customized for your field

  • Experienced industry instructors
  • Hands-on training with industry equipment
  • State-of-the-art classrooms and facilities
  • Training on-site or at JWCC campus
  • Affordable for-profit and nonprofit rates
  • Certificate of completion or college credit available

Contact Us

JWCC Workforce Development Center
2710 North 42nd Street
Quincy, IL 62305
217.641.4971
Email Us

Join these area workforce development partners who count on JWCC

Logos of businesses participating in workforce training

Workforce Business Education Workshops

Worker at computer

These one-day workshops provide an overview of essential business skills and tools:

  • Google for Local Business
  • Facebook for Local Business
  • LinkedIn for Business

Contact Gordon Forbes, Business and Industry Coordinator, at 217.641.4929 to explore solutions and easy-to-access tools to strengthen your business and workforce.

Job Link connects job seekers with employers

Job Link is a resource provided by JWCC to connect job seekers with local employment opportunities. Potential employees can sign up to receive notifications of new jobs posted in their areas of interest.

Looking for employment? Job seekers register here!

Job Link

Employers, looking for a skilled addition to your workforce? Register for an employer Job Link account. to:

  • create new job listings
  • manage current job postings
  • set a start and end date to automatically remove the posting based on your deadline
  • Add internship opportunities in Job Link! Simply select the “internships” category when creating your job listing.

To update your listings, please access your employer login.