Despite national and state losses, manufacturing jobs boom in Lake County
Manufacturing careers are in the spotlight this October as Manufacturing Month aims to spark interest in modern manufacturing, a sector that is once again booming in Lake County Illinois. According to the latest data, manufacturing sector jobs in Lake County are up 15% since 2010 and forecasted to grow an additional four percent by 2020.
While Lake County saw a loss of manufacturing jobs during the recession, it has been unique in its recovery compared to state and national trends where jobs have not yet recovered to pre-recession levels, and further declines are in the forecast.
"Lake County didn't just gain back jobs that were lost, we've seen healthy job creation in the manufacturing sector that is expected to continue at a steady rate," said Michael Stevens, President and CEO of Lake County Partners, an economic development corporation that works to maintain economic vitality in Lake County, Illinois. "What's most exciting about the growth is the quality of jobs gained. We're seeing demand for highly skilled labor and creation of jobs with above average wages."
"Continued growth of manufacturing jobs despite declines elsewhere in the state are a testament to Lake County's regional strengths and workforce ecosystem. To maintain our vitality, Lake County must offer employers a skilled talent pipeline to meet their growing demands," said Stevens.
Lake County Partners is working to ensure the manufacturing sector continues to thrive in Lake County by collecting intelligence from the business community and working with partners such as the Workforce Development Department and College of Lake County to develop innovative workforce training programs and curriculum that are customized to the specific skills Lake County employers seek.
Dr. Jerry Weber of the College of Lake County noted the strength of the ecosystem. "Lake County Partners has been instrumental in bridging the gap between private sector demand and our curriculum and training offerings," said Weber. "With improved understanding of the actual labor demand in our local economy, we are better preparing our students with on the job skills and closing the gap between graduation and their first day on the job, a win for the labor market and local business sector."
Lake County Board Chairman Aaron Lawlor notes that such initiatives are not only important in filling newly created jobs, but also as baby boomers begin exiting the workforce. "It's critical that we train and develop the next generation for today's in-demand manufacturing jobs," he said.
Manufacturing plays a vital role in Lake County's economy, with more than seven hundred medical instrument and precision manufacturing and tooling companies operating within its boundaries, it employs nearly 20,000.