Workforce Equity Initiative

Are you ready to start a career in a high-demand, high-growth occupation? Joliet Junior College received grant funding to provide workforce training opportunities that will enable participants to find work with pay above the average living wage.

About the Program

Funding for these programs is provided by the Illinois Community College Board Workforce Equity Initiative. Training is available at no cost if participants meet the grant's eligibility requirements.

Priority registration will be given to participants from underserved populations. As part of this grant initiative, at least 60 percent of participants must be African American.

For more information about the Workforce Equity Initiative (WEI) in Illinois, please visit the main website.

ILLINOIS WORKFORCE EQUITY INITIATIVE

Program Benefits for Participants at JJC

• Foundational training to start a career in a growing industry
• Textbooks and supplies
• Transportation assistance
• A stipend for completion
• Career Readiness Training
In addition to the above benefits, participants improve their overall career readiness with lessons in teamwork and communication, as well as hands-on training in computer basics. Plus, they work with a Certified Resume Writer to polish their resumes, cover letters and interviewing skills. By the end of this training, students will have completed the National Career Readiness Certificate and have scores to present to potential employers.
• Job placement assistance 
Once participants complete their resume and cover letters, they'll be ready to start looking for a position. Our staff will assist with the job search process.

COMPLETE THE WEI INTEREST FORM

Qualifying Programs at JJC

  • CDL A Training

    Commercial Driver's License - Class A (CDL 101)

    Designed for individuals with little or no commercial driving experience, this program includes everything you need to receive a Commercial Driver's License. You will receive a Department of Transportation physical, Commerical Driver's License learner's permit and endorsement preparation, as well as Department of Transportation rules and regulations, logbooks, instruction in map reading and trip planning, and complete vehicle training to prepare you for an entry-level position in the trucking industry. In addition, the program includes the Class A Road Test, which is administered by the Secretary of State. A minimum of 160 hours of instruction is required. Training is Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at JJC Weitendorf Educational Center. Students are required to take a physical/drug screening test.

    CDL training is year-round, and enrollment is ongoing. 

     

    Want to learn more about JJC's CDL - Class A training and the WEI program? Please complete the interest form. 

    WEI INTEREST FORM

  • Dental Assistant Training

    Dental Assistant (MGT 818)

    Prepare for an entry-level position in one of the fastest growing health care professions. This course will familiarize you with all areas of administrative and clinical dental assisting, focusing on the responsibilities required to function as an assistant in a dental practice. Administrative topics include the history of dentistry and dental assisting, introduction to the dental office, the legal aspects of dentistry, policies and guidelines. Clinical aspects include an introduction to oral anatomy, dental operatory, dental equipment, introduction to tooth structure, primary and permanent teeth, the oral cavity and related structures, proper patient positioning, dental handpieces, sterilization and more. After successful completion of the classroom portion, you have the option of completing a 40-hour clinical externship. Prerequisite: high school diploma or GED equivalent, and at least 18 years old.

    The next Dental Assistant class will be in the Spring 2025 semester.

    Spring | Mondays & Wednesdays, March 3-April 23 | 6-9:45 p.m.

     

    Want to learn more about JJC's Dental Assistant training and the WEI program? Please complete the interest form.

    WEI INTEREST FORM

  • EKG Technician Training

    EKG Technician (MGT 7967)

    With an aging population, the need for health care services has grown. EKG technicians conduct tests on patients for diagnostic purposes. In the 60-hour classroom portion of this program, you'll explore the anatomy and physiology of the heart and techniques for performing a 12-lead EKG. You'll learn to identify rhythms and rhythm abnormalities and how cardiac medications affect an EKG. You'll also become familiar with recordkeeping patient confidentiality and administrative tasks. Students are encouraged to write for national certification with Cardiovascular Credentialing International. Prerequisite: high school diploma or GED equivalent, at least 18 years old, Adult Basic Learning Examination.

    The next EKG Technician class will be in the Spring 2025 semester.

    Spring | Mondays & Wednesdays, Feb. 26-April 21 | 6-9:45 p.m.

     

    Want to learn more about JJC's EKG Technician training and the WEI program? Please complete the interest form.

    WEI INTEREST FORM

  • Process Operations Technology

    Process Operator Technician (PETRO 100)

    Switch to a career with a future and train to work in process operations technology. You'll gain the fundamental skills needed to work as a process technician in this fast-track program that prepares you for the job market in four to five months. After gaining a foundation in math, chemistry and physics, you'll be provided basic skills in electrical, motors, instrumentation, pumps, furnaces/heaters, plant systems, refrigeration, cooling towers and much, much more. Prerequisite: high school diploma or GED equivalent, at least 18 years old and Adult Basic Learning Examination.

    The next Process Operator Technician program available to WEI participants will be in the Fall 2025 semester.

     

    Want to learn more about JJC's Process Operations Technology training and the WEI program? Please complete the interest form.

    WEI INTEREST FORM

Questions?

Please email wei@jjc.edu.