Workforce Investment Solutions to provide workshops for ADM layoffs

DECATUR, Ill. (WAND) - Following ADM's announcement Tuesday that they would be shedding up to 700 roles in the company, including roughly 150 unfilled positions, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, Illinois Department of Employment Security, and Workforce Investment Solutions will provide a Rapid Response service for those laid off.

Rocki Wilkerson, the Excecutive Director for Workforce Investment Solutions, said that Workforce Investments would be there to assist those laid off in the ADM global layoffs. "When a crisis like this comes up, we're there for the people, and we want them to be able to have these resources. And sometimes when something like this happens, what's really important is to give people hope."

ADM is Decatur's largest employer, accounting for 4,000 jobs.

Rapid Response workshops will be held at the Workforce Investment Solutions office, 757 W. Pershing Rd., Decatur.

Workshops will be held on the following dates:

Feb. 13 from 10 a.m. to noon
Feb. 13 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Feb. 14 from 10 a.m. to noon
Feb. 14 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Rapid Response services include:

Labor market information - Resource Room equipped with computers and printers
Job search and placement services/Job board
Customized training
Registered apprenticeships
Classroom training
Online training - Steps to Success
Referral to basic and remedial education
Support programs and facilities
Career transition services/Career counseling

Presenters include:

Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity
Workforce Investment Solutions Inc (LWIA 19)
U.S. Department of Labor/Employee Benefits Security Administration
Illinois Department of Employment Security

Wilkerson said that clients would have access to all resources available. "Helping you with transportation, helping you with childcare, sometimes rent, sometimes fixing your car -- whatever barrier is standing in your way to becoming successfully employed, we're there to assist with."

Those impacted by the layoffs can get important information on the layoff assistance page created here.

If you are unable to attend the workshops, important information will be posted at that page so people can access it. There are also links on the layoff/recovery page to health care coverage, reemployment and training services, and unemployment insurance matters.