CEFS Workforce Programs

CEFS Workforce Programs Welcome to the CEFS Workforce Programs (WIOA and LWIA 23). How does WIOA help job seekers and unemployed individuals? Career Planner.

We want to introduce you to the endless possibilities within the workforce system to help you navigate any employment barriers and assist you in achieving your goals! WIOA prepares youth and unemployed individuals for successful and sustainable employment by providing career services and programs. All WIOA customers are eligible for self-assisted career services, and if staff-assisted career servi

ces are necessary, then the customer would be registered and provided assistance directly from a C.E.F.S. An individual plan will be developed with each customer to identify which career and supportive services are needed and will be provided. How does WIOA & LWIA 23 help area businesses? WIOA contributes to the growth of our economy and allows for business expansion by matching employers with proven, skilled individuals. Local Workforce Area 23 provides work-based learning, which includes: Incumbent Worker Training, On-The-Job Training, Apprenticeships, and Work Experience. Visit one of our Illinois WorkNet American Job Center locations:

CEFS, Illinois WorkNet American Job Center Partner- Centralia
KC Crisp Technology Center
2005 East McCord Street, Centralia, IL 62801
(618) 545-3252

Illinois WorkNet American Job Center One Stop Operator - Effingham
2311 Hoffman Drive, Effingham, IL 62401
(217) 347-2101

CEFS, Illinois WorkNet American Job Center Partner- Lawrenceville
700 State Street, Lawrenceville, IL 62439
618-943-4442

CEFS, Illinois WorkNet American Job Center Partner-Mattoon
915 Lake Land Blvd, Mattoon, IL 61938
217-279-0371

CEFS, Illinois WorkNet American Job Center Partner-Olney
Olney Central College
305 N West Street Room 208A, Olney, IL 62450
(618) 392-7777

CEFS, Illinois WorkNet American Job Center Partner-Robinson
102 West Main St., Robinson, IL 62454
618-544-3858

CEFS, Illinois WorkNet American Job Center Partner-Vandalia
517 West Gallatin, Vandalia, IL 62471
618-283-2780

Did you know...CEFS is part of the thirteen-county Illinois Local Workforce Development Area  #23?You can visit your loc...
07/27/2026

Did you know...CEFS is part of the thirteen-county Illinois Local Workforce Development Area #23?

You can visit your local Illinois workNet Center or Satellite Office for assistance with WIOA programs and services.

Find our offices in Centralia, Effingham, Mattoon, Olney, Lawrenceville, Robinson, and Vandalia. Learn more at cefseoc.org/wioa

WorkWise | Day 5 - BenefitsJust look at this list of apprenticeship benefits!📍One-on-one mentorship > on-the-job and in ...
07/24/2026

WorkWise | Day 5 - Benefits

Just look at this list of apprenticeship benefits!

📍One-on-one mentorship > on-the-job and in the classroom
📍Debt-free education from an accredited training provider (Industry-recognized credentials)
📍Direct wage reward for skill gains (Guaranteed wage increase progression)
📍Transparency about expectations and wage increases
📍Upskilling opportunities for workers in entry-level positions
📍Lasting career opportunities for program completers (Nationally recognized journey worker certificate)

If you're interested in apprenticeships, reach out to Dawn or Maddy with CEFS LWIA 23 through the website: lwa23.com

WorkWise | Day 4 - Example"Having an apprenticeship has helped me...I have learned so much by having hands-on experience...
07/23/2026

WorkWise | Day 4 - Example

"Having an apprenticeship has helped me...I have learned so much by having hands-on experience."

Alyssa is able to utilize what she has learned at school in her job. But she is not alone; her mentor helps guide her application so that her skills can be further honed for real-life practical use.

Alyssa also knows that with each competency demonstrated, she moves closer to earning a wage increase, according to her company's agreed-upon wage schedule.

Learn more about apprenticeship by visiting our website at lwa23.com/business

WorkWise  |  Day 3 - WhyApprenticeships allow you to partner with your employer to earn wages while upskilling your tale...
07/22/2026

WorkWise | Day 3 - Why

Apprenticeships allow you to partner with your employer to earn wages while upskilling your talent, making you and your company more competitive.

Apprenticeships have been updated to not only include manual labor, like manufacturing, but now offer programs such as Nursing, IT, and Transportation. Just about any occupation can be developed into an apprenticeship!

LWIA 23 can help you discover this. Learn more at lwa23.com

WorkWise  |  Day 2 - Get StartedYou can start the conversation about becoming an apprentice by1. Contacting your local c...
07/21/2026

WorkWise | Day 2 - Get Started

You can start the conversation about becoming an apprentice by
1. Contacting your local community college to see if they partner with your employer or if they have any current apprenticeships in the industry that you are interested in.

2. Reach out to Dawn or Maddy with CEFS LWIA 23 through the website: lwa23.com

3. Ask your employer if they already have a registered apprenticeship and if not, ask them to contact CEFS LWIA 23 for help in developing an apprenticeship program.

WorkWise  |  Day 1Continuing our WorkWise series highlighting ApprenticeshipsWe'll explain what apprenticeships look lik...
07/20/2026

WorkWise | Day 1
Continuing our WorkWise series highlighting Apprenticeships

We'll explain what apprenticeships look like for the apprentice, how you can get started, the benefits, share a testimonial from an apprentice, and how CEFS Workforce Programs can help!

Today we're starting with About!
An apprenticeship is a way to earn a paycheck while learning a job. Instead of choosing between work and training, you do both at the same time. You work for an employer, gain hands-on experience, and learn new skills that help you advance in your career.

Apprenticeships are a high-quality, industry-driven career pathway.

Learn more about Apprenticeships by visiting our website at lwa23.com/business

"WIOA took a lot of financial stress off my shoulders while I was in nursing school."Don't let your future goals be cut ...
07/17/2026

"WIOA took a lot of financial stress off my shoulders while I was in nursing school."

Don't let your future goals be cut short; see how WIOA can help you excel and reach the finish line!

cefseoc.org/wioa

Where will your dreams take you?We have programs for youth, adults, and dislocated workers to help with job search, resu...
07/13/2026

Where will your dreams take you?

We have programs for youth, adults, and dislocated workers to help with job search, resume and interview skills, career planning, vocational/classroom training, supportive services, on-the-job training, and more!

Learn more about how WIOA can help you dream - cefseoc.org/wioa

WorkWise  |  Day 5 - BenefitsApprenticeship programs allow employers to develop a diverse and skilled workforce through ...
07/11/2026

WorkWise | Day 5 - Benefits
Apprenticeship programs allow employers to develop a diverse and skilled workforce through customizable training options.

Many industries face skill shortages in specific areas. Apprenticeships provide a solution by allowing employers to bridge these gaps by training individuals directly.

By offering apprenticeships, employers can attract motivated individuals who may not have formal qualifications but possess a strong desire to learn and contribute.

These programs also create a pipeline of talented individuals who are trained according to their specific industry requirements.
By training workers within their own organization, employers can shape their skills and work habits to align with company values and culture.
These programs have been shown to reduce turnover, boost employee retention, increase productivity, and improve the bottom line. Plus, apprenticeship programs come with attractive tax credits and other incentives.

The benefits of apprenticeship programs also extend to the community!
By playing a role in training local workers, employers help boost the economy, morale, and talent pool of their local community. Apprenticeships allow employers to provide opportunities for individuals to gain valuable skills. In doing so, employers can enhance social mobility, reduce unemployment, diversify their workforce, and support economic growth in their regions.

WorkWise  |  Day 4Example - Apprenticeship: EmployerWe have a testimonial from one of our partners, F&C Concrete.“Appren...
07/09/2026

WorkWise | Day 4

Example - Apprenticeship: Employer
We have a testimonial from one of our partners, F&C Concrete.

“Apprenticeships have proven to be a vital part of growing a successful business. Our first apprentice to take on the program started his career a little timid and intimidated by the more seasoned guys. We tried breaking him out of this for a little while on our own. We have found that the apprenticeship program offers the classroom training necessary for reaffirming that what we're doing in the field is in fact best practice.”

Little-known facts about Apprenticeships:
🔨 Apprenticeships are traditionally thought of as entry-level manual labor jobs. That is not the case. Apprenticeships can be developed for nearly any job, such as IT, healthcare, and finance.
🔨 Apprenticeships are not just for young adults new to the workforce. Anyone can participate in apprenticeships, even those currently employed and looking to upskill in their career.
🔨 Having an apprenticeship not only helps the individual, but may open up the company to allow them to bid on government jobs.

Address

1805 S Banker St.
Effingham, IL
62401

Opening Hours

Monday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Tuesday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Thursday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Friday 8:30am - 4:30pm

Telephone

(217) 279-0371

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