1300 S 9th St, Springfield, IL 62703 · 
217-524-5996 · worknet20@worknet20.org
Recruitment Services
Land of Lincoln Workforce Alliance and its partners including Illinois workNet work together to provide employee-based training programs built to build up Illinois businesses. 
Business Grants for Employee Training
The purpose of the Business Grants for Employee Training Program is to provide resources for employers to train currently employed workers in an effort to keep businesses and workers competitive.
On-The-Job Training
Employers who find job seekers that may not have all of the experience or skill necessary to perform the job duties, but who could become job ready with additional training, may be able to receive financial assistance for training.

Economic Development Region 1
Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act – Regional Plan and Area #20 Local Plan
Community Resources
WIOA Partners
RFP/RFQ Information
Who We Are and What We Do
Funding Opportunities
Annual Reports

Resources and Tools

Make the most of your job search when you use this valuable list of resources and tools. Land of Lincoln Workforce Alliance has compiled a list of links and helpful information that can help you prepare, look professional, and stay informed.

Software

There are a lot of software options when it comes to online accessibility! Access to digital text for those who have difficulties with vision or character recognition is highly important in today’s digital world. The following list is of software applications or browser extensions that can aid users with interacting with text.

  • ReachDeck – formerly Browsealoud – this software is a bundle of the ReachDeck Toolkit, including their website Auditor, website Editor, and the Toolbar. The Toolbar is a website development addition that allows visitors to have the webpage read to them by specifying which areas of the website to read. However, with the move from Browsealoud to ReachDeck, the software is no longer free, though you can sign up for a free demonstration version. Find more about ReachDeck.
  • NaturalReader – this software is compatible with written text on a desktop/laptop and mobile phone, and it can even speak aloud your physical notes when imported into the app via a picture. A free Chrome extension is also available that allows text to be read directly from your browser. There are many voices to choose from, with more being available on the paid subscriptions, though the free version is unlimited in usage and comes with three voices. Find more about NaturalReader.
  • Speechify – this is another text-to-speech software that offers cross-platform usage (with a desktop/laptop version, mobile version, and a Chrome extension). It offers a free version with unlimited usage and 10 voices. Paid offers include more voices, note-taking tools, and even audiobooks. Find more about Speechify.
  • NV Access (NVDA) – This screen-reading software is designed by those with visual impairments for those with visual impairments. NVDA is free to download and use, though donations are suggested. It includes support for common applications and web browsers including Chrome, chat software and music players, and Microsoft Office applications. It can also be run from a flash drive, so it is both portable and will work on just about any platform. Find more about NV Access.

 

Video Tutorials

Resume Skills 

The following are instructional videos on a variety of topics ready to walk you through using the portal, creating a resume, helpful tips, setting your resume type, format, and layout, utilizing background information, job information, and contact information and references, and revising your resume.

Layoff Recovery

If you are trying to bounce back from a layoff, the following videos will inform you about programs and services available to you during your time of transition.

Links to Other Resources

Changing Jobs

TABE Testing

About the TABE Test:

The new TABE 11&12 tests are secure, reliable, and valid assessments used to assess the achievement of examinees on core content areas taught and assessed as part of Adult Basic Education programs nationwide. The TABE test is aligned to the National College and Career Readiness Standards for the three core subject areas: Reading, Mathematics, and Language.  Reading and Mathematics are required for WIOA participants unless you have a Bachelor’s Degree or higher from an accredited institution.  Test results help the WIOA Career Planners to evaluate your ability to understand the curriculum for your chosen training program as well as your ability to pass any required state certification and licensing exams. If your score(s) are not within an acceptable range, you will have to wait six weeks before you can retest.  So, please be sure to prepare.

Preparing for TABE:

TABE is a diagnostic test used to determine a person’s skill levels and aptitudes. Many companies use it in hiring, promotions, or for selecting employees for training programs for skilled positions. The TABE test is also used by public service agencies who are guiding people into adult education programs, such as getting a high school equivalency (HSE), going to trade school, etc.

TABE tests skills and aptitudes in reading, math, and English, as you’ll apply them in the workforce or classroom. Although there’s -no such thing as passing or failing the TABE test, your score can determine your eligibility for many programs that can have a positive effect on your life situation. It’s important to be prepared for the test.  Test arrangements will be scheduled in advance by your Career Planner. Group locator and math testing will typically be scheduled on Wednesday morning.  Group reading tests will typically be scheduled on Monday afternoon.  Please be sure to let your Career Planner know if you need other arrangements or accommodations.

https://tabetest.com/resources-2/testing-information/tabe-1112-practice/

TABE 11&12 Maximum Allowable Testing Times:

LevelReading Part 1Reading Part 2LanguageMath Part 1Math Part 2
L35 minutes60 minutes60 minutes75 minutesN/A
E60 minutes60 minutes60 minutes75 minutesN/A
M60 minutes60 minutes60 minutes40 minutes15 minutes
D60 minutes60 minutes60 minutes40 minutes35 minutes
A60 minutes60 minutes60 minutes30 minutes45 minutes
Locator45 minutesN/A25 minutes15 minutes15 minutes

"The Land of Lincoln Workforce Alliance, an Illinois workNet™ Center, is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Program Provider. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities.”

Accessibility Statement

IMPORTANT! This website contains important information about your rights, responsibilities, and/or benefits. It is critical that you understand the information in this document, and we will provide the information in your preferred language at no cost to you. Please call your local Illinois workNet office for assistance in the translation and understanding of the information on this website.

¡IMPORTANTE! Este sitio web contiene información importante sobre sus derechos, responsabilidades y/o beneficios. Es fundamental que comprenda la información de este documento y le proporcionaremos la información en su idioma preferido sin costo alguno para usted. Llame a su oficina local de WorkNet de Illinois para obtener ayuda con la traducción y comprensión de la información de este sitio web.