Greater Peoria Economic Development Council launches workforce development website called “Make Yourself”

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[February 04, 2016]  PEORIA - On January 28, The Greater Peoria Economic Development Council (GPEDC) celebrated the launch of its new workforce development website, www.MakeYourselfGP.org.

The website offers a one-stop career exploration resource for students, parents, and educators in Greater Peoria. The site provides critical career information and guidance, along with internship opportunities and a long list of events, programs, and camps designed to support a student's search for the ideal career.

“One of the biggest complaints we received from educators, parents, and students was the challenge of navigating all of the many career development resources and programs,” said Jennifer Daly, CEO for the Greater Peoria EDC. “We designed this site to be that one place everyone can go to find out about careers in demand in our region, how to access those careers, and all the great resources that can help a student prepare with the support of parents, educators, and local employers.”

MakeYourselfGP features a portal through which students can access Career Cruising software to help them identify the careers that fit them best and connect with career coaches. This page also highlights the region’s most critically needed careers, apprenticeship opportunities, internships, and scholarship information. MakeYourselfGP.org also allows parents to monitor their student’s career exploration and find resources to help guide them on a path to success.

“Career Cruising is an incredible online resource offered at no charge to all of the schools in the Illinois Central College district through funding provided by P.E.R.F.E.C.T.,” said Daly. “And yet when we spoke with educators and students, many of them had never heard of the program. We wanted to make sure everyone knew about Career Cruising and how to get their log in and password.”

MakeYourselfGP.org is also for employers. They can use the site to access Career Cruising, create a company profile, become a Career Coach, highlight their industry, and offer internships and job shadow experiences directly to students. The site creates an easy way for employers to work hand-in-hand with regional educators to prepare their future talent pipeline.

“We wanted an easy way for employers to get involved and connect with classrooms,” said Daly. “We hope every employer who worries about finding future talent will go to MakeYour- selfGP.org and create a profile on Career Cruising. This is one simple way to help support the positive career development of regional students.”

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MakeYourselfGP also offers a calendar of local events, activities, camps, and programs that build STEM skills and offer additional career exploration opportunities to middle and high school students. Users can join an online mailing list and receive a monthly e-newsletter with reminders about events and other resources that can support their career pathway.

“We are excited about what MakeYourselfGP offers today and also the power it can have in the future as one place where we can continue to share valuable information about our region’s most critically needed careers and the pathways for students to access them,” said Daly. “Every parent and educator wants to help their student find the ideal career path. We hope this site will offer a much easier way to provide the support and guidance needed for success.”

[Kate Carroll, Director of Workforce Solutions
Greater Peoria Economic Development Council]

Note:  Lincoln and Logan County are members of the Greater Peoria Economic Development Council.  As such, residents of Logan County are invited to take advantage of free programs offered through the GPEDC.

 

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