Release from the City of Vandalia—
VANDALIA, ILLINOIS – January 11, 2021. Mayor Ricky J. Gottman and Director of Economic Development Amber Daulbaugh joined forces with representatives from Kaskaskia College, President George Evans, Director of Workforce Engagement & Career Services, Mike Conley and Dean Julie Obermark as well as Superintendent of Vandalia Community Unit School District 203, Jennifer Garrison to discuss Workforce Development opportunities with newest manufacturer, Atlas 46, who is expanding operations to Vandalia employing up to 75 positions in the next two years. During a scheduled tour of the Atlas 46 facility in Hillsboro, Illinois on January 7, representatives of the group met with Kyle Anderson, General Manager of Atlas 46 to learn more about the manufacturer and workforce needs.
The group plans to meet and address specifics to identify the skills required and how that resonates in a newly created course through the work of Kaskaskia College. Mayor Gottman further proposed that the workforce training program be offered at Kaskaskia College Vandalia Education Center in Vandalia, for not only Atlas 46 but also, other local industries who would also benefit from the program: Medline Industries, Kanata Blanket and DeMoulin Bros & Co in Greenville, Illinois. “We have an opportunity to provide training programs locally to help manufacturers succeed by having skilled employees hit the ground running,” said Mayor Gottman. “How fortunate we are to have Kaskaskia College create a new training program on behalf of these industries; it provides great opportunity for our adult and youth workers and businesses in our community and region.”
“My goal this year is to develop our workforce”, stated Daulbaugh. “Daily, I hear from business owners who need skilled labor and people who want to work. For our community to progress, the City needs to find ways to help businesses fulfill their workforce needs as well as assist our residents, both current and potential, attain jobs that enhance their lives and our community. We can’t do it alone. By collaborating with others, we have the ability to better reach this goal.”
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