But an area college is trying to do its part to help the area's struggling workforce in more ways than one.

John Wood Community College held an open house and ribbon-cutting for its new 30,000 sq. ft. state of the art workforce development center on Koch's Lane.

It can help laid-off workers get back to work in no time, and with better skills to boot.

With a snip of the ribbon, John Wood Community College unveiled its new Workforce Development Center Sunday.

"Quite often, educational groups have a tendency to react to problems in the workforce and I'm very proud of our community college, John Wood, for having the fortitude to be proactive with this situation," said Jim Mentesti Great River Economic Development.

Whether you are straight out of high school or looking for a new career, the program is designed to get you the hands on education and training you need at a fast pace so you can get back to the workforce and *soon.*

"You don't need to have a background in college you don't even need to a college degree. Come here we have programs that'll get you through in weeks in months to get a certificate that proves that you have the knowledge that you need to succeed on the job," said JWCC President Dr. Tom Klincar.

It offers classes in truck driving training, welding, advanced manufacturing, construction and even police, fire, and EMS training.

"How does this technology compare to a 4 year university?" "There's no comparison this program's designed for people that want to get out there and work with their hands. They want to build things. They want to build America!" said Dr. Klincar

The career center has partnered with Great River Economic Development, Knapheide, and several other area businesses to help retain, retrain and ready workers to be more knowledgeable and productive. John Wood President Dr. Thomas Klincar says that's what makes the program so unique. He hopes the new center will attract employers to the Tri-states because a skilled workforce will exist.

"As our factories start to find more opportunities, they're going to be able to rapidly expand and bring in a skilled workforce that'll meet their needs. That's something we haven't had before."

Jim Mentesti says the program's diversity also will help attract potential employers.

"When you have a recession like we have now you're gonna have people who may not get a chance to even go back to work if they try to go to the same discipline. And now that they have 5 or 6 or 7 other areas of interest offered to them what I think's gonna happen is business and industry who's gonna be looking for good people, committed people, highly trained people, who have a fresh workforce to come from.

All classrooms are smart classrooms, so teachers can use interactive web-based material to teach.

John Wood President Tom Klincar says some programs can be done in as little as 6 weeks. Others may take 12 weeks.

He also says the new programs will help students achieve their goals without having to spend a fortune. There are also scholarships and financial aid available.

If you're interested in the program, call John Wood Community College at (217) 224-6500 or simply just stop in.

The building is located at 4220 Koch's Lane.