Erica Fay, Liberty Steel and Wire, receives the 2023 IWP Business Leadership Award from DCEO Deputy Director Julio Rodriguez (center) and Past IWP President Tony Furhmann (left).
Liberty Steel and Wire in Peoria, Illinois, is a recipient of the IWP Business Leadership Award for their partnership and collaboration on a new apprenticeship program for electrical apprentices in 2022. Working with Career Link and Illinois Central College, Liberty Steel developed a two-year training apprenticeship curriculum to provide employees with opportunities to upskill, receive promotions, and increase their wages.
Utilizing WIOA funding, the program is aimed at addressing a crucial workforce gap utilizing the apprenticeship model. The program commenced in fall 2022 with five apprentices who had previously worked as Machine Operators, and have since made progress towards becoming DOL-registered Electrical Maintenance Specialists. Following the successful implementation of the pilot program, Liberty Steel intends to start an additional five apprentices in fall 2023.