BEDFORD – The Lawrence County Economic Growth Council (LCEGC) has announced the launch of the 21st cohort of its Introduction to Local Jobs and Skills (ILJAS) Program. This initiative, aimed at supporting justice-involved individuals, will take place from August 11 to August 28, 2025, at the North Lawrence Career Center.
The ILJAS program focuses on providing participants with essential skills, certifications, and support to successfully re-enter the workforce, with a specific target on careers in the manufacturing sector.
The LCEGC emphasized that the program is backed by strong local partnerships, underscoring the organization’s dedication to economic mobility, workforce inclusion, and long-term community resilience.
Cathy Bullington, ILJAS and Adult Education Coordinator, highlighted the program’s impact. “We’ve seen firsthand how workforce training can directly impact recidivism,” Bullington stated. “When individuals are given the chance to build skills, earn certifications, and see a future for themselves, they choose work—and they choose progress.”
