About the Committee

The Upskilling Committee is a vital component of the Peoria Regional Workforce Alliance, dedicated to preparing the region’s workforce for the jobs of today—and tomorrow. As industries evolve and technologies advance, the need to continuously develop and elevate worker skills is critical for both individual mobility and regional economic growth.

This committee unites employers, training providers, educational institutions, and community partners to coordinate initiatives that expand access to high-quality upskilling and reskilling opportunities. Together, we are building a more agile, inclusive, and future-ready workforce for Greater Peoria.

What We Keep An Eye On

Emerging skill gaps across priority industries
Industry-driven credentialing and certifications
Adult learners and mid-career worker training
Career laddering and advancement pathways
Employer investment in internal talent development
Alignment between educational offerings and job market demand
Sector partnerships and co-designed training programs

Current Initiatives

Regional Upskilling Landscape Study

Mapping training programs, employer needs, and learner access to identify opportunities for expansion, consolidation, or innovation in our upskilling ecosystem.

Fast Track Career Pathways

Supporting short-term credential programs in healthcare, manufacturing, and IT that provide accelerated entry points into in-demand careers.

Employer-Led Curriculum Development

Partnering with local businesses and training providers to co-design curricula that reflect real-world job requirements and accelerate job readiness.

Work-Based Learning Integration

Expanding earn-and-learn models such as apprenticeships, internships, and incumbent worker training to give learners hands-on experience and real career mobility.

Talent Pipeline Management

Employer-led, industry-specific collaboratives to use a data-driven approach to analyzing talent pipelines and addressing that pipeline with the lens of supply-chain management.

Essential Skills Training

Renewing GPEAK as a practiced curriculum in workforce development partners throughout Greater Peoria to ensure that essential skills are included in upskilling efforts.

Notable Partners