LLCC offering Essential Workplace Skills series

By Editor | August 6, 2025 |

Lincoln Land Community College is offering its popular Essential Workplace Skills (EWS) training series this fall in Springfield, Jacksonville, Litchfield and Taylorville. The series is designed for individuals seeking to upskill or boost their marketability — including job seekers, current employees and anyone wanting to sharpen critical soft skills.

For a limited time, participants can receive a 50% discount by using UPSKILL at checkout. This special pricing is made possible through support from a Noncredit Strategies at Work Grant through the Illinois Community College Board.

“These trainings are built to be engaging and immediately applicable back on the job. LLCC’s facilitators bring real-world expertise and practical strategies designed to improve performance and morale,” said Diana Heeb Bivona, director of continuing education and business solutions at LLCC. “We’re proud to support both employers looking to invest in their teams and individuals who want to stay competitive in today’s evolving job market.”

Workshops

The following three-hour EWS workshops will be offered:

Communicating Effectively

Strengthen communication across all levels of your organization. This session focuses on communication styles, active listening, handling conflict and cross-generational/cultural interactions, all designed to boost engagement and productivity.

ν LLCC-Jacksonville – Tuesday, Aug. 12, 1-4 p.m.

ν LLCC-Litchfield – Tuesday, Aug. 12, 1-4 p.m.

ν LLCC-Medical District (Springfield) – Aug. 14, 1-4 p.m.

ν LLCC-Taylorville – Tuesday, Aug. 14, 8:30-11:30 a.m.
Practicing Professionalism at Work

Elevate the standard for workplace behavior. This session addresses common professionalism pitfalls, how to accept feedback and what it means to contribute positively to your workplace culture.

ν LLCC-Jacksonville – Tuesday, Aug. 26, 1-4 p.m.

ν LLCC-Litchfield – Thursday, Aug. 28, 8:30-11:30 a.m.

ν LLCC-Medical District (Springfield) – Friday, Aug. 29, 9 a.m.-noon

ν LLCC-Taylorville – Thursday, Aug. 28, 8:30-11:30 a.m.
Navigating Challenges & Stressors

Support your team’s resilience and emotional intelligence. This course helps participants manage stress proactively, build wellness habits, set boundaries and respond thoughtfully in tough situations.

ν LLCC-Jacksonville – Tuesday, Sept. 9, 1-4 p.m.

ν LLCC-Litchfield – Thursday, Sept. 11, 8:30-11:30 a.m.

ν LLCC-Medical District (Springfield) – Monday, Sept. 8, 8:30-11:30 a.m.

ν LLCC-Taylorville – Thursday, Sept. 11, 8:30-11:30 a.m.

Thinking Critically at Work

Equip your employees to solve problems, think independently and make sound decisions. This training emphasizes data-informed thinking, avoiding cognitive traps and effectively communicating recommendations.

ν LLCC-Jacksonville – Tuesday, Sept. 23, 1-4 p.m.

ν LLCC-Litchfield – Thursday, Sept. 25, 8:30-11:30 a.m.

ν LLCC-Medical District (Springfield) – Monday, Sept. 22, 8:30-11:30 a.m.

ν LLCC-Taylorville – Thursday, Sept. 25, 8:30-11:30 a.m.
Understanding Customer Service Essentials

Ideal for both internal and external-facing teams, this course strengthens customer-centricity, communication skills and service recovery strategies, with practical tools to build trust and loyalty.

ν LLCC-Jacksonville – Tuesday, Oct. 7, 1-4 p.m.

ν LLCC-Litchfield – Thursday, Oct. 9, 8:30-11:30 a.m.

ν LLCC-Medical District (Springfield) – Monday, Oct. 6, 8:30-11:30 a.m.

ν LLCC-Taylorville – Thursday, Oct. 9, 8:30-11:30 a.m.
Building Stronger Teams Through Inclusive Practices

Discover practical strategies to strengthen team collaboration and communication. Participants will explore ways to recognize unconscious bias, improve interpersonal understanding and work effectively across a range of backgrounds and perspectives.

ν LLCC-Jacksonville – Tuesday, Oct. 21, 1-4 p.m.

ν LLCC-Litchfield – Thursday, Oct. 23, 8:30-11:30 a.m.

ν LLCC-Medical District (Springfield) – Monday, Oct. 20, 8:30-11:30 a.m.

ν LLCC-Taylorville – Thursday, Oct. 23, 8:30-11:30 a.m.

Registration

For more information and to register, visit www.llcc.edu/ews. Businesses can also partner with LLCC to bring a trainer onsite to their location for one or more sessions. For more information about scheduling customized sessions, visit www.llcc.edu/business-solutions or contact LLCC Continuing, Corporate and Professional Education at 217-786-4959.