Businesses located in Jackson County have an ample and skilled workforce available with a population of over 400,000 people within a one-hour drive time radius.
Jackson County is home to Southern Illinois University (SIU) Carbondale, a comprehensive doctoral research university with an enrollment of over 14,000 students that is ranked among the top 4 percent of all U.S. higher education institutions for research.
Through SIU, Jackson County businesses have a built-in talent pipeline for a wide range of expertise, skills, and industries. SIU Carbondale offers 200+ majors, minors, and specializations, with nationally recognized programs in aviation, automotive technology, business, and engineering.
There is also a strong community college within a 10-minute drive, John A. Logan College, which offers a range of degree and certificate programs in nursing, welding, electrical engineering, hospitality management, and more.
Additionally, local high schools in Jackson County offer excellent career technical education programs through a hybrid of high school classroom, community college credit, and on-the-job opportunities. These programs prepare high school graduates for local employment in trades such as welding and construction.
Man-Tra-Con Corporation provides workforce support to local employers and employees as well as employers considering moving or expanding to Southern Illinois. Man-Tra-Con offers recruiting, screening, training, and retention services in addition to providing labor/market research and information.
Additional workforce resources for Jackson County and Southern Illinois are listed below: