GODFREY – Building stronger connections between local employers, community partners and workforce education programs is the primary focus of new Workforce Training Coordinator Beth Arrowsmith at Lewis and Clark Community College.
Arrowsmith joined the college in Spring 2026 and now works collaboratively with faculty, staff and area employers to help develop short-term training and certification programs designed to meet regional workforce demands.
“My job is really just to assist employers and the community,” Arrowsmith said. “We’re here to ask, ‘What do you need help with?’ and determine whether it’s something we can create a program around. Creating programs that align people with jobs is very rewarding.”
The position serves as a bridge between the college and the community, helping identify employment gaps and developing educational opportunities that prepare students for in-demand careers.
Current areas of focus include the college’s paraprofessional and phlebotomy programs, both of which launched earlier this spring and have already seen strong enrollment demand.
The paraprofessional program prepares students to work as classroom aides and support staff within regional school districts, an area Arrowsmith said continues to face significant workforce shortages.
“Being in the school district for so long, I know there’s a great need for paraprofessionals across all districts,” she said. “Students who complete the program and become certified will likely find employment very quickly because the need is so high.”
Arrowsmith’s professional background includes years in family business operations, sales and substitute teaching with the Alton Community Unit School District 11, experience she said helps her understand both employer and community needs.
LC Dean of Science, Technology and Math Tom Steinmann said the college is continuing to expand workforce education opportunities that quickly connect students with employment while also creating pathways for future advancement.
“There is a growing emphasis on helping students learn a skill or trade in a short period of time,” Steinmann said. “Once employment is gained with a local business, company or school district, individuals may then choose to pursue additional training or educational advancement.”
In addition to existing programs, Arrowsmith is also exploring future workforce opportunities in areas such as trades training, sheet metal fabrication and avionics. She said the college’s workforce efforts are increasingly centered on developing programs tailored directly to regional employment needs.
“Networking and working with the community is what excites me most about this position,” Arrowsmith said. “Collaborating with local employers and community partners to create programs that help people build careers is beneficial for everyone.”
Arrowsmith also noted that workforce training programs can provide alternative career pathways for individuals who may not pursue traditional four-year degrees.
“College coursework isn’t for everyone, but trades and workforce certifications are excellent paths,” she said. “People need direction and skills that lead to opportunities.”
Lewis and Clark continues expanding workforce development initiatives aimed at supporting local employers while helping students quickly enter high-demand career fields through accessible, short-term training programs.
To find out more about Workforce Training at LC, contact Arrowsmith at (618) 468-4724 or barrowsmith@lc.edu.
