New Release: Report on the Metro Chicago Region's Economy
The Workforce Boards in partnership with the Metro Economic Growth Alliance of Chicago (MEGA) have issued the Overview of the Economy with a Focus on the Healthcare Industry report. This report updates economic indicator data for the region issued in a previous report and provides information specific to the region's healthcare industry.
New Release: Improving the Skills of Our Current Workforce
The Workforce Boards of Metropolitan Chicago's Improving the Skills of Our Current Workforce report examines how the use of public resources to support incumbent worker training can benefit workers, employers, and our economy; how resources available through the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 (WIA) have been utilized for this purpose in the metropolitan Chicago region; and why continued use of public resources for incumbent worker training is consistent with current goals and priorities of the Obama Administration.
To compete in today's job market, it is essential to acquire the right skills, preparation and access to information. The Illinois workNet Centers in Northern Cook County bring these essential components together. Whether you are unemployed, laid off or looking for a different career path, visit an Illinois workNet Center for all your employment and career development needs.
Jobs in this recession have slowly been returning to the communities served by the Workforce Board of Northern Cook County and the local workNet Centers. The business leaders of the Workforce Board recognize that many newly-created jobs require updated and realigned skills and is working with Educational Data Systems, Inc. (EDSI) to create employment opportunities for the unemployed through an On-the-Job Training Program. The Workforce Board has adopted the On-the-Job Training Program as a central training strategy for the unemployed; providing a structured training program that teaches and reinforces required job skills and prepares for new careers.
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act 2009 is a nationwide effort to create jobs, jumpstart growth and transform our economy to compete in the 21st century. The Workforce Board in partnership with the workNet Centers and the workforce system partners in North and Northwest suburban Cook County are developing programs and services in response to the resources. The Workforce Board is working with the stakeholders to maximize the investment of the public funds towards upgrading the education and skills of the workforce and creating linkages to high quality job opportunities.
The underlying principal of the Youth Council's strategic plan is to ensure that the future workers have the foundational education needed to succeed in the workplace and post secondary education. A first step in this process is determining how well youth are currently being prepared for work and post secondary education. The Pathways to the Workforce in Northern Cook County examines the performance of Northern Cook County students in terms of "post-secondary education and work-readiness."
Holland & Knight gathered the information needed to assess preparedness of youth in the local workforce area, examine successful practices that can be replicated and expanded; and recommend strategies to improve youth preparedness for work and training beyond high school.
It is anticipated that the Metropolitan Chicago region will experience a job growth of 6% over the next three years; similar to the nation at 6% and slightly higher than the state of Illinois at 5%. It is projected that over the three years, the region's jobs will increase by 286,899. Read more about what industries and occupations are projected to grow in the Metropolitan Chicago Region Overview of the Economy Quarterly Report.
State of the Workforce is a descriptive, not prescriptive report in an attempt to present a picture of the current status of a range of elements that are central to understanding important workforce issues in northern Cook County. As a planning tool, the report will guide the creation of goals and action steps in developing and implementing effective and performance driven workforce development programs.
Finance and Insurance Career Pathways. The Workforce Boards of Metropolitan Chicago in partnership with the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce, Illinois Bankers Association, Illinois State Association of Health Underwriters, Illinois League of Financial Institutions, and the Illinois Mortgage Bankers Association have released the Finance and Insurance Career Pathways publication.
Get in Gear...Go Manufacturing - To address growing concerns by area manufacturers who are experiencing a difficult time in recruiting a skilled workforce often due to the negative image of manufacturing, The Workforce Board has partnered with Oakton Community College and over ten area manufacturers and hosted an interactive conference on careers in manufacturing. Included in the day's event for the 200+ students from the area high schools was a tour of Oakton's labs, an opportunity for students to meet with the employers and hear about what is and isn't manufacturing and a workplace tour at the manufacturer's. View the day's event Get in Gear...Go Manufacturing.
WIA Works Illinois. The Workforce Investment Act (WIA), a critical piece of legislation that provides the framework for our national workforce preparation and employment system is pending reauthorization in 2010. DCEO and the Illinois Workforce Partnership have established a position on what should be included in the reauthorization to ensure legislation represents the best interests of Illinois businesses and job seekers, including dislocated workers, those seeking pathways out of poverty, youth preparing to enter the workforce, and persons seeking skills and job opportunities.
