New Release: The Workforce Boards of Metropolitan Chicago have issued the Middle-Skill Job Opportunities in the Metropolitan Chicago Region report which provides information on opportunities in middle-skill jobs in the metropolitan Chicago region. Middle-skill jobs are defined as those jobs that require some training and/or education beyond high school but less than a bachelor's degree. The report provides information specific to the region's middle-skill job opportunities, educational/training requirements, and anticipated earnings. This report builds on information presented in America's Forgotten Middle-Skill Jobs which examines issues related to the future demand for a middle-skilled labor force.
Summer Youth Employment Campaign 2009: The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act 2009 includes Department of Labor Workforce Investment Act (WIA) Youth funding for summer youth employment programs. The Summer Youth Employment Campaign 2009 will provide to youth ages 14-24 who reside in north and northwest suburban Cook County a positive and meaningful paid work experience during the summer months.
The Youth Council of the Workforce Board is soliciting proposals from qualified organizations to develop and deliver workforce services for WIA eligible youth. The Request for Proposal can be downloaded and provides details on the overall goals of the program and the application process. This solicitation is now closed. Please check back after May 1st for a listing of programs funded through this solication.
Employ the Future. Hire a youth for the summer. Summer Youth Employment Campaign 2009 is seeking worksites in North and Northwest Suburban Cook County that offer youth quality work-based learning activities, as well as incorporate sound youth development strategies. Recovery Act Funds have been made available to subsidize summer employment opportunities for eligible youth ages 14 to 24. Please complete the attached worksite application and forward to the Workforce Board for consideration and approval. The Worksite Application and Worksite Q&A can be downloaded.
State of the Workforce April 2009 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.
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.
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.
Faith Based and Community Organization Initiative - The Workforce Board of Northern Cook County received a grant from the U.S. Department of Labor and has partnered with Harper College, Illinois workNet Centers and St. Hubert's Job Networking to host a series of free summits, distribute workshop materials, and establish a directory and referral mechanisms for faith based and community organizations that provide services to the unemployed and underemployed. All organizations are invited to participate in the ongoing series of Build Your Community Network Summits and apply for assistance with workshop materials and copy costs. Please send your contact information to the Workforce Board and visit our calendar for event dates and times.
Workforce Development Policy Recommendations The Workforce Boards of Metropolitan Chicago (WBMC) and Metro Economic Growth Alliance of Chicago (MEGA) have issued a policy paper summarizing the views relative to a national workforce development policy.
