The Workforce Board strives to build a workforce system that produces quality employees for employers, and develops and delivers quality opportunities for employers. The workforce development system refers to an alliance of partners working to provide access to employment, education, training and economic development services. Branded as Illinois workNet, the system functions to makes it easy for business to make connections with a qualified pool of applicants. This system is also creates a single point of access for people to learn about and access a broad range of employment, education and related services. Whether individuals are starting their first job, expanding their skills, changing careers or reentering the workforce, they must be prepared to keep up with the demands of an evolving economy and a changing workplace.
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The Illinois workNet Centers in Northern Cook County; workNet NCC Northwest, Arlington Heights and workNet NCC North, Evanston offer a set of comprehensive services to assist the job seeker and career changers with employment and training opportunities. In partnership with Illinois workNet www.illinoisworknet.com , they provide a free on-line resource that provides career, education and work support information for all residents and businesses in north and northwest suburban Cook County.
At the workNet Centers, jobseekers can access:
Two thirds of the workforce of 2020 will be comprised of adults already in today's workforce.(www.Skills2Compete.org) We must provide increased opportunities for incumbent workers to acquire new skills so that our current workforce can remain competitive in a changing workplace. In an effort to assist local employers to remain competitive and productive, The Workforce Board has been authorizing training funds to employers in an effort to enhance and improve the skills of their current workforce through the Incumbent Worker Training Program.
The Incumbent Worker Training Program is funded by the Federal Workforce Investment Act (WIA) and administered by the Workforce Board or Northern Cook County in collaboration with the local community colleges. The total amount of funding available for all training projects is contingent on the WIA allocations received in North and Northwest Suburban Cook County and an annual basis.
The Incumbent Worker Training Program is customized occupational training that is designed to meet the special requirements of an employer (including a group of employers) that is conducted with a commitment by the employer to continue to employ an individual upon successful completion of the training. Incumbent Worker Training may include the introduction of new technologies, introduction to new production or service procedures, or upgrading to new jobs that require additional skills. Incumbent Worker Training may be a combination of training and classroom instruction necessary to provide the worker the necessary skills to perform the job or upgrade their skills. Click here for an application and additional information.
The Youth Council of the Workforce Board is invested in preparing and maintaining a quality future workforce. In the current economic condition and the skill shifts in the labor market; post-secondary education and advanced training beyond a high school diploma or GED is critical to the young adults. The Youth Council oversees a service delivery model consisting of a provider network that is identified through a competitive bid process to develop and operate programs to prepare the youth for the changes and challenges faced in the world of work. In addition, The Youth Council challenges local businesses and employers to get involve. Business must find a means to identify with the youth, the parents, and the communities and educators to assist in making the connection between academics, work, and life long learning. The network of WIA youth programs is prepared to work with the business community in an effort to create the link.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 45% of all job openings between 2004 and 2014 will be middle skills jobs. (America's Forgotten Middle-Skill Jobs). Middle skill jobs are those that require more than a high school education but less than a four year degree. We can prepare our unemployed for these jobs with Increased funding for existing programs or new programs that provide job seekers increased access to postsecondary training/education and basic skills training. The Workforce Board continues to prioritize WIA funding for training opportunities for job seekers.
Approved training programs must lead to high wage, high growth occupations in the core industry sectors identified by the Workforce Board and supported by the series of CSSI reports, up to date labor market information and local employer needs.
Information: Click here
Application: Click here
Five Year Plan:
Youth Services Plan Attachment to Title 1B Plan
Equal Opportunity Program Documents:
WIA Discrimination Complaint Procedures
WIA Discrimination Complaint Procedures Brochure
WIA Discrimination Complaint Form
Equal Opportunity Is the Law poster
Quick Links
The Workforce Boards of Metropolitan Chicago