August is Black Business Month and is a time to recognize the contributions of the 132,000+ black-owned businesses throughout Illinois. The Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) will host a series of webinars "highlighting community leaders, organizations, and business enterprises through a campaign inviting Illinoisians to "Shop Black-owned Business Saturdays." Learn more about Black Business Month.
National Safety Month focuses on reducing leading causes of injury and death at work, on the road, and in our homes and communities. Observed annually in June, the National Safety Council provides downloadable resources highlighting different safety topics. Learn more about National Safety Month.
The month of May is Older Americans Month (OAM). This year's theme is Aging Unbound. This month recognizes older adults and their contributions around the country and encourages them to participate in activities with their communities. Learn more about Older Americans Month.
April is about Second Chances. Each year, Second Chance Month recognizes the importance of helping individuals successfully return from incarceration. Everybody deserves a second chance, especially individuals returning to the workforce and making a difference in our communities. Learn more about Second Chance Month.
March is Women's History Month. During this month we look back and celebrate the contributions that women have made not only to our history, but also our workforce. Illinois workNet is excited about the strides women have made. While there is more work and progress to be made, it is important to recognize the contributions and influence women have had in different industries in the past and present. Learn more about Women's History Month.
January marks National Mentoring Month across the United States! The annual campaign is aimed at expanding quality mentoring opportunities to connect more of our community's youth with caring adults. Mentors make an impact by providing young people with the tools to make responsible choices, attend and engage in school, and reduce or avoid risky behavior. Learn more.
Observed annually, December 3rd is the International Day of People with Disabilities. This day is an opportunity to recognize and advocate for the rights and well-being of individuals with disabilities. It is important to be aware of this as there are people with disabilities in all walks of life, from politics to the workplace and in our culture. Learn more.
November 14th – 20th is National Apprenticeship Week (NAW). Take advantage of NAW to learn more about apprenticeships, and if they might be a good fit for you or your company. This weeklong nationwide celebration brings together business leaders, career seekers, labor, educational institutions, and other critical partners to demonstrate their support for apprenticeships. Learn more about NAW.
October is College Changes Everything® (CCE) Month in Illinois! As college preparation and planning increases in October and through the fall for the 2023-24 school year, be sure to check out the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) and its partners' schedule of workshops of free college and financial aid planning for students and families through Thanksgiving. Learn more about College Changes Everything Month.
August is Black Business Month and is a time to recognize the contributions of the 132,000+ black-owned businesses throughout Illinois. The Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) will host a series of webinars "highlighting community leaders, organizations, and business enterprises through a campaign inviting Illinoisians to "Shop Black-owned Business Saturdays." Learn more about Black Business Month.
National Safety Month focuses on reducing leading causes of injury and death at work, on the road, and in our homes and communities. Observed annually in June, the National Safety Council provides downloadable resources highlighting different safety topics. Learn more about National Safety Month.
The month of May is Older Americans Month (OAM). This year's theme is Age My Way. This month recognizes older adults and their contributions around the country and encourages them to participate in activities with their communities. Learn more about Older Americans Month.
As National Second Chance Month begins, remember to keep in mind that everybody deserves a second chance, especially individuals who are re-entering the workforce and coming back to make a difference in our communities. Learn more about Second Chance Month.
March is Women's History Month. During this month we look back and celebrate the contributions that women have made not only to our history, but also our workforce. Illinois workNet is excited about the strides women have made. While there is more work and progress to be made, it is important to recognize the contributions and influence women have had in different industries in the past and present. Learn more about Women's History Month.
January marks National Mentoring Month across the United States! The annual campaign is aimed at expanding quality mentoring opportunities to connect more of our community's youth with caring adults. Mentors make an impact by providing young people with the tools to make responsible choices, attend and engage in school, and reduce or avoid risky behavior. Learn more about Mentoring Month.
The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity’s Office of Employment and Training is collaborating with the Illinois Department of Human Services to get the word out on their expansion of the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP). As parents return to the labor force, they not only need childcare for when they work but often as they look for work. Unemployed parents who meet the CCAP eligibility requirements and seek to reenter the workforce can receive three months of free child care coverage. Additionally, income-eligible working families can also receive financial assistance for child care costs. This program adds an additional resource to the customers served in the Illinois workNet American Job Centers (AJCs).
November 15th-19th is National Apprenticeship Week (NAW). Take advantage of NAW to learn more about apprenticeships, and if they might be a good fit for you or your company. This weeklong nationwide celebration brings together business leaders, career seekers, labor, educational institutions, and other critical partners to demonstrate their support for apprenticeships. Find events, proclamations, and more on the Apprenticeship Illinois National Apprenticeship Week page.
The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity’s Office of Employment and Training is collaborating with the Illinois Department of Human Services to get the word out on their expansion of the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP). As parents return to the labor force, they not only need childcare for when they work but often as they look for work. Governor Pritzker’s announcement will strengthen access to childcare for parents seeking to reenter the workforce by providing three months of free coverage for unemployed parents who otherwise meet the CCAP eligibility requirements. This program adds an additional resource to the customers served in the Illinois workNet American Job Centers (AJCs).
Learn more including information about eligibility and how to apply for CCAP.
National Safety Month focuses on reducing leading causes of injury and death at work, on the road, and in our homes and communities. Observed annually in June, the National Safety Council provides downloadable resources highlighting different safety topics each week. Learn more about these topics and resources available on Illinois workNet so you can stay safe on and off the job.
Individuals
Did COVID-19 affect your job? Help is available here:
- Chicago-area job openings
- Statewide job openings
- COVID-19 Unemployment Benefits Information
- Attend a Virtual Job Fair
- If you were part of a large layoff, check for your company and available services here
- Prepare for a new job
Read this article to find out what resources are available.
Businesses
In light of the COVID-19 outbreak, your business may be impacted for various reason and you may be left in the unfortunate position of laying off staff members. In the event of a layoff, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity and Local Workforce Innovation Areas Rapid Response Team offers valuable resources that may be beneficial to any affected workers. For more information on submitting a WARN Notice or creating a Company Specific Layoff page as well as other information surrounding your company and COVID-19 check out this article.
Thank you for being a customer of Illinois workNet. Please participate in a short 5-minute customer feedback survey that Illinois workNet is conducting to gather customers' input about the website experience and the resources and tools we offer to help customers achieve their training and employment goals. Learn more here.
March 10, 2020 - SBDC Day recognizes the success and effect of Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) for small businesses and economic development. Approximately 1,000 SBDCs in the country will share their success stories through social media, public relations initiatives, and several events in-person and online. Read more about how you can participate for SBDC Day 2020.
March 4, 2020 - March is Women’s History Month. During this month we look back and celebrate the contributions that women have made not only to our history, but also our workforce. Illinois workNet is excited about the strides women have made. While there is more work and progress to be made, it is important to recognize the contributions and influence women have had in different industries in the past and present. Learn more about Women’s History Month.
Are you an educator looking for an opportunity to exchange ideas and promote advancement with other professionals in your field? Look no further than the Illinois Adult and Continuing Educators' Association (IACEA) conference held on Wednesday, March 11, 2020. Learn more including how to register.
January 6, 2020 - Every January is Mentoring Month. This month aims to expand quality mentoring opportunities to connect more of our community’s youth with caring adults. By finding and growing mentoring opportunities, our communities can improve and shape our future. From finding a mentor to becoming one, take the initiative to find the mentoring opportunity for you today.
November 27, 2019 - Observed annually, December 3rd is the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. This day is an opportunity to recognize and advocate for the rights and well-being of individuals with disabilities. It is important to be aware of this as there are people with disabilities in all walks of life from politics to the workplace and in our culture. Learn more on how you can be an ally.
November 26, 2019 - This Saturday, November 30th, is Small Business Saturday across the United States. This day is dedicated to celebrating and supporting small businesses and all they contribute to our communities. Learn more about this day and how you can participate by clicking here.
November 15, 2019 - This coming week is National American Education Week (11/18 – 11/22). This week acknowledges all of the hard work that goes into the public-school system from teachers and parents to educational support professionals. Learn how to raise awareness for this week by clicking here for more information.
Integrating local workforce services for job-seeker and employer customers is a priority for the Illinois Workforce Innovation Board (IWIB). Because Illinois has many departments and programs involved in service delivery, integrating these many resources is essential for customers to have a positive experience. "This Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) provides the requirements for submitting proposals that focus on integrating services for job seekers and improving employer access to the skilled workforce they need through the systemwide adoption of best practices in service integration and WIOA regional & local planning.
For more information about this funding opportunity, visit the NOFO page.
November 8, 2019 - National Apprenticeship Week (NAW), November 11 - 17, 2019, is almost here! Take advantage of NAW to learn more about apprenticeships, and if they might be a good fit for you or your company. For more information about this week, click here.
November 7, 2019 - In honor of Veterans Day (11/11/19), the State of Illinois would like to thank all who have served in the United States Armed Forces. We appreciate your sacrifice to help protect us at home and abroad. Illinois, through the collaboration of networked partnerships, has many resources available to former and current Military Services Members (Active, Guard, and Reserve) as well as Military Spouses.
November 4, 2019 - The Illinois workNet team has made an update to its account system to keep your Illinois workNet account more secure. The next time you log into Illinois workNet, you will be prompted to verify or update your account's personal information and provide a secret question and answer, if you have not already done so. Read more about the account update.
November 4, 2019 - Starting a business is a lot of work, but you're not in it alone. This month is Entrepreneurship Month, and there are many resources available that can help walk you through the steps it takes to get your business started. For more information about these resources and how they can help you and your business, click here.
October 7, 2019 - October is National Cybersecurity Awareness Month (NCSAM). This month raises awareness about the importance of keeping private information that is online safe. To learn more about what Illinois workNet has to offer and more about this month, visit this page.
October 4, 2019 - The month of October is Disability Employment Awareness Month. This month focuses on the contributions of workers with disabilities and helps educate organizations on the value and impact of a diverse workforce. For more information about this month and what resources Illinois workNet has, click here.
October 1, 2019 - Every October is Manufacturing Month. Manufacturing Month brings together hundreds of manufacturers across America to host students, educators, parents, job seekers and other local community members at open houses and other public events designed to showcase manufacturing technology and careers. As this month gets started, be sure you have the resources to reach your manufacturing career, training, and employment goals. Check out Illinois workNet’s resources today. Click here for more information.
September 23, 2019 - This week is Employ Older Workers Week! Older workers are an important force that contribute to our workplaces and communities with their wisdom and experiences. For more information and resources, click here.
September 22 – 28 is Adult Education and Family Literacy Week. The goal of this week is to raise awareness about the importance of adult education and family literacy. Learn more about this week and how you can participate for this week by click here.
September 10, 2019 - The Chicago Public Library and Illinois workNet have worked together to create a new course, Getting a Job Using Illinois workNet, that introduces and explores Illinois workNet for job seekers. The purpose of this course is to help individuals with their career goals. For more information about how to access the course, click here.
July 10, 2019 - Thursday, July 18th is the College Changes Everything Conference. Started by the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC), this annual conference is an opportunity for individuals to share how their college or higher education experience has made a lasting and positive impact in their lives. Click here for more information.
June 28, 2019 – On July 1st, three Illinois counties (Calhoun, Jersey, and Douglas) will have their associated LWIAs re-designated as part of the Illinois Local Workforce Area Realignment Project. The Illinois workNet team has updated its services and tools to reflect these changes. Click here for more information.
June 3, 2019 - The month of June is National Safety Month. This month focuses on reducing the leading causes of injury and death at work, on the road, and in our homes and communities. For more information about this month and how you can stay safe, please click here.
May 9, 2019 - The month of May is Older Americans Month (OAM). This year’s theme is Connect, Create, Contribute. This month recognizes older adults and their contributions around the country and encourages them to participate in activities within their communities. For more information about this month, please click here.
May 6 – May 10 is National Construction Safety Week. This week acknowledges the importance of workplace safety and how best to avoid injuries on the job. For more information about how to stay safe and what you can do, click here.
May 5th – May 11th is National Small Business Week. This week is a time to recognize how much small businesses benefit our lives and communities. For more information on how to participate and contribute during Small Business Week, click here.
April 15, 2019 - The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity announced the release of the updated Notice of Funding Opportunity under the WIOA Statewide workforce Innovation Program. For more information click here...
April 8, 2019 - This April, Illinois workNet is celebrating National Financial Literacy Month. Financial Literacy Month is an annual event that aims to teach people the importance of properly managing their finances. Throughout the month, Illinois workNet will be posting events related to Financial Literacy that will take place around the state. Click here for more information.
March 13, 2019 - SBDC Day recognizes the success and effect of Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) for small businesses and economic development. Approximately 1,000 SBDCs in the country will share their success stories through social media, public relations initiatives, and several events in-person and online. This year’s SBDC Day will be on Wednesday, March 20, 2019. Click here for more information.
February 18, 2019 - Workforce professionals and service providers will have the opportunity to learn the basics for different apprenticeship models and how best to take advantage of these opportunities in Illinois. These workshops are free of charge. Read more about the series here.
January 8, 2019 – Every January is Mentoring Month. This month aims to expand quality mentoring opportunities to connect more of our community’s young people with caring adults. By finding and growing mentoring opportunities, our communities can improve and shape our future. From finding a mentor to becoming one, take the initiative to find the mentoring opportunity for you today. Click here for more information.
December 13, 2018 - Bunker Labs and WeWork are accepting applications for the next cohort of WeWork Veterans in Residence Powered by Bunker Labs, starting March 1st!
About the Program: WeWork Veterans in Residence powered by Bunker Labs, in its second national tribe and third overall, is now in 15 cities across the U.S. Veterans and military family members should apply to their nearest participating city.
Application Process: Applications are now open until January 3, 2019. Our next national tribe will launch in March 2019. The application takes just a few minutes to fill out and can be accessed here: https://www.wework.com/veterans-in-residence.
If you have any questions about the program, please feel free to contact We work here: yuki.lin@wework.com
December 3, 2018 - The Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) and the Illinois Community College Board (ICCB) will host a series of regional meetings to present information and gather input on how to strengthen career-connected learning for all students in Illinois. Feedback from business, community, and educational leaders will inform ISBE’s five-year plan for career and technical education (CTE) in the state.
ISBE and ICCB are requesting feedback to improve CTE program development and evaluation so all students graduate with the skills, knowledge, and attitudes to thrive in their chosen path after high school.
For more information such as how stakeholders can submit feedback and when and where these events will take place, click here.
With so many opportunities on the horizon in Illinois—from forging better connections between programs in career pathways and employers to building out apprenticeships and other work-based learning models—Illinois agencies, advocates, and providers need to work with the same understanding of the terms surrounding workforce and education. For that reason, Illinois approved a statewide definition of Career Pathways this year. Through efforts by 14 statewide partners, this definition was a launching pad for developing a larger group of education and workforce development definitions, all included in the New Career Pathways Dictionary. For more information click here...
October 1, 2018 - Every October is Manufacturing Month. Manufacturing Month brings together hundreds of manufacturers across America to host students, educators, parents, job seekers and other local community members at open houses and other public events designed to showcase manufacturing technology and careers. As this month gets started, be sure you have the resources to reach your manufacturing career, training, and employment goals. Check out Illinois workNet’s resources today. For more information click here...
August 1, 2018 - The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity announce the release of the updated Notice of Funding Opportunity under the Apprenticeship Expansion Program. For more information click here...
July 6, 2018 - The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity announce the release of the updated Notice of Funding Opportunity under the Trade Adjustment Assistance Program. For more information click here...
June 24, 2015 - Illinois workNet is joined forces with experts across the state to bring you a webinar series covering small business topics. From starting your business to key performance indicators, we covered the topics employers and entrepreneurs need! Watch archived videos from webinars that have already occurred and visit our webinar registration page to find out what's coming up next.
Fire up your summer job search with Illinois workNet. Whether you're off for the summer and need some cash for fun, or you are looking for seasonal work, the resources you need are at your fingertips. Use the resources, tools, and information with each step below to get your job search started. For More information click here…
The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, in conjunction with the Illinois Workforce Innovation Board (IWIB) has released grant opportunities to improve the economic growth and competitiveness of the state’s employers and their workforce. The Department of Commerce announces new workshop to discuss the funding opportunities including Illinois’ Career Pathways definitions and Apprenticeship Plus framework. For More information click here…
February 23, 2018 - The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity announce the release of the updated Notice of Funding Opportunity under the Youth Career Pathways Program. For more information click here...
December 22, 2017 - The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity announce the release of the updated Notice of Funding Opportunity under the Illinois Talent Pipeline Program. For more information click here...
December 22, 2017 - The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity announce the release of the updated Notice of Funding Opportunity under the WIOA Statewide Workforce Innovation Program. For more information click here...
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November 9, 2017 - Mark your calendars for November 13 - 19, 2017 to celebrate the third annual National Apprenticeship Week (NAW). You can find events statewide, tools to explore apprenticeships, and more on the Illinois workNet website. Learn more...
October 2, 2017 - Each year, Illinois celebrates the contributions the manufacturing industry has brought to our state by recognizing October as Manufacturing Month. You can find events statewide, tools to explore manufacturing careers, and more on the Illinois workNet website. Learn more...
May 24, 2017 - This informational series of short videos covers a broad range of topics for jobseekers with disabilities and employers, including the Americans with Disabilities Act, reasonable accommodation, how to seek services under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, Vocational Rehabilitation, and much more! Check them out today!
February 8, 2017 - The demand occupations search has been updated. We have improved the search functionality as well as the results view. Labor Market Information is available for the careers. You can see the specific LMI data for the demand regions. Get started exploring in demand occupations near you! Start searching...
February 6, 2017 - The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity announces the release of a competitive grant opportunity to support the Governor’s Cabinet on Children and Youth Apprenticeship Plus initiative in Illinois. This funding opportunity is limited to youth apprenticeships and pre-apprenticeships for youth between the ages of 16-24 within three regions of the state. Learn more...
January 31, 2017 - The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, in conjunction with the Illinois Workforce Innovation Board (IWIB) Apprenticeship Committee, has released a grant opportunity to expand existing Registered Apprenticeship programs and create new Registered Apprenticeship programs or create and expand pre-apprenticeship programs that are directly linked to a Registered Apprenticeship program. Learn more...
November 18, 2016 - The Illinois Workforce Innovation Board Youth Committee announces the release of the 2017 Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Youth Career Pathways Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO). With an emphasis on the needs of young people who are not in school and not working, coined Opportunity Youth, this funding opportunity is intended to support effective career pathway practices distilled by the Illinois Workforce Innovation Board’s Youth Task Force. Learn more...
August 31, 2016 - In June, 2016 USDOL and DOE approved the Illinois WIOA Unified State Plan on the condition that certain items be addressed by Sept. 1, 2016. The Illinois response was jointly developed by the WIOA core partners that make up the Governor’s WIOA Interagency Work Group and made available for public comment. The response was approved by the IWIB Executive Committee and submitted to DOL/DOE on August 31, 2016. Learn more...
August 18, 2016 - The United States Departments of Labor and Education notified the Governor and the Illinois Workforce Innovation Board (IWIB) the WIOA Unified State Plan was conditionally approved pending the receipt of technical corrections and specific additional content. The State of Illinois response is posted on WIOA Works and public comment will be accepted via email until 5 PM on August 19, 2016. Learn more...
August 3, 2016 - The workNet team has re-designed the header of the website to allow for more consistent navigation across devices (computers and mobile devices). These updates lay the groundwork for a more modern web design and tools. Learn more...
July 20, 2016 - The Illinois Department of Commerce, Office of Employment and Training is requesting public comment on the WIOA Illinois PY 2016 and PY 2017 State Proposed Target Levels of Performance. Learn more...
July 20, 2016 - WIOA Performance Goals are customer based and data driven. WIOA aligns the performance indicators for core programs, and adds new ones related to services to employers and postsecondary credential attainment. Our state’s performance goals must reflect economic conditions and participant characteristics. Learn more...
April 1, 2016 - The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, in partnership with the Core WIOA Partners Illinois Community College Board, Illinois Department of Employment Security, and Illinois Department of Human Services Division of Rehabilitation Services, announces the release of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Youth Career Pathways RFA. Learn more...
March 30, 2016 - The final version of the Unified State Plan for Illinois has been submitted to the United States Departments of Labor and Education. You can download the entire plan, including attachments and program specific appendices, on WIOA Works. Learn more...
March 17, 2016 - The Department of Commerce, Office of Employment and Training is requesting public comment on the draft WIOA Policy Letter for Eligible Training Providers and Training Programs. Learn more...
January 25, 2016 - The State of Illinois has released the WIOA Unified Strategic Workforce Development Plan. The Plan and all associated documents have been added to Illinois workNet and are available for review and comment until February 24. Get started today...
December 11, 2015 - The Department of Commerce has released the newest RFA for the Illinois Talent Pipeline Management program. The RFA, Application, and all related materials have been posted to Illinois workNet. Learn more...
October 2, 2015 - Have you used the NEW WIOA Approved Training Program search yet? This tool lets you search by WIOA Training Program, WIOA Training Provider, or Demand Occupation and narrow results by keyword, location, job family, and more! In addition, you can now compare up to 3 different programs to get a side-by-side view of them all to pick what is best for you. Get started...
October 2, 2015 - The WIOA Implementation site acts as the hub for all resources related to WIOA implementation, including work of the seven Task Advisory Groups (TAGs) and the Interagency Work Group. Easily access any time using the program tile below or click here to access the site...
September 9, 2015 - Go back to school with success with help from Illinois worknet! Check out our latest news item that provides all students with resources and tools to help balance your advancement in education, training, and work. Read more...
September 17, 2015 - The Illinois workNet team has overhauled the Summer 2015 Youth Guide to provide youth with a year round tool to help them achieve their career, training and employment goals. Get started...
August 28, 2015 - The listing of Illinois Talent Pipeline Grantee Awards for State Fiscal Year 2015 has been posted. Click here to view.
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July 21, 2015 - The Disability Employment Initiative (DEI) application is live! This program is for Illinois residents with a disability between the ages of 14-64 (age requirement differs depending on the county). Learn more and apply here.
June 22, 2015 - With the school year over, it's a great time to start thinking about what you can do with your summer. Use this guide or the downloadable PDF version to learn how to prepare for a job, apply for a job, be smart with your money, and plan for the future. Get started now...
April 1, 2015 - Accessing the Workforce & Education Partner Pathway is as easy as ever! Scroll all the way to the bottom of any page on Illinois workNet and click the link for Partner Resources under the Workforce & Education Partner Pathway column. Get started now...