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Keep Your Business & Employees Competitive

Invest in Employees. Strengthen Your Workforce.​​
Employer-Based Training Programs equip employees with essential skills and training to meet current and future workforce demands. These programs help businesses avoid layoffs, stay current with new technologies and industry standards, and ensure new hires hold necessary job skills. By enhancing the skills of existing employees, programs prepare them for new responsibilities, address critical skill gaps, improve retention and advancement, and contribute to a stronger workforce.

Review the information below to learn how each program operates, hiring options, required qualifications, and the application process. Download the Combined Employer-Based Training Programs Flyer for an overview of all programs. Once you determine which program(s) are suitable for your organization, reach out to an Illinois workNet Center in your area.

The Illinois Talent Pipeline Grantees Map provides contact information for grantees awarded funds to deliver employer-based training opportunities.

Class-Sized Training provides dislocated workers the opportunity to upgrade their skills in a short period of time. Standardized and certified classes are offered during nontraditional hours and in nontraditional settings. It can be combined with on-the-job training, hands-on training, occupational knowledge, contextualized learning, and basic skills or bridge programs. These elements work together to ensure comprehensive development of the trainee's skills and curriculum.

Customized Training is business-driven, tailored to meet the specific needs of each employer. Training is conducted with the employer's commitment to employ an individual upon successful completion of the program. For incumbent workers, the commitment is to retain them after training. The employer covers at least 50% of the training costs. Read the Customized Training Flyer​ for quick facts.

Incumbent Worker Training (IWT) programs help eligible employers develop and implement training for current employees who need new or upgraded skills to retain employment. Depending on the company's size, up to 100% of training costs may be reimbursed through the program. Refer to the Incumbent Worker Training Flyer​ for more information.

On-the-Job Training (OJT) is a "hire-first" program where the employer, whether public or private, agrees with the local Illinois workNet Center to hire, train, and retain participants upon successful completion of the training. Through this program, businesses may be reimbursed up to 75% of a new employee's wages during training. For more details, check out the On-the-Job Training Flyer​.

Registered Apprenticeships combine classroom instruction with hands-on training. The customizable workforce solution aligns with employers' needs by creating a pipeline of skilled workers with industry-specific training. Apprenticeship Illinois Specialists offer a one-stop conierge service to help businesses build a program from start to finish at no cost. Specialists work with employers to understand training models, connect with accredited training providers, develop training standards, submit registration paperwork to the U.S. Department of Labor, and facilitate partnerships. Check out the Apprenticeship Illinois Brochure for a glance at how apprenticeships work. Visit the Apprenticeship Illinois Employers page​ to find an Apprenticeship Specialist in your county.


Next Steps
Interested in learning more? Need help determining which program is best for your business? Use the Service Finder​ and filter by your Zip Code to locate an Illinois workNet Center in your area.

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