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202312/01
International Day of People with Disabilities
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.
This year, the theme is "Transformative solutions for inclusive development: the role of innovation in fueling an accessible and equitable world." To foster and encourage a welcoming society for all, it is important to recognize that those with disabilities contribute significantly to all aspects of our community. Learn more about, endorse, and share the Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities in Humanitarian Action charter. Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities in Humanitarian Action.
Learn more about this event's history, resources, and how you can help today at the International Day of People with Disabilities website.
Be sure to check out the following Illinois workNet resources to help you or someone you know who has a disability:
- disabilityworks
- Disability Benefits Estimator
- Disability Employment Guide
- Video Series for Workers, Job Seekers, and Employers
- Resources, and more
- DHS Division of Rehabilitation Services
- State of Illinois – Disabled Workers Programs
- 2023 Disability Equality Index Results – Best Places to Work
- AbilityLinks
- Disability in Chicagoland
- The Arc of Illinois
- Job Accommodation Network (JAN)
Follow us on Social Media for the latest:
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202311/16
National Apprenticeship Week 2023
Illinois is leading the Nation in proclamations and events this year! We have over 94 proclamations from the Governor, educational entities, municipalities, employers, unions, non-profits, and more. Additionally, over 231 events are being held around the State. You can find these proclamations and event information here. Register for one or more of the Apprenticeship Illinois webinars sponsored by the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity:
Friday, November 17th, 9:00 AM-10:00 AM Webinar: Highlighting Illinois Apprentices
On Monday, Assistant Director Cameron Joost and the Illinois Workforce Innovation Board's (IWIB) Apprenticeship Committee Chair, Daniel Serota, presented Dr. Keith Cornille, President of Heartland Community College, with the Governor's National Apprenticeship Week Proclamation to officially kick off NAW. The U.S. Department of Labor Office of Apprenticeship Director, Deb Cremeens-Risinger, presented the college with the approved and signed standards for their Registered Apprenticeship Program for Registered Nurses. Lavon Nelson, with the Illinois Community College Board, recognized Heartland, the employers, and apprentices for their commitment to expanding apprenticeships. And, to top it off, over 20 Apprentices from OSF, Rivian, Carle, Bridgestone, and Ferrero participated in the Apprentice Signing Ceremony!
On Tuesday, the IWIB Apprenticeship Committee announced the 2024 Inaugural Apprentice Ambassador Cohort on the Apprenticeship Illinois social media platforms! You can find the recording and more information about the program here.
Please welcome our 2024 apprentice ambassadors:
Alan Rodriguez, Unite Here Local 1, Chicago
Kandis Draw, The HAP Foundation, Oak Brook, LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kandis-draw/
Aaron Henry, Zurich North America, Schaumburg, LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaron-henry-48950962/
Millenia Wells, Memorial Hospital, Belleville, LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/millenia-wells-00a5471b3/
Gayle Edwards, Northwestern Medicine, Chicago
Cody Myles, North American Lighting, Paris, LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cody-myles-323806206/
Morgan Arnold, Aon Corporation, Chicago, LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/morgan-arnold-569422230/
Bianca Harmon, McDonald's, Chicago, LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bianca-harmon-71230ba2/
Martha Martinez, Hyatt Regency McCormick Place, Chicago
Zoe Pierce, Zeller Construction of Marion, Marion
Nathan Shook, Accenture, West Peoria, LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathan-shook-92b814126/
Celebrate this National Apprenticeship Week with us. Sign up for a webinar! Find out more about the Apprentice Ambassadors! Check out the calendar and attend an event near you! Subscribe to Newsletters and connect with us on social media:
- Twitter/X
- Designated Hashtags: #ApprenticeshipIL #NAW2023 #ApprenticeshipUSA
- Click here to access the Social Media Toolkit.
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202311/02
Celebrate National Apprenticeship Week!
National Apprenticeship Week (NAW) is November 13-19, 2023! NAW is a nationwide celebration where employers, industry associations, labor organizations, community-based organizations, workforce partners, educators, and government leaders come together and host events to showcase the success and value of Registered Apprenticeship as an integral element in rebuilding our economy, supporting employers with workforce needs, promoting racial and gender equity, creating pathways to quality jobs, and supporting underserved communities.
Key Notes about NAW in Illinois:
- Events:
- Celebrate with Apprenticeship Illinois (Flyer):
- Monday, November 13, 2023 | 3:00 PM-4:00 PM – In-Person Event
Kickoff National Apprenticeship Week in Illinois – Apprentice Signing Ceremony at Heartland Community College
Details: Illinois NAW Apprentice Signing Ceremony at Heartland Community College | Apprenticeship.gov - Wednesday, November 15, 2023 | 9:00 AM-10:00 AM – Webinar
Talent Pipeline Management
Register Here - Thursday, November 16, 2023 | 9:00 AM-10:00 AM – Webinar
Apprenticeship in New & Emerging Industries – Climate & Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA)
Register Here - Friday, November 17, 2023 | 9:00 AM-10:00 AM – Webinar
Highlighting Illinois Apprentices
Register Here - Other Events: Find virtual and in-person National Apprenticeship Week events on the ApprenticeshipIllinois.com homepage by scrolling down to the calendar and clicking "more" to view a list of events. Or browse events on the Illinois NAW2023 page.
- Proclamations
- Click here to find or submit Proclamations.
- Apprenticeship supporters (such as cities/counties, educational institutes, industry/trade partners, etc.) are encouraged to participate and raise awareness during NAW by signing/submitting a proclamation. Templates are available on Apprenticeship Illinois.
- Apprentice Ambassador Program
- The first cohort of Illinois Apprentice Ambassadors will be announced during National Apprenticeship Week! The Illinois Workforce Innovation Board's Apprenticeship Committee created the inaugural Apprentice Ambassador Program to serve as champions. The Ambassadors are comprised of diverse apprentices and apprentice graduates of all ages and backgrounds within the state and come from multiple industries. The Apprentice Ambassadors will promote apprenticeships to career seekers and employers. Learn more here.
- Social Media: Check us out on social media and tag us in posts! Use our Social Media Toolkit to spread the word with sample posts and pre-made graphics.
- Social Media Toolkit: Click here to access.
- Connect with us:
- Designated Hashtags: #ApprenticeshipIL #NAW2023 #ApprenticeshipUSA
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202212/01
International Day of People with Disabilities
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.
This year, the theme is "Transformative solutions for inclusive development: the role of innovation in fueling an accessible and equitable world." To foster and encourage a welcoming society for all, it is important to recognize that those with disabilities contribute significantly to all aspects of our community. Learn more about, endorse, and share the Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities in Humanitarian Action charter. Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities in Humanitarian Action.
Learn more about this event's history, resources, and how you can help today at the International Day of People with Disabilities website.
Be sure to check out the following Illinois workNet resources to help you or someone you know who has a disability:
- disabilityworks
- Disability Benefits Estimator
- Disability Employment Guide
- Video Series for Workers, Job Seekers, and Employers
- Resources and more
- State of Illinois – Disabled Workers Programs
- 2022 Disability Equality Index Results – Best Places to Work
- AbilityLinks
- Disability in Chicagoland
- The Arc of Illinois
- Job Accommodation Network (JAN)
Follow us on Social Media for the latest:
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202211/01
Upcoming Webinar: Updates to the Illinois workNet Resume Building Tool
On Wednesday, November 9th from 10:00 – 11:00 am, Illinois workNet will be providing an overview of the recent updates to the new and improved Illinois workNet Resume Building Tools. If you are unable to attend this event, a recording will be made and uploaded to Illinois workNet's YouTube channel afterwards.
Users will still have access to the core set of building tools. These tools have been improved and expanded to provide users with a complete set of career preparation tools to fully showcase skills through a comprehensive career portfolio.
Register for this webinar today.
Check out the Frequently Asked Questions below for more information on what you can expect from the update.
When will the update take place?
During the weekend of 10/1, the Illinois workNet Resume Builder and Cover Letter Builder will be updated to a new version of the tool called SkillsFirst.
What does this mean?
Any previously saved resumes and cover letters (PDF and Word files) saved in the Illinois workNet Resume Builder will need to be transferred over to the new version of the tool.
Will I still be able to access my resumes and cover letters that I created with the current resume builder?
If you move your Resume(s) and Cover Letter(s) to SkillsFirst, then they will not be deleted. Your Resume(s) and Cover Letter(s) are accessible from the Document Center.
How long do I have to transfer my resumes and cover letters into SkillsFirst?After January 15th, 2023, previously saved Resumes and Cover Letters that have not been moved to SkillsFirst will be deleted from the Document Center of the Illinois workNet Resume Building tools. Note: This will be the same page where you find your previously saved resumes, cover letters, elevator pitches, and other resources.
How can I transfer my documents into SkillsFirst?Here is how you can move your Resume(s) and Cover Letter(s) into SkillsFirst:
- Visit illinoisworknet.com
- Select the Login icon and login to your account
- In the Dashboard banner select "Resumes"
- You will be redirected to the Document Center
- In the Resumes section you will see a message to move your Resume(s) into SkillsFirst. Follow the prompts to move your previously saved resumes into SkillsFirst.
- Note: You will need to repeat this process for any previously saved Cover Letter(s) as well.
How can I access the new resume and cover letter building tools?
- Login to your Illinois workNet account
- Select "Resumes" in the Dashboard banner
- You will be redirected to the Document Center where you can click on your previously saved documents or create a new one
- When you make your click "Create New Resume" or "Create New Cover Letter", you will be redirected to the new building tool
If it will be your first time accessing the building tools, you will need to confirm your email address:
- After following the steps above, click Continue to confirm your email address.
- You will then see a message asking you to check your email. Go to your inbox and open the confirmation email (be sure to check your spam and junk folders if you do not see it) and click the confirmation link in the email.
- Note: This link will expire in one hour, so be sure to confirm before the hour runs up, or you will have to repeat this confirmation process.
- Once you select the link, you will be redirected to back to the building tools, where you can create your documents.
Additional Resources
Check out the Illinois workNet Resume Writing Guide for an overview of resume-related resources that are available on Illinois workNet.
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202210/06
National Disability Employment Awareness Month 2022
This month is National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM). Observed nationwide every October, NDEAM is a way to celebrate the contributions of workers with disabilities. It also helps organizations across the country to educate others on the value and impact of having a diverse workforce. As this month gets started, be sure to take advantage of the resources available to you on the disabilityworks website of Illinois workNet and elsewhere that can assist you directly:
- Disability Benefits Estimator
- Disability Employment Guide
- Find Available Benefits and Services
- Develop a Financial Management Plan
- Explore Career and Training Opportunities
- Get Organized and Search for Jobs
- Illinois workNet – Employer Hiring Credits
- DHS Division of Rehabilitation Services
- State of Illinois – Disabled Workers Program
- Disability Equality Index
- 2022 Disability Equality Index Results – Best Places to Work
- AbilityLinks
- Job Accommodation Network
Be sure to check out and participate in upcoming events in Illinois and share with those you know. Visit the Illinois workNet Event Calendar today.
Follow us on Social Media for the latest on Disability Employment Awareness Month:
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202208/15
Tech Prairie STEAM Expo – August 17 – 21, 2022
The Tech Prairie STEAM Expo will be taking place August 17th through the 21st at the Orr Building during the Illinois State Fair. Sponsored by the Illinois Department of Innovation and Technology, this event will include interactive exhibits, eSports, drone racing, and more while exploring the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics.
On Friday, August 19th, a job fair will be held in person at the Orr Building with state agencies that are currently hiring from 3:00 – 6:00pm. This is an excellent opportunity to meet with agency representatives to learn more about job opportunities that are available with the State of Illinois.
Additionally, for those who are unable to attend in person, there will be a virtual event with participating state agency representatives. You can register for the virtual component here. Visit the Illinois workNet page for the STEAM Expo to see which agencies will be participating.
Building Hours and Location
The STEAM Expo will be held at the Orr Building on the Illinois State Fairgrounds, 66 4 H Rd, Springfield, IL 62702. The Expo will be open daily from 10am to 6pm from August 17 -21. A map of the Illinois State Fairgrounds shows the Orr Building is located on the West side of the Fairgrounds. The STEAM Expo will officially open at 10:00 am on Wednesday, August 17th with an opening ribbon-cutting event.
COVID Precautions
At this time and subject to change, you are welcome to wear masks inside the building, but there are no public health requirements. The Department of Agriculture will be providing sanitizing stations at the doors and will clean all general areas of the building periodically. Exhibitors are asked to sanitize their own equipment and exhibit areas when needed.
Admissions
Entrance to the Expo inside the Orr Building is free, but admission tickets to the State Fair are required for entrance to the fairgrounds. General admission on Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday costs $5 and admission on Friday and Saturday is $10. Public parking costs $5 daily on the infield at Gate 6.
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202205/03
National Military Appreciation Month 2022
In honor of National Military Appreciation Month, Illinois workNet 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.
To see what the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is doing to support veterans and their families during the COVID-19 pandemic, visit their website. From what you should do to how to protect yourself, learn about what the VA is doing to help our veterans and their communities. Additionally, the VA has information regarding health benefits and financial literacy along with how to access these benefits for veterans.
The following is a brief list of WIOA partners and training services available to our Military Service Members and Spouses (Note: A Spouse of an Active Duty Service member who is unemployed or under-employed could receive services under the WIOA Dislocated Worker Program):
Illinois Department of Employment Security
- Individualized Career Planning Assistance
- One-on-one assistance provided to Disabled Veterans
- Unemployment Services
- Illinois Job Link
Illinois Department of Human Services
- Family & Community Services
- Mental Health
- Rehabilitation Services
- Substance Abuse
Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity
- Apprenticeships (Employers & Job Seekers)
- Layoffs and Closing Guidance
- Entrepreneurship and small-business guidance
- Invest Illinois Venture Fund
- Veteran's Priority of Service at American Job Centers
- Veteran Assistance Guide
- Transitioning to Civilian Employment
- Communicating Military Experience and Skills to Employers
- Benefits of Hiring Veterans
- Getting Connected to Benefits & Services for Veterans
- Translate Your Military Skills into Training or a New Career
- How to Apply Military Skills to Civilian Jobs
- How to Tackle a Career Change Head-On
- Preparing and Searching for a Job After the Military
- How Can Illinois JobLink Help You?
- Find Events for Veterans near you
- Additional Helpful Resources
Follow us on Social Media for the latest on #MilitaryAppreciationMonth!
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202203/14
Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) Day 2022
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 online. This year's SBDC Day will be on Wednesday, March 16, 2022. For more information, check out the official SBDC website.
The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) will celebrate Women's HERstory Month throughout March 2022. DCEO, through its Offices of Minority Economic Empowerment (OMEE) and Regional Economic Development (RED), will present virtual events featuring business resources and advice from women leaders, recognize women-owned businesses throughout the state, and showcase our commitment to investing in women. Please join us as we celebrate and elevate HER in Illinois!
Expanding Access to Capital in Illinois: How Illinois Financial Institutions can drive profit and purpose through the Illinois Advantage Illinois Loan Program
Date/Time: March 23, 2022 11:00 pm
Presented by: Mark Schultz and John Hill, Advantage Illinois Team
Hosted by: Sal Garza, DCEO West Central Region Manager
Please join the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity for a conversation around how local financial institutions can partner with the State of Illinois to drive small business growth and access to capital for minority owned businesses. Advantage Illinois provides low interest loans to small businesses in Illinois for start-up costs, working capital, equipment and inventory. Learn how your bank can participate in this program using your own underwriting standards and loan processes. Through the American Rescue Plan, the State Small Business Credit initiative (SSBCI), recently received an increase in funding to help bolster access to capital in Minority Communities, the only way we can be successful is through a robust banking network. Register today.
SBDCs offer a variety of services, training, and information to help businesses start-up and grow. Find an SBDC near you to learn more.
Procurement Technical Assistance Centers (PTACs) help small businesses expand into work with government contracting. For more information, find a PTAC near you.
Also, be sure to check out these Illinois workNet resources for small businesses:
- Start a Business Guide
- Benefits of Starting a Business
- What to Know Before You Start Your Business
- What to Do Before You Start a Business
- Get Going on Your Small Business
- Running Your Business
- Find Employee Based Training
- Building an Online Presence for Your Business
- Growing Your Business
- Entrepreneurship and Small Business
- 4 Ways to Grow a Local Family Business
- Recruiting & Hiring
- Employer Hiring Credits
Join the Conversation
Join the Illinois #SBDCDay Celebration on March 16, 2022 by following #SBDCday on your favorite social media channel and join the conversation by sharing your SBDC small business success story. Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. To learn more about what your local SBDC is doing to celebrate, Find Your Local SBDC.
Be sure to follow our event calendar for upcoming events and social media pages to learn more about SBDC Day:
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202203/02
Women’s History Month 2022
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.
Read our article for Women's History Month that shows examples of influential women in different industries.
The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) will celebrate Women's HERstory Month throughout March 2022. DCEO, through its Offices of Minority Economic Empowerment (OMEE) and Regional Economic Development (RED), will present virtual events featuring business resources and advice from women leaders, recognize women-owned businesses throughout the state, and showcase our commitment to investing in women. Please join us as we celebrate and elevate HER in Illinois!
Discover what careers are available with the Illinois workNet Careers, Wages & Trends Search that allows you to use career and labor market information to:
- Plan for high school and beyond.
- Complete job applications and prepare for interviews.
- Find out about expected number of job openings and how much a job could pay.
- Make a job change, relocate, or request a pay raise.
Be sure to follow our event calendar for upcoming events and social media pages to learn more about career fields women are emerging in:
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202201/13
National Mentoring Month 2022
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.
Who do you turn to?
If you are looking for someone to help with decisions and life in general, find a mentor today!
Do you have what it takes to be a mentor?
Most of us have had a teacher, supervisor, or coach who has been a mentor to us and made a positive difference in our lives. Those people wore many hats acting as delegators, role models, cheerleaders, policy enforcers, advocates, and friends. Mentors assume these different roles and share some basic qualities such as:
A sincere desire to be involved with a mentee,
Respect for young people,
Active listening skills,
Empathy,
Ability to see solutions and opportunities, and
Flexibility.
Explore being a mentor or advocate for mentoring by visiting the Illinois Mentor website.
Spread the word for mentoring!
Look through the national Campaign Toolkits for ways to promote mentoring and share on Facebook, Twitter, or other social media platforms.
Also, be sure to check out these Illinois workNet resources and articles on mentoring:
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202111/30
International Day of People with Disabilities 2021
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.
This year, the theme is Fighting for rights in the post-COVID era. To foster and encourage a welcoming society for all, it is important to recognize that those with disabilities contribute significantly to all aspects of our community. Learn more about, endorse, and share the Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities in Humanitarian Action charter.
Learn more about this event's history, resources, and how you can help today at the International Day of People with Disabilities website.
Be sure to check out the following Illinois workNet resources to help you or someone you know who has a disability:
- disabilityworks
- Disability Benefits Estimator
- Disability Employment Guide
- Video Series for Workers, Job Seekers, and Employers
- Resources, and more
- DHS Division of Rehabilitation Services
- State of Illinois – Disabled Workers Programs
- 2021 Disability Equality Index Results – Best Places to Work
- Think Beyond the Label
- AbilityLinks
- Disability in Chicagoland
- The Arc of Illinois
Follow us on Social Media for the latest:
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202111/18
National Apprenticeship Week 2021
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.
Job Seekers, are you interested in starting a new career or changing careers but unsure if the traditional classroom setting is for you? Getting into an apprenticeship program could be a perfect alternate path to reach your career, training, and employment goals. Apprenticeships use a 'learn while you earn' model combining on-the-job training with classroom instruction leading to earning a nationally recognized credential. Apprenticeships continue to expand across the state, learn how to get started here.
Employers, do you have a difficult time filling positions or know that many of your employees may retire soon? Apprenticeship Navigators are dedicated to helping employers start or expand apprenticeship programs. Explore apprenticeship benefits and how to get started here. Apprenticeships can help you build and retain a skilled workforce! Employers may also receive tax credit per apprentice, learn about the eligibility requirements and certification process on Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity's website.
Partners, easily celebrate NAW 2021 using the Social Media Toolkit to copy/paste posts on social media using the hashtags #NAW2021 and #ApprenticeshipIL. Join a webinar with an Apprenticeship Illinois Zoom Background (Options 1, 2, 3). Let us know if you're holding an event or have a Proclamation, we'll feature it on Illinois' National Apprenticeship Week page.
Employers and Partners are invited to the Get to Know Apprenticeship Illinois webinar series with a different topic each day from 9:00am-10:00am. Access the webinar registration, flyer, recording, and materials here.
- Monday: Learn & Earn Strategy (Recording)
- Tuesday: Creating More Diverse, Equitable, and Inclusive Apprenticeships (Recording)
- Wednesday: Apprenticeship Business Champions – Building In-House Talent (Recording)
- Thursday: Youth Apprenticeships – Supplying Illinois' Talent Pipeline
- Friday: Build Your Future Workforce – Meet Illinois' Apprentices
Find apprenticeship events near you and more resources on Apprenticeship.gov and Apprenticeship Illinois. Visit the Illinois workNet Event Calendar for other upcoming events as well.
If you missed this week's livestream, be sure to check out the recording that navigates through Apprenticeship Illinois and offers helpful information about apprenticeships. Follow us on Social Media for the latest on #NAW2021 and #ApprenticeshipIL:
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202111/10
Transgender Awareness Week 2021
Observed annually in November, Transgender Awareness Week (11/13 – 11/19) is a time to help raise awareness about the transgender community and the issues members face. This week "transgender people and their allies take action to bring attention to the community by educating the public about who transgender people are, sharing stories and experiences, and advancing advocacy around the issues of prejudice, discrimination, and violence that affect the transgender community."
GLAAD (Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation) has been a leading voice for change and acceptance for the LGBTQ community. Learn more about their mission and history by visiting their website. Be sure to view GLAAD's resources below that have been curated for this week:
- Check out GLAAD's Media Reference Guide
- Check out GLAAD's Tips for Allies of Transgender People
- Check out GLAAD, HRC, NCTE, and PFLAG's Guide for Parents of Transgender and Gender-Expansive Youth
- Check out GLAAD's resource kit for journalists covering Transgender Day of Remembrance
- Check out GLAAD blog posts about transgender issues
- Check out GLAAD's Double Victimized: Reporting on Transgender Victims of Crime
- Check out GLAAD and 5050by2020's Guide to Transform Hollywood
- Check out GLAAD's Trans Awareness Week campaigns from previous years:
While Pride Month takes place every June, read this Illinois workNet article that also includes information on how employers can support LGBTQ+ employees in the workplace.
The LGBT Chamber of Commerce of Illinois (LGBTCC) brings LGBT-owned and LGBT-friendly businesses together with a mission to promote economic opportunities. LGBTCC fosters pride serving the community being an advocate and resource for all member businesses that encourage equality, increases awareness, and encourages businesses and individuals as a support system. LGBTCC is a voice for the Illinois LGBTQ+ community.
The Association of Latina/o/x as Motivating Action (ALMA) fights for the rights of the Latino Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and Questioning community by advocating for fairness and equality, and affirming Latinx LGBTQ culture. Learn more at their website and be sure to read an interview with the Assistant Secretary of IDHS Dulce Quintero who has helped to inspire others within the LGBTQ community.
Follow Illinois workNet on social media to stay up to date:
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202111/09
American Education Week 2021
National American Education 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 on social media with. Each day this week has a special theme recognizing the people involved in American Education. Plan activities around these themes to celebrate the week:
- Monday, November 15: Kickoff Day
- Tuesday, November 16: Family Day
- Wednesday, November 17: Education Support Professionals Day
- Thursday, November 18: Educator for a Day
- Friday, November 19: Substitute Educators Day
Through collaboration with the Illinois State Board of Education and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, Education Systems Center has released a Career Development Experience Toolkit aligned to the frameworks established in the Postsecondary and Workforce Readiness (PWR) Act. The Toolkit is a gathering of best practices and resource sharing from communities doing incredible work throughout the state of Illinois and nationally to establish expectations for implementing high-quality, rigorous work-based learning experiences. Communities may apply, repurpose, and utilize these resources to provide meaningful and robust Career Development Experiences that ultimately prepare youth to be college and career-ready. Access and read more about the toolkit here. Please reach out to Heather Penczak, Policy & Program Manager at EdSystems, with any questions or needs (hpenczak@niu.edu).
Also, it is important to recognize the important role Career and Technical Education (CTE) plays in our public-school system. Perkins V, a federal grant program that supports CTE at both the secondary and postsecondary levels, was reauthorized in the summer of 2018 and took effect July 1, 2019. The reauthorized Act reflects technological advances occurring in both education and the workforce. Key strategies include expanding access to dual credit opportunities, offering quality work-based learning, and addressing equity gaps within our CTE programs. For more information, visit www.isbe.net/perkins or http://www2.iccb.org/cte/perkins/.
Notably, this November marks the release of the Programs of Study Guides. The Illinois Community College Board, Illinois State Board of Education, and EdSystems, Northern Illinois University, partnered in 2019 to work closely with secondary and postsecondary educators, employers, and other stakeholders to be able to map out Model Programs of Study using an industry sector-based lens. The first four complete models include pathways in Education, Health Sciences, Manufacturing, and Information Technology. The Model Programs of Study are intended to provide exemplars for local programs to adopt or customize as they develop programs of study for approval as part of the Perkins V Plan. See the final guides here: http://www2.iccb.org/cte/pos-models/
Check out the Illinois workNet resources below for additional reading:
- Events Near You
- Skills and Interests Surveys
- Youth Guide
- Do You Need a Work Permit?
- Getting Started with Money Management – Young Adults
- Prevent Violence at School and Work
- Get a Head Start on Your Career with Student Organizations
- Do You Want to be an Intern?
- Saving for School
- Ways to Pay for School
- How to Make Informed Student Loan Decisions
Follow us on Social Media for the latest on American Education Week!
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202111/02
Veterans Day 2021
In honor of Veterans Day (11/11/21), 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.
Be sure to register for the upcoming Virtual Job Fair events taking place next week on November 8th, 9th, and 10th. The Veterans Virtual Recruitment Series is open for registration for Veterans and their spouses. During each session a panel of employers will discuss their business sector and provide information on their company and employment opportunities. To learn more about these sessions, including which employers will be presenting, visit the registration page.
The following is a brief list of WIOA partners and training services available to our Military Service Members and Spouses:
- Illinois Department of Employment Security
- Individualized Career Planning Assistance
- Unemployment Services
- Illinois Job Link
- Illinois Department of Human Services
- Family & Community Services
- Mental Health
- Rehabilitation Services
- Substance Abuse
- Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity
- Apprenticeships (Employers & Job Seekers)
- Layoffs and Closing Guidance
- Illinois workNet
- Veteran Assistance Guide
- Transitioning to Civilian Employment
- Communicating Military Experience and Skills to Employers
- Benefits of Hiring Veterans
- Getting Connected to Benefits & Services for Veterans
- Translate Your Military Skills into Training or a New Career
- How to Apply Military Skills to Civilian Jobs
- Veterans Assistance Resources in Illinois
- How to Tackle a Career Change Head-On
- Preparing and Searching for a Job After the Military
- How Can Illinois JobLink Help You?
- Find Events for Veterans near you
- Additional Helpful Resources
Check out Illinois workNet’s Livestream this Wednesday at 1pm that will cover the Veteran Assistance Guide. All you have to do is visit our Facebook or YouTube page linked below.
Follow us on Social Media for the latest on #VeteransDay!
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202110/12
Youth Justice Action Month 2021
The month of October is Youth Justice Action Month. During this month advocates raise awareness and inspire changes to the criminal justice system for young people. Youth Justice Action Month is co-hosted by the Coalition for Juvenile Justice (CJJ) and the National Juvenile Justice Network (NJJN). Throughout the month these organizations work together and invite communities to connect and take action. They invite all to get involved through:
- Attending workshops co-hosted by CJJ and NJJN: Throughout October the topics will be:
- Week 1: Protecting Childhood: Policies to Keep Youth Out of the Justice System
- Week 2: Treat Kids Like Kids: End the Adultification of Youth
- Week 3: Fund Care not Cages: Investing in Families and Communities.
- Register and learn more about upcoming workshops.
- Contacting your legislators. The week of October 18 – 22 there will be a virtual hill where you can make your voice heard. Learn more by signing up to receive resources and training.
- Sharing videos that show why youth justice reform is needed raises awareness of the issues. Learn more about making and sharing your video.
- Hosting an event. Keep your community engaged by hosting a local event. There are resources available for you to coordinate a successful event in your area:
- Event Planning Guide
- Pointers on Successful Strategies
- Share Your Event
Be sure to check out Illinois workNet’s Returning Citizens Guide that offers many resources and references for returning citizens from what to do after release to catching up on technology and finding a job. Articles included in the Returning Citizen Guide include:
- What to do After Your Release
- Important Personal Identification Documents
- Local Resources to Help You Succeed
- Catch Up on Technology
- Top 5 Things to Know About Expunging or Sealing Records
- Apply for Jobs
- Interview for Jobs
- First Day on the Job
- Money Management Guide
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202110/11
College Changes Everything Month 2021
The Governor has proclaimed that October is College Changes Everything Month in Illinois. As college preparation and planning increase this month for the upcoming 2022-23 school year, be sure to check out the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) and its partners' schedule of workshops on free college and financial aid planning for students and families through Thanksgiving. Read the full press release from the Governor's Office.
Here are some resources on Illinois workNet that may help prepare you for your educational pursuits:
Skills/Education:
Financial Aid:
- Saving for School
- Ways to Pay for School
- What Kind of Financial Aid is Right for You?
- 5 Tips When Applying for Financial Aid
- 7 Phases of College Financial Aid Award Packaging
- Supporting Yourself While in School
- How to Make Informed Student Loan Decisions
Planning/Tests:
- College Planning: Being Prepared
- College Admission Tests: ACT, SAT & GRE
- College & Career Readiness
- Get a Head Start on Your Career with Student Organization
Follow Illinois workNet on social media to stay up to date:
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202110/10
National Cybersecurity Awareness Month 2021
National Cybersecurity Awareness Month (NCSAM) is celebrated in October to raise awareness about the importance of keeping private information safe online. The Department of Homeland Security's website says the "collaborative effort between government and industry ensures every American has resources they need to stay safe and more secure online.”
This year's theme is "Do Your Part. #BeCyberSmart." Each week, Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency and National Cyber Security Alliance will highlight a different theme:
- Week of October 4: Be Cyber Smart.
- Week of October 11: Fight the Phish!
- Week of October 18: Explore. Experience. Share.
- Week of October 25: Cybersecurity First
Additionally, National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is hosting a series of events and sharing resources.
Read the Governor’s press release on Cyber Awareness Month in Illinois that includes additional tips for how to stay safe online.
Keeping up to date on the latest information and available resources is important. Illinois workNet has articles to help you protect yourself from online threats, prevent identity theft, stay away from online scams, and how to handle company data breaches.
Illinois workNet Articles:
- All About Passwords
- An Introduction to Job Scams
- How to Keep Your Financial Information Safe Online
- How to Protect Yourself From Identity Theft
- Keeping Your Business and Customers Safe Online
- Online Safety Tips for Job Seekers
- What to Do After a Data Breach
- What You Need to Know About Email Spoofing
- What You Need to Know About Malware
- What You Need to Know About Online Scams
- Why Online Security Matters
- What to Consider When Getting Trained for Computer Programming
- Plan for high school and beyond.
- Complete job applications and prepare for interviews.
- Find out about expected number of job openings and how much a job could pay.
- Make a job change, relocate, or request a pay raise.
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202110/10
Women's Small Business Month 2021
The month of October is Women's Small Business Month. This month is a time to recognize and support small businesses that are owned and operated by women that contribute to our communities. The Small Business Administration (SBA) connects business owners with others to plan, start, or grow their business. Learn more about the resources and opportunities offered by the SBA.
The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) will celebrate Women's Small Business Month throughout October 2021. DCEO through its Office of Minority Economic Empowerment (OMEE) will present virtual events featuring business resources and covering important topics, spotlight women-owned businesses across the state, and showcase our commitment to growing and investing in women-owned businesses.
Webinars
Resources for HER: How Illinois Supports Women Small Business Owners
Wednesday | October 13 | 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM | webinar
Please join the Office of Minority Economic Empowerment (OMEE), Groupon, the Illinois Small Business Development Center (SBDC), the Small Business Majority, and the Women's Business Development Center for Women's Webinar Wednesday to learn about no-cost resources to help your business, such as one-on-one advising, Venturize resource hub, access to capital and lending programs, certifications, and additional resources.
Owning Their Future: Women Business Leaders Pave the Way Forward
Tuesday | October 26 |11:00 AM-12:00 PM | webinar
Please join the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity as they present "Owning Their Future: Women Business Leaders Pave the Way Forward". We know women business owners and entrepreneurs have been disproportionately impacted by the effects of the pandemic, which is layered on top of existing barriers to entry and growth. Hear from women business leaders who have broken the glass ceiling and want to help you get your business to the next level.
Making It: Women Manufacturers Find Success
Wednesday |October 27 | 10:00-11:00 AM | webinar
OMEE & Illinois SBDC presents Advancing the Development of Minority Entrepreneurship (ADME), an informative workshop experience where subject matter experts in the field of business share information with Illinois entrepreneurs to help them be successful. Listen to this dynamic panel of women manufacturers as they share best practices on breaking barriers and finding success in a male-dominated industry.
Additional Resources
Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) offer a variety of services, training, and information to help businesses start up and grow. Find an SBDC near you to learn more.
Procurement Technical Assistance Centers (PTACs) help small businesses expand into work with government contracting. For more information, find a PTAC near you.
Illinois workNet knows that running your own business takes time, dedication, and a lot of hard work. Every day small business owners are helping create more jobs, growing a business, and cultivating innovation; and that is why we do our best to offer as many great resources as we can to help make your job just a little bit easier. Our resources can be used by new business owners, those interested in starting their own business or growing their businesses, entrepreneurs, individuals working with small businesses, and more. Illinois workNet's Starting a Business Guide includes articles and resources you can use to start your own business or help your business grow. Included in this guide is information about:
- Benefits of Starting a Business
- What to Know Before Starting a Business
- What to do Before You Start a Business
- Running Your Business
- Virtual Job Fairs
- Finding Employee-Based Training
- Entrepreneurial Programs
- Building an Online Presence
- Growing Your Business and much more
Read our article for Women's History Month that shows examples of influential women in different industries.
Be sure to follow our event calendar for upcoming events and social media pages to learn more about career fields women are emerging in:
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202110/08
LGBT History Month 2021
Observed annually during the month of October, LGBT History Month celebrates the achievements of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender icons while reflecting on the history of gay rights and civil rights movements. Inspired by the 1987 March on Washington, National Coming Out Day is observed every year on October 11th to celebrate LGBTQ+ individuals for who they are and bring awareness of supporting everyone to live their truth. Learn more about this day and find helpful resources for Living Openly on the Human Rights Campaign website.
The Back 2 Business (B2B) Grant Program is an effort to assist small businesses, hit hardest by the pandemic, with recovery grants. LGBTQIA+ owned businesses are encouraged to review and apply for this opportunity. The deadline is quickly approaching on October 13, 2021 at 11:59pm. For more information, visit the Department of Commerce’s website about this program.
Registration is now open for the Identity and Innovation Summit taking place on October 20, 2021. This free virtual summit focuses on recruitment, hiring, and retention of disabled workers who identify as transgender or non-gender conforming and/or people living with HIV. The all-day event will showcase local and national experts and stakeholders covering three key areas of policy, practice, and professional development as they relate to working with these underserved communities. Within the day, there will be opportunities for robust discussions and networking to address the need for professional development of employers and workforce organizations so that all people’s skills and talents are fully included throughout Illinois. Learn more and register today.
While Pride Month takes place every July, read this Illinois workNet article featuring how employers can support LGBTQ+ employees in the workplace and Illinois’ own remarkable LGBTQ+ advocates.
The LGBT Chamber of Commerce of Illinois (LGBTCC) brings LGBT-owned and LGBT-friendly businesses together with a mission to promote economic opportunities. LGBTCC fosters pride serving the community by advocating and offering resources to encourage equality, increase awareness, and support for businesses and individuals. LGBTCC is a voice for the Illinois LGBTQ+ community.
The Association of Latino as Motivating Action (ALMA) fights for the rights of the Latino Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, and Questioning community by advocating for fairness and equality, and affirming Latino LGBTQ culture. Learn more at their website and be sure to read an interview with the Assistant Secretary of IDHS Dulce Quintero who has helped to inspire others within the LGBTQ community.
Follow Illinois workNet on social media to stay up to date:
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202110/05
National Disability Employment Awareness Month 2021
This month is National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM). Observed nationwide every October, NDEAM is a way to celebrate the contributions of workers with disabilities. It also helps organizations across the country to educate others on the value and impact of having a diverse workforce. As this month gets started, be sure to take advantage of the resources available to you on the disabilityworks website of Illinois workNet and elsewhere that can assist you directly:
- Disability Benefits Estimator
- Disability Employment Guide
- Find Available Benefits and Services
- Develop a Financial Management Plan
- Explore Career and Training Opportunities
- Get Organized and Search for Jobs
- disabilityworks Video Series
- Illinois workNet – Employer Hiring Credits
- DHS Division of Rehabilitation Services
- State of Illinois – Disabled Workers Program
- Disability Equality Index
- 2021 Disability Equality Index Results – Best Places to Work
- AbilityLinks
- Job Accommodation Network
Be sure to check out and participate in upcoming events in Illinois and share with those you know. Visit the Illinois workNet Event Calendar today.
Follow us on Social Media for the latest on Disability Employment Awareness Month:
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202110/04
Manufacturing Month 2021
Every October is Manufacturing Month. The Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) is celebrating present and future manufacturers in the state. Illinois is the “fourth largest manufacturing state in the country, with over 18,000 companies employing over 550,000 Illinoisans.” DCEO will be hosting upcoming webinars showcasing manufacturing’s bright future in Illinois.
As this month gets started, be sure you have the resources to reach your manufacturing career, training, and employment goals. Be sure to check out the Illinois Manufacturers' Association (IMA) website throughout October for events, resources, and more.
View Illinois workNet’s manufacturing-related resources below:
- Find Manufacturing Specific Events
- Explore Manufacturing Careers, Wages, and Trends
- Search for WIOA Approved Training Programs and Other Manufacturing Programs in Illinois
- Use Manufacturing Resume Templates to Build the Perfect Resume
- Search for Jobs in the Manufacturing Industry with the Virtual Job Fair and JobFinder tools
- Find Manufacturing Student and Trade Connections
- Find Additional Online Manufacturing Resources
- Employer-Based Talent Pipeline Training Opportunities Flyer
Also, be sure to check out these Manufacturing related articles on Illinois workNet:
- Take Illinois workNet Surveys to Discover Your Skills
- Illinois Essential Employability Skills on Illinois workNet
- Get In-Demand with Manufacturing
- Growing a Career in Manufacturing with Industry-Recognized Credentials
- Competency-Based Learning in Manufacturing
If you are looking for manufacturing employers in Illinois who are hiring, be sure to check out the Virtual Job Fair (VJF) employer booth listing and select "Manufacturing" from the "Filter by Industry" dropdown. Keep an eye on the Virtual Job Fair events calendar for upcoming VJFs held by manufacturing employers.
Need to update your resume for your next manufacturing job? Then be sure to check out the templates in our Resume Building tool for jobs in manufacturing. All you need to do is login to or create an Illinois workNet account.
Follow us on Social Media for the latest on Manufacturing Day and Manufacturing Month:
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202109/17
Employ Older Workers Week 2021
The week of September 19 – 25 is Employ Older Workers Week! This year's theme is "The Future is NEOWW!" Older workers are an important force that contribute to our workplaces and communities with their wisdom and experiences. In addition to Illinois workNet's article on how these workers can remain working and engaged, check out the resources below for additional information.
The Department on Aging's website also has information about what programs and services are available to older adults in Illinois. The Provider Profile Search will show you which Illinois Department on Aging providers and services are available near you. From the Community Care Program to legal assistance and more, be sure to visit their site for your needs.
The Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) is a "community service and work-based training program for older workers." This website is a great location for individuals 55 and older who are looking to improve their employability skills. By being part of this program, older workers gain access to additional resources, services, and training opportunities. Be sure to check out the Workforce GPS Resource Library for additional information concerning older workers.
Follow us on Social Media for the latest on #NEOWW!
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202108/12
Black Business Month 2021
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.'”
The Shop Black Saturdays Campaign is an effort to support minority-owned businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Each Saturday in August, Illinois residents are encouraged to shop at local black-owned businesses. Use the hashtag #ShopBlackSaturday to promote these businesses’ services and products on social media.
Learn more about Black Business Month 2021 and the Shop Black Saturdays Campaign on DCEO’s website.
Also, be sure to check out these Illinois workNet resources for small businesses:
- Illinois workNet Business Hub
- Start a Business Guide
- Benefits of Starting a Business
- What to Know Before You Start Your Business
- What to Do Before You Start a Business
- Get Going on Your Small Business
- Running Your Business
- Find Employee Based Training
- Building an Online Presence for Your Business
- Growing Your Business
- Entrepreneurship and Small Business
- 4 Ways to Grow a Local Family Business
- Recruiting & Hiring
- Employer Hiring Credits
Be sure to follow our event calendar for upcoming events and social media channels to stay updated:
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202107/13
College Changes Everything Conference 2021
This week 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. The conference will provide presentations about resources that are available to increase educational access and college completion for students in Illinois. Illinois hopes to increase the number of adults in the state with higher education degrees to 60% by 2025. The College Changes Everything Conference is an important opportunity to help the state reach this number.
Topics that will be discussed include Educating During the Pandemic; Fostering Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging for the Success of All Learners; How Rehabilitation Services Help Students with Disabilities Transition to College and Work; Building Pipelines from High School to Career; and much more.
If you are interested in this conference and would like to register, read more on the College Changes Everything website. Illinois workNet will be presenting about Free Assessments for Providers and Customers at the conference. View the PPT for this presentation about how these assessments can be used as part of the career development process for customers and assist workforce partners with case management.
Here are some additional resources on Illinois workNet that will help you prepare for this event:
Skills/Education:
Financial Aid:- Saving for School
- Ways to Pay for School
- What Kind of Financial Aid is Right for You?
- 5 Tips When Applying for Financial Aid
- 7 Phases of College Financial Aid Award Packaging
- Supporting Yourself While in School
- How to Make Informed Student Loan Decisions
Follow Illinois workNet on social media to stay up to date: -
202107/02
Illinois workNet Wraps Up LGBTQ+ Pride Month 2021
Pride Month is celebrated each year as a tribute to those involved in the Stonewall Riots. The month brings awareness of trials and tribulations the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer (LGBTQ+) community endures, while also celebrating triumphs and contributions of LGBTQ+ individuals across America. Since the first Pride March in 1970, the month of June has been filled with Pride Festivals and Parades across the state.
Read more about Pride Month including ways Illinois serves the LGBTQ+ community, and how employers can support LGBTQ+ employees in the workplace in this new article on Illinois workNet.
On June 16th, Illinois workNet spoke with Jerome Holston, Director of the LGBT Chamber of Commerce of Illinois, during a livestream covering Pride Month and the Chambers’ workforce related efforts. Watch the recording.
lllinois’ Deputy Director of the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) Julio Rodriguez was nominated for Good Morning America’s Inspiration List for 2021. Read more about Julio’s work and the work of others across the country making LGBTQ+ history on GMA’s website.
The LGBT Chamber of Commerce of Illinois (LGBTCC) brings LGBT-owned and LGBT-friendly businesses together with a mission to promote economic opportunities. LGBTCC fosters pride serving the community being an advocate and resource for all member businesses that encourage equality, increases awareness, and encourages businesses and individuals as a support system. LGBTCC is a voice for the Illinois LGBTQ+ community.
The Association of Latino as Motivating Action (ALMA) fights for the rights of the Latino Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and Questioning community by advocating for fairness and equality, and affirming Latino LGBTQ culture. Learn more at their website and be sure to read an interview with the Assistant Secretary of IDHS Dulce Quintero who has helped to inspire others within the LGBTQ community.
Visit the Enjoy Illinois website for information about Pride, events, and neighborhood fun in Out & About in Illinois.
Follow Illinois workNet on social media to stay up to date:
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202106/17
Juneteenth 2021
Observed annually on June 19th, Juneteenth commemorates the ending of slavery in the United States. This day commemorates African American freedom and emphasizes education and achievement. On Wednesday, June 16th Governor J.B. Pritzker signed legislation making Juneteenth an official state holiday. This holiday will be known as National Freedom Day and the law will take effect on January 1, 2022. To learn more about Juneteenth and how you can celebrate around the state check out: https://www.enjoyillinois.com/travel-illinois/a-day-to-reflect-juneteenth/.
During this time, we look back and celebrate the contributions that African Americans have made not only to our history and culture but also our workforce. It is important to recognize the contributions and influence African Americans have had in different industries in the past and present. Discover what careers are available with the Illinois workNet Careers, Wages & Trends Search! This tool allows you to use career and labor market information to:
- Plan for high school and beyond.
- Complete job applications and prepare for interviews.
- Find out about the expected number of job openings and how much a job could pay.
- Make a job change, relocate, or request a pay raise.
Be sure to follow our event calendar for upcoming events and social media pages to learn more:
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202106/01
National Safety Month 2021
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 such as:- Week 1: Prevent Incidents Before They Start
- Week 2: Address Ongoing COVID-19 Safety Concerns
- Week 3: It’s Vital to Feel Safe on the Job
- Week 4: Advance Your Safety Journey
Below is a list of resources Illinois workNet has that can help workers avoid injuries regardless of where they are:National Safety Month – The National Safety Council provides several resources for you to help raise awareness about safety during the month of June. Read this Illinois workNet article on how you and others can remain safe and engaged.Be Safe in Your New Job – When starting a new job, it's important to be aware and cautious of equipment you have not previously used. From operating workplace equipment to preparation and clean-up of your workspace, this article covers important safety precautions to keep in mind when on the job.Stay Safe and Productive at Work – Following your company's safety guidelines is the best way to avoid getting hurt on the job. This article covers safety tips for the workplace so that you and your team can be safe while working on construction projects.Technical Skills – Read up on the different skills required in the industry and how you can keep your skills and performance up to date.Do You Need a Work Permit? – For younger members of the workforce, this article provides information on what jobs require work permits, rules for youths in the workplace, and how to apply for the work permit you will need.Why Personal Health and Safety Matter – From avoiding injuries and illness to staying in shape and managing stress, read up on why it's important to maintain good health.For more information, go to the National Safety Council's page on National Safety Month to gather safety materials and learn how to spread the word to your coworkers, families, and communities.
If you have any questions about National Safety Month, visit the National Safety Council's contact page here. -
202105/11
State of Illinois Joins Magick Woods Plans to Announce Expansion of North American Operations, Creates New Jobs in Aurora
<div class="ExternalClassE140B15D58694D7CA571EAC89E882913"><p>The State of Illinois today joined Magick Woods and City of Aurora officials in announcing a
major expansion of the company’s North American operations and distribution center in Aurora. With
support from state and local officials, the manufacturer of cabinetry and household goods will soon
acquire a second location near their current facility, enabling them to add three new assembly lines and
bring their total Illinois footprint to 450,000 square feet. The expansion of the Aurora operations includes
reshoring key production operations and will make way for 50 new permanent jobs. </p><p>“As a longstanding leader in manufacturing, Illinois has the resources that companies today need to grow
and compete for the 21st century,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Thanks to our highly skilled talent,
investments to modernize key infrastructure, and access to a strong supply chain, we are providing
companies like Magick Woods the essential resources needed to meet global customer demand and
evolve for the future. I want to thank Magick Woods for their continued commitment to Illinois and for
investments that will create new jobs and opportunities for our residents.” </p><p>With a growing trend of home repairs and remodeling during the pandemic, the company has seen an
outsized demand for products, including bathroom vanities, kitchen cabinets and other interior fixtures.
The Magick Woods brand can be found in large consumer retail stores, including Home Depot, Lowe’s and
Menards. The Company has cited access to major US highway systems and proximity to retailers as a top
reason for their plans to grow. </p><p>“We are thrilled to announce our plans to expand Magick Woods with significant investments to increase
the scale and output of products in the U.S.” said Indy Pathmanathan, President and Founder of Magick
Woods. “Our North American operations in Illinois has always played an integral role in our ability to move
high quality projects all around the world – and has become increasingly important during the pandemic when a demand for home goods skyrocketed, helping our company reach new heights. Our success
wouldn’t be possible without our hardworking and dedicated team in Illinois, and without the support of
state and local officials who have continuously supported a strong foundation for growth over the years.”</p><p>The Magick Woods expansion project is supported with an EDGE agreement provided by the Illinois
Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO). A $28 million commitment to grow the
North American operations will lay the groundwork for 50 new full-time roles over the next two years,
including corporate and production workers and forklift operators. The company already employs 90
engineers, finance, marketing, IT professionals and assembly line workers at its Aurora location. </p><p>“Magick Woods’ expansion in Aurora is another vote of confidence for Illinois’ growing manufacturing
sector,” said DCEO Acting Director Sylvia Garcia. “Under Governor Pritzker’s leadership, we’re making
investments to modernize workforce training and physical infrastructure to expand our skilled talent base
and ensure companies have what they need to meet future demands. We look forward to working
alongside Magick Woods as they continue to invest and grow in Illinois.” </p><p>“The expansion of Magick Woods is a win-win for the company and our community,” said Aurora Mayor
Richard C. Irvin. “This significant investment and commitment from Magick Woods will both strengthen
the local manufacturing industry and provide employment to our local workforce. I am looking forward to
watching this expansion develop and to returning for the grand opening. Welcome home!” </p><p>Working with local workforce partners, Magick Woods is developing a new recruitment outreach program
which will focus on three areas: operations management, productions and forklift operators. Magick
Woods will begin hiring for these positions in late Spring. </p><p>JLL’s headquarters practice group represented Magick Woods and provided site selection, brokerage, and
business and economic incentive consulting services. </p><p>“We are honored to have assisted such a reputable organization,” said JLL International Director
Meredith O’Connor. “Magick Woods’ commitment to Illinois further reinforces the state’s reputation as a
great place for the world’s leading companies to do business.” </p><p>For years, Illinois has been a manufacturing powerhouse. With manufacturing a leading driver of the
economy, the state has continued to see investment even during the pandemic, with over 40
manufacturing company expansions or relocations announced for Illinois last year alone. This includes
significant investment in Aurora’s growing manufacturing hub, with announcements by fiberoptics
producer, viaPhoton, food inspection company FlexRay and global nutrition company, Glanbia. </p><p>“Aurora is a manufacturing community, it’s a part of who we are” said Bryan Gay, President & CEO of
Invest Aurora. “Aurora has been a hub for manufacturing since our founding; located along the Fox River,
companies have located to our area for our highly skilled and motivated workforce and our strategic
location just outside of the City of Chicago. Today, businesses continue to locate to the city for our
business-friendly environment, and our continued investments into infrastructure and technology.” <br></p><p>Since taking office, Governor Pritzker has prioritized making investments in the manufacturing industry
that will expand access to jobs, training and maintain Illinois as a top destination for manufacturing in the
face of continued innovation and automation of the industry. This includes the creation of
the apprenticeship tax credit to further establish and build out the pipeline of skilled talent of advanced
manufacturers in our state to help prepare Illinois for the advances in the manufacturing industry. <br></p></div> -
202105/05
Foster Care Month / Foster Parent Appreciation Month
The month of May is Foster Care Month nationwide and Foster Parent Appreciation Month in Illinois. This month we want to thank foster families throughout the state who provide temporary safe havens to youth and encourage other families to become foster families as well. Here are some important numbers of foster care and families in Illinois:
21,000 youth live in foster care in IL:
- 8,200 live with a foster family
- 11,300 live with relatives
- 1,200 live in group homes or institutions
- More than 14,000 foster families open their homes to children in need of a safe haven
423,000 children and youth are in foster care in the United States.
To learn more about what resources are available for Foster Care Month and Foster Appreciation Month, visit the state and federal sites below:
- DHS – Youth Career Pathways Program
- DCFS – Foster Appreciation Month Press Release
- DCFS – Foster Care
- DCFS - Volunteer
- Greenlight Family Services – Heart Gallery of Illinois
- U.S. Dept of Health & Human Services
- National Foster Care Month
- National Foster Care Month Outreach Toolkit
- National Foster Care Month – Help Spread the Word
Also, be sure to check out these resources on Illinois workNet during the month of May:
- Volunteer Guide
- Volunteer Opportunities in Your Community
- Why Youth Mentoring Matters
- How Youth Mentoring Can Help You
- Youth Resources
- Youth Guide
- Prepare to Find a Job Guide
- IYIP Youth Program – Youth Programs for Employment & Education
Follow us on Social Media:
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202105/04
Older Americans Month 2021
The month of May is Older Americans Month (OAM). This year's theme is Communities of Strength. This month recognizes older adults and their contributions around the country and encourages them to participate in activities with their communities. The Activity Page on Older Americans Month's website offers several ideas of how these individuals can share their experiences with one another, younger generations, on social media, and much more. To read more about this month, check out Older Americans Month's website and history page, which also includes previous themes.
The Department on Aging's website also has information about what programs and services are available to older adults in Illinois. The Provider Profile Search will show you which Illinois Department on Aging providers and services are available near you. From the Community Care Program to legal assistance and more, be sure to visit their site for your needs.
Another resource to check out is the Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP), which is a "community service and work-based training program for older workers." This website is a great location for individuals 55 and older who are looking to improve their employability skills. By being part of this program, older workers gain access to additional resources, services, and training opportunities. Be sure to check out the WorkforceGPS Resource Library for additional information concerning older workers.
Also, be sure to view these Illinois workNet resources:
Volunteering Articles
- Benefits of Volunteering
- Volunteer Guidelines
- Volunteering Builds Skills Employers Want
- Volunteering and Your Resume
- Why and Where to Volunteer
- Volunteer Opportunities in Your Community
- Businesses Supporting Volunteering and Community Service
- Volunteering and Your Job Transition
Follow us on Social Media for the latest on #OAM21!
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202105/03
National Military Appreciation Month 2021
In honor of National Military Appreciation Month, Illinois workNet 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.
To see what the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is doing to support veterans and their families during the COVID-19 pandemic, visit their website. From what you should do to how to protect yourself, learn about what the VA is doing to help our veterans and their communities. Additionally, the VA has information regarding health benefits and financial literacy along with how to access these benefits for veterans.
The following is a brief list of WIOA partners and training services available to our Military Service Members and Spouses:
Illinois Department of Employment Security
- Individualized Career Planning Assistance
- One-on-one assistance provided to Disabled Veterans
- Unemployment Services
- Illinois Job Link
Illinois Department of Human Services
- Family & Community Services
- Mental Health
- Rehabilitation Services
- Substance Abuse
Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity
- Apprenticeships (Employers & Job Seekers)
- Layoffs and Closing Guidance
- Entrepreneurship and small-business guidance
- Invest Illinois Venture Fund
- Veteran's Priority of Service at American Job Centers
- Veteran Assistance Guide
- Transitioning to Civilian Employment
- Communicating Military Experience and Skills to Employers
- Benefits of Hiring Veterans
- Getting Connected to Benefits & Services for Veterans
- Translate Your Military Skills into Training or a New Career
- How to Apply Military Skills to Civilian Jobs
- How to Tackle a Career Change Head-On
- Preparing and Searching for a Job After the Military
- How Can Illinois JobLink Help You?
- Find Events for Veterans near you
- Additional Helpful Resources
Follow us on Social Media for the latest on #MilitaryAppreciationMonth!
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202104/29
Construction Safety Week 2021
May 3 – 7 is National Construction Safety Week. During this week, the construction industry recognizes workplace safety concerns and works together to prevent injuries on the job. With workers in the construction industry being at risk every day, Illinois workNet offers resources that can help inform workers on how to avoid injuries and prevent an accident at your work. Be it a reminder for yourself or a way to convey this information to coworkers, you can learn more about construction safety at the Construction Safety Week website.
Whether you are just getting started in the industry or have been in it for years, these resources apply to workers of all positions and stages throughout construction projects.
Below is a list of resources Illinois workNet has put together for National Construction Safety Week:
- Be Safe in Your New Job – When starting a new job, it's important to be aware and cautious of equipment you have not previously used. From operating workplace equipment to preparation and clean-up of your workspace, this article covers important safety precautions to keep in mind when on the job.
- Stay Safe and Productive at Work – Following your company's safety guidelines is key to prevent workers from getting hurt. This article covers safety tips for the workplace so that you and your team can be efficient in all your construction projects.
- Technical Skills – Read up on the different skills required in the industry and how you can keep your skills and performance up to date.
- Do You Need a Work Permit? – For younger members of the workforce, this article provides information on what jobs require work permits, rules for youths in the workplace, and how to apply for the work permit you will need.
- Safety and Health – This article includes different resources, information, and regulations that apply to workplaces in Illinois.
For more information on National Construction Safety Week, go to the Construction Safety Week website to learn about the history, upcoming events, the companies involved with this initiative, and much more.
If you have any questions about National Construction Safety Week, send an email to info@constructionsafetyweek.com.
Follow us on Social Media for the latest on #SafetyWeek!
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202104/23
Second Chance Month and Upcoming Informational Webinar on the New Returning Citizens Guide Available on Illinois workNet
As National Second Chance Month comes to an end, 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. From webinars and funding opportunities to information on a variety of topics such as family engagement, housing, and mental health, the National Reentry Resource Center has a wealth of resources on how workforce and education partners can assist people returning to their communities.
Also, be sure to register for the upcoming informational session that will go over the new Returning Citizens Guide that is now available on Illinois workNet. This webinar will be held on Friday, April 30th from 10am – 11am and will include a representative from the Illinois Department of Corrections. The Returning Citizens Guide includes information and resources on:- What to do After Your Release
- Important Personal Identification Documents
- Local Resources to Help You Succeed
- Catching up on Technology
- Top 5 Things to Know About Expunging or Sealing Records
- Applying for Jobs
- Interviewing for Jobs
- First Day on the Job
- Money Management Tips
The Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership recently held a discussion with business leaders and successful returning employees about the movement to build a stronger economy through second chance hiring. Register to watch a recording of the "A Hire Calling" informational session.
For additional information about National Second Chance Month, and what you can do today, go to the official page here and refer to the resources listed below:
Winning Job Opportunities – A Guide for Returning Citizens in Illinois
Workforce GPS- Reentry Employment Opportunities Community
- Justice Involved/Reentry Adults
- Collaborating for Successful Reentry: A Practical Guide to Support Justice-Involved Youth
Be sure to share these other Illinois workNet resources with returning citizens: -
202104/16
National Volunteer Week 2021
The week of (April 18-24) is National Volunteer Week! This is a time to reflect and appreciate the effect that volunteering has on our communities and the challenges they experience. It is also a time to recognize and appreciate those volunteers who have gone the extra mile. Since 1974, National Volunteer Week has grown to include more volunteers, projects, and events throughout the country. For more information on how you can celebrate National Volunteer Week and find volunteering events near you view the official website. For what you can do in Illinois during the COVID-19 pandemic, visit serve.illinois.gov.
Also, be sure to check out the following Illinois workNet resources about volunteering through our Volunteer Guide:
- Benefits of Volunteering
- Volunteer Guidelines
- Volunteering Builds Skills Employers Want
- Volunteering and Your Resume
- Volunteering and Networking
- Why and Where to Volunteer – Young Adults
- Volunteer Opportunities in Your Community
- Businesses Supporting Volunteering and Community Service
- Volunteering and Your Job Transition
Be sure to follow our event calendar for upcoming events and social media pages: -
202104/07
Financial Literacy Month 2021
National Financial Literacy Month (FLM) occurs every April. It was created to help and encourage people across the U.S. develop good financial habits. Visit the Council for Economic Education's website for free videos, lesson plans, activities, and other resources for K-12 educators. Below are some ideas that you can share to help promote FLM in your area.
Get customers started by directing them to toward the many resources offered on Illinois workNet.
Throughout the month, Illinois workNet will be posting events related to Financial Literacy Month. Illinois workNet has also updated several articles relating to good financial habits that can be shared with customers. Follow the links below to read them:
- Getting Started with Money Management - Young Adults
- Saving for School
- Living with a Disability - Tips to Develop a Financial Management Plan
- Saving for and Buying a Car
- Banking and Savings 101
- Budgeting Basics
- Ways of Getting to Work
- Getting (and Staying) Out of Debt
- Repaying Student Loans
- What Kind of Financial Aid is Right for You?
- Ways to Pay for School
- Finding Affordable Child Care
- Get the Help You Need
- What You Need to Know Before Applying for a Credit Card
Follow Illinois workNet social media pages for updates:
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202103/24
Here to Stay: Black, Latina and Afro-Latina Women in Construction Apprenticeships Webinar
Register for the upcoming webinar Here to Stay: Black, Latina and Afro-Latina Women in Construction Apprenticeships. This webinar will be held on Thursday, March 25 from 1 - 2:30 PM CST.
This Women's History Month the National Center for Women's Equity in Apprenticeship and Employment released its newest brief, Here to Stay: Black, Latina and Afro-Latina Women in Construction Trades Apprenticeships and Employment. The brief offers compelling stories of tradeswomen's experiences, opportunities and challenges, and also offers recommendations for construction apprenticeships, unions and contractors on how to best address the intersection of race and gender in supporting women's entry and success in the skilled construction trades. We hope you can join and we'd appreciate your help circulating the report and this invite to a webinar discussing the report of industry leaders and registered apprenticeship programs.
Diversity is key for the future of the construction trades. While the numbers of Black and Latina women in trades apprenticeships have been increasing rapidly, still fewer than one-in-twenty five apprentices are women. A new report lifts up the voices of Black, Latina, and Afro-Latina early career tradeswomen on what helps and hinders their success in the trades. Join IWPR and Chicago Women in the Trades for this webinar to learn about the new report, hear from Black and Latina tradeswomen about their experiences, and from construction trades leaders and organizers on what they are doing to tackle racism, harassment, and discrimination to create a welcoming and supportive environment for all in the trades.
Speakers include:
- Christina Barillas, Plumbers Women's Committee and Latina Labor Coalition
- Lilly Calderon, Bricklayers Union
- Chandra Childers, PhD, Institute for Women's Policy Research
- Zahrah Hill, Plumbers Local 130
- Lark Jackson (Moderator), Chicago Women in the Trades
- Kina McAfee, Chicago Regional Council of Carpenters Apprenticeship Training Program
Register for the webinar today.
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202103/22
Disability Benefits Estimator Updated for 2021
The Disability Benefits Estimator is a tool that individuals with disabilities can use to make informed choices about benefits. This tool estimates the benefits you may be eligible for based on your current benefits and income. If you are receiving benefits, and your income level is about to change, you can use it to see if and how it may affect them. Each year the disability benefits estimator is updated to use current state and federal data to make the disability benefits calculations.
Your results are estimates only. This is not a replacement for a professional benefits analysis. Use the estimator as you consider a change in employment and then contact a WIPA coordinator to discuss your results. You can locate your local WIPA coordinator here: https://beta.illinoisworknet.com/disabilityworks/Tools/Pages/ServiceLocator.aspx.
How does it work?
The Disability Benefits Estimator is simple to use. Just enter your information into each box on each page as it applies to you. Once you have finished all sections, you will get a list of potential benefits and options to explore. The items with a red asterisk (*) are required.
Once you have done this, you have the option to save your results in your account. You can do this as many times as you would like. On the start page of the estimator, you can see a list of your saved results if you are logged in to your account. From this list, you can view or delete them.
The process takes less than 10 minutes to finish. Also, any info you share on it will remain private.
Accessing the Disability Benefits Estimator
Access the Disability Benefits Estimator here: https://beta.illinoisworknet.com/disabilityworks/Tools/Pages/BenefitsEstimator.aspx
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202103/15
Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Day 2021
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 online. This year's SBDC Day will be on Wednesday, March 17, 2021.
For more information, check out the official SBDC website.
SBDCs offer a variety of services, training, and information to help businesses start-up and grow. Find an SBDC near you to learn more.
Procurement Technical Assistance Centers (PTACs) help small businesses expand into work with government contracting. For more information, find a PTAC near you.
Also, be sure to check out these Illinois workNet resources for small businesses:
- Start a Business Guide
- Benefits of Starting a Business
- What to Know Before You Start Your Business
- What to Do Before You Start a Business
- Get Going on Your Small Business
- Running Your Business
- Find Employee Based Training
- Building an Online Presence for Your Business
- Growing Your Business
- Entrepreneurship and Small Business
- 4 Ways to Grow a Local Family Business
- Recruiting & Hiring
- Employer Hiring Credits
Join the Illinois #SBDCDay Celebration on March 17, 2020 by following #SBDCday on your favorite social media channel and join the conversation by sharing your SBDC small business success story. Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. To learn more about what your local SBDC is doing to celebrate, Find Your Local SBDC.
Be sure to follow our event calendar for upcoming events and social media pages to learn more about SBDC Day: -
202102/04
State of Illinois and ASCM Launch First-of-its-Kind Training Program to Prepare Residents for Jobs Fueled by Growing E-Commerce Industry
The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) today announced a new training program designed to prepare more residents for roles in Illinois' growing supply chain management industry. In partnership with the Association for Supply Chain Management (ASCM), the Illinois Supply Chain Management Training Program seeks to match residents who have become unemployed or underemployed during the COVID-19 pandemic with training for careers in supply chain management - one of the fastest growing fields in the state.
DCEO's Office of Employment and Training is providing $250,000 for the ASCM pilots through federal funds to support dislocated workers under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA). The pilots are targeting dislocated workers who have been impacted by COVID-19 and will help Illinois residents across the state seize on the growth of e-commerce, shipping and logistics and transportation industries in Illinois.
"As our workforce is reshaped by the pandemic, two things have never been clearer - the need to invest in workforce programs that prepare our workers for the jobs of the future as well as strategic programs that can support our health response, which relies heavily on the supply chain," said Governor JB Pritzker. "This innovative training model by the State of Illinois and ASCM responds to these needs and builds on the work we started from day one of this crisis to support Illinois workers and communities as we work to build back our economy."
Since the pandemic hit, the rapid growth of e-commerce has generated an unprecedented demand for new skilled workers, with nearly 2,000 supply chain focused job opportunities in Illinois unfilled today. In the next five years, more than 500,000 supply chain jobs will be added nationally. The program pairs a response to the demand for new talent today and in the years ahead with the State of Illinois' ongoing efforts to create new job training opportunities for residents and those especially impacted during COVID-19.
"As our communities across the state continue to feel the impact of the pandemic, we've made it our focus from day one to invest in training that will help workers get back on their feet, and into well-paid, in-demand roles of today," said DCEO Director Erin Guthrie. "Illinois is already home to one of the most talented workforces in the country and is a leader in the national supply chain. Through this new partnership with ASCM, we will develop a diverse pipeline of talent that allows companies to plan for long term growth here while ensuring our residents can seize the thousands of jobs coming to Illinois in the years ahead."
Set to begin next month, the program will be piloted in some of Illinois' largest supply chain hubs, Southern Cook County, Metro East and Southern Illinois. An initial 250 participants will begin a one-week virtual training program, with industry aligned curriculum from ASCM covering topics such as inventory management, logistics and consumer distribution principles and basic management skills. At the end the training, participants will receive a certificate in Essential Supply Chain Management Skills. Those who complete training will have an opportunity to work with their local workforce agency to apply for supply chain careers available in the area.
"The ASCM Foundation is committed to strengthening supply chains around the world by attracting more people to the industry and providing the education and training necessary for career success," said ASCM CEO Abe Eshkenazi, CSCP, CPA, CAE. "While COVID-19 has posed unprecedented challenges on everyone, we know that Illinois is still a leader in the national supply chain and a top destination for skilled talent. Working alongside the State of Illinois and hiring companies, we'll bring industry-based training to help facilitate career opportunities for Illinoisans who are ready to take the next steps in their careers."
Several Illinois companies have committed to the pilot program, including companies Continental Tires, Geodis, DB Schenker, Worldwide Technologies, PepsiCo, and Phoenix Elevator. DCEO, in partnership with its local workforce agencies facilitating training, will work directly with companies located in the pilot areas to identify additional underemployed individuals as candidates for training, and to scale the program to meet additional workforce demands in 2021.
"The fast-growing supply chain is a key economic driver for the Southwestern Economic Development Region, and the need for trained workers in this area continues to grow as well," said Tony Fuhrmann, Director of the Madison County Employment and Training Department, workforce training partner for the Metro East Hub. "We are proud to partner with DCEO and ASCM to pilot a new industry training program that will pair businesses in need of trained employees with talented residents of our community looking to take the next step in their career or to simply get back on their feet."
"In our never-ending quest for training tools to prepare the residents of southern Illinois for the jobs of tomorrow, we are thrilled to be a part of the new Illinois Supply Chain Management Training Program to help connect hiring companies with talent in the region," said Kathy Lively, CEO, Man-Tra-Con, Corporation, Southern Illinois Workforce Development Board. "Thanks to the team at DCEO and ASCM we will provide industry aligned supply chain management training to prepare Illinois residents the thousands of e-commerce jobs today, with many more to be added in the future."
These expanded training opportunities build on continued investments by the State to respond to record unemployment created by COVID-19 and to help dislocated workers return to the job site. Last fall, Governor Pritzker announced a $16.6 million investment for Illinoisans who lost their jobs during COVID-19, leveraging U.S. DOL grant funding to create training and hiring opportunities for as many as 1,300 residents over the next year.
This training opportunity is only available in 3 Economic Development Regions (EDRs) - EDRs 4, 8, 9. To learn more about training in supply chain management or to sign up for any other workforce training programs, whether you are a participant or employer, for further information, please contact:
- EDR 4: Cook County Bureau of Economic Development – Kim Kuchenbrod
- Counties served: Cook, De Kalb, Du Page, Grundy, Kane, Kankakee, Kendall, Lake, McHenry, Will
- EDR 8: Man-Tra-Con (Management, Training and Consulting Corporation) – Lucinda Phoenix
- Counties served: Alexander, Edwards, Franklin, Gallatin, Hamilton, Hardin, Jackson, Jefferson, Johnson, Massac, Perry, Pope, Pulaski, Saline, Union, Wabash, Wayne, White, Williamson
- EDR 9: St. Clair County Intergovernmental Grants Department – Lee Reese
- Counties served: Bond, Calhoun, Clinton, Jersey, Madison, Monroe, Randolph, St. Clair, Washington
You may find their contact information on this Illinois workNet page.
- EDR 4: Cook County Bureau of Economic Development – Kim Kuchenbrod
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202101/27
Now Available: New Assessments Added to Illinois workNet Skills & Interest Surveys
Illinois workNet has added two new assessment tools, Reality Check and Learning Style Survey, to the Skills & Interest Surveys offered to partners and customers. The Reality Check and Learning Styles Surveys are available for free, with the use of your Illinois workNet account, from the Illinois Career Information System (CIS).
Reality Check helps customers determine the lifestyle they can afford based on their monthly expenses and the occupations that will pay for all of their needs in a specific city/region within Illinois.
The Learning Styles Survey helps customers identify learning styles (auditory, tactile, or visual) through a series of activities to see which type of work environment they would learn best in.
Each assessment takes approximately 5-10 minutes to complete. After the customer has completed the assessments, their results will be saved in their CIS profile (which is accessible through their workNet account dashboard) and the Illinois workNet Customer Support Center.
To access the Skills & Interest Surveys:
Log into your Illinois worknet account
Click on My Dashboard and select Interests
Then select the survey you would like to complete
To learn more about Skills and Interest Surveys, checkout this Illinois workNet article.
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202101/06
National Mentoring Month 2021
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.
Who do you turn to?
If you are looking for someone to help with decisions and life in general, find a mentor today!
Do you have what it takes to be a mentor?
Most of us have had a teacher, supervisor, or coach who has been a mentor to us and made a positive difference in our lives. Those people wore many hats acting as delegators, role models, cheerleaders, policy enforcers, advocates, and friends. Mentors assume these different roles and share some basic qualities such as:
- A sincere desire to be involved with a mentee,
- Respect for young people,
- Active listening skills,
- Empathy,
- Ability to see solutions and opportunities, and
- Flexibility.
Explore being a mentor or advocate for mentoring by visiting the Illinois Mentor website.
Spread the word for mentoring!
Look through the national Campaign Toolkits for ways to promote mentoring. View the National Mentoring Month Kick-off Video and share on Facebook, Twitter, or other social media platforms.
Also, be sure to check out these Illinois workNet resources and articles on mentoring:
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202011/24
International Day of People with Disabilities
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.
This year, the theme is Not All Disabilities are Visible. In order to foster and encourage a welcoming society for all, it is important to recognize that those with disabilities contribute greatly to all aspects of our society and world. Learn more about, endorse, and share the charter for Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities in Humanitarian Action.
Learn more about this event's history, resources, and how you can help today at the International Day of People with Disabilities website.
Be sure to check out the following Illinois workNet resources to help you or someone you know who has a disability:
- disabilityworks
- Disability Benefits Estimator
- Disability Employment Guide
- Video Series for Workers, Job Seekers, and Employers
- Resources, and more
- Illinois workNet – Employer Hiring Credits
- DHS Division of Rehabilitation Services
- State of Illinois – Disabled Workers Programs
- 2020 Disability Equality Index Results – Best Places to Work
- Think Beyond the Label
- AbilityLinks
- Disability in Chicagoland
- The Arc of Illinois
- ADA 25 Advancing Leadership
Follow us on Social Media for the latest:
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202011/20
Small Business Saturday 2020
Saturday, November 28th, 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.
You can check out the Small Business Administration page to see how you can participate in Small Business Saturday and find links for businesses and shoppers! Small business owners can find customizable materials to promote your physical location, online shop, and/or social media for Small Business Saturday. If you'd like to support small businesses in your community, you can find a list of participating businesses near you.
In addition, you can share Small Business Saturday on Social Media using the hashtag #ShopSmall.
If you're interested in starting a business, or already own a small business, here are some resources for you:
- How to Make the Most of Small Business Saturday
- 4 Ways to Market Your Small Business This Holiday Season
- Illinois workNet's Starting a Business Guide
- Recruiting & Hiring
- Employer Hiring Credits
- Step by Step Guide – Small Business Assistance
- Small Business/Startup Resources
- Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Locator
Follow us on Social Media for the latest on Small Business Saturday:
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202011/17
American Education Week 2020
National American Education 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 on social media with resources ranging from Conversation Starters for Kids on Parents Day to meeting the needs for your students. Plan activities around these themes to celebrate the week. Check out the official site for American Education Week.
Through collaboration with the Illinois State Board of Education and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, Education Systems Center has released a Career Development Experience Toolkit aligned to the frameworks established in the Postsecondary and Workforce Readiness (PWR) Act. The Toolkit is a gathering of best practices and resource sharing from communities doing incredible work throughout the state of Illinois and nationally to establish expectations for implementing high-quality, rigorous work-based learning experiences. Communities may apply, repurpose, and utilize these resources to provide meaningful and robust Career Development Experiences that ultimately prepare youth to be college and career ready. Access and read more about the toolkit here. Please reach out to Heather Penczak, Policy & Program Manager at EdSystems, with any questions or needs (hpenczak@niu.edu).
Also, it is important to recognize the important role Career and Technical Education (CTE) plays in our public school system. Perkins V, a federal grant program that supports CTE at both the secondary and postsecondary levels, was reauthorized in the summer of 2018 and took effect July 1, 2019. The reauthorized Act reflects technological advances occurring in both education and the workforce. Key strategies including expanding access to dual credit opportunities, offering quality work-based learning, and addressing equity gaps within our CTE programs. For more information, visit www.isbe.net/perkins or https://www.iccb.org/cte/perkins/.
Notably, this November marks the release of the Programs of Study Guides. The Illinois Community College Board, Illinois State Board of Education, and EdSystems, Northern Illinois University, partnered in 2019 to work closely with secondary and postsecondary educators, employers, and other stakeholders to be able to map out Model Programs of Study using an industry sector-based lens. The first four complete models include pathways in Education, Health Sciences, Manufacturing, and Information Technology. The Model Programs of Study are intended to provide exemplars for local programs to adopt or customize as they develop programs of study for approval as part of the Perkins V Plan. See the final guides here: https://www.iccb.org/cte/pos-models/
Check out the Illinois workNet resources below for additional reading:
- Events Near You
- Skills and Interests Surveys
- Youth Guide
- Do You Need a Work Permit?
- Getting Started with Money Management – Young Adults
- Prevent Violence at School and Work
- Get a Head Start on Your Career with Student Organizations
- Do You Want to be an Intern?
- Saving for School
- Ways to Pay for School
- How to Make Informed Student Loan Decisions
Follow us on Social Media:
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202011/08
Veterans Day 2020
In honor of Veterans Day (11/11/20), the State of Illinois would like to thank all who have served in the United States Armed Forces and their families. 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.
Be sure to register for the upcoming Virtual Job Fair events taking place next week on November 9th, 10th, 12th, and 13th. The Veterans Virtual Recruitment Series is open to all U.S. Military Service Members and their spouses. During each session, a panel of employers will provide information on their company and employment opportunities. For more details, please visit the registration page.
The following is a brief list of WIOA partners and training services available to our Military Service Members and Spouses:
- Illinois Department of Employment Security (www.ides.illinois.gov)
- Individualized Career Planning Assistance
- Unemployment Services
- Illinois Job Link
- Illinois Department of Human Services (www.dhs.illinois.gov)
- Family & Community Services
- Mental Health
- Rehabilitation Services
- Substance Abuse
- Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity
- Apprenticeships (Employers & Job Seekers)
- Layoffs and Closing Guidance
Illinois workNet (www.illinoisworknet.com)
- Veteran Assistance Guide
- Transitioning to Civilian Employment
- Communicating Military Experience and Skills to Employers
- Benefits of Hiring Veterans
- Getting Connected to Benefits & Services for Veterans
- Translate Your Military Skills into Training or a New Career
- How to Apply Military Skills to Civilian Jobs
- How to Tackle a Career Change Head-On
- Preparing and Searching for a Job After the Military
- How Can Illinois JobLink Help You?
- Find Events for Veterans near you
- Additional Helpful Resources
Follow us on Social Media for the latest on #VeteransDay!
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202011/07
Apprenticeship Week 2020
National Apprenticeship Week (NAW), November 8-13 2020, 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.
Job seekers, are you interested in starting a new career or changing careers but are not sure if the traditional classroom setting is for you? Getting into an apprenticeship could be a perfect alternate path to reaching your career, training, and employment goals. Find out more about the apprenticeships here.
For employers, do you have a difficult time filling some positions or know that many of your employees may retire soon? Did you know that there are Apprenticeship Navigators dedicated to help employers start or expand apprenticeship programs? Explore more about the benefits of apprenticeships and how to get started here. Apprenticeships can help you build and retain a skilled workforce!
Find the NAW week events near you on Apprenticeship.gov's site and explore all of the apprenticeship resources available on Illinois workNet on the Apprenticeship Illinois site and the Illinois workNet Event Calendar.
Follow us on Social Media for the latest on #NAW2020
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202011/02
Entrepreneurship Month 2020
Starting a business is a lot of work, but you're not in it alone. The month of November is Entrepreneurship Month, and there are many resources available that can help walk you through the steps it takes to get your business started. The Small Business Administration, or the SBA, has a multitude of resources available to those wanting to start a business. One resource that you may not find other places is the SBA Learning Center. Here you can find online courses designed for you to learn more about a specific topic.
Entrepreneurs in Illinois, whether you are starting, maintaining, or hoping to grow your business, check out Illinois workNet's resources so you can stay up to date on the latest when it comes to events near you. Also, be sure to read Illinois workNet's Starting a Business Guide and the following articles below for your entrepreneurial needs.
Illinois workNet Business Resources:
- Entrepreneurship and Small Business
- Why Entrepreneurship Skills Matter
- Benefits of Starting a Business
- What to Know Before You Start Your Business
- What to Do Before You Start a Business
- Get Going on Your Small Business
- Running Your Business
- Service Finder for Employers
- Find Employee Based Training
- Illinois JobLink
- Building an Online Presence for Your Business
- Growing Your Business
- Business Hub and Business Partner Emails
- Keeping Your Business and Customers Safe Online
- Up and Running Start Planning for Your Business Today
- Hiring, Recruiting and Training
- Employment and Hiring Planning Resources
- Job Searching and Hiring Videos
Other Small Business Resources:
- First Stop Business Information Centers (BIC)
- Small Business Development Centers (SBDC)
- Find the closest SBDC near you
- Procurement Technical Assistance Centers (PTAC)
- SBDC International Trade Centers (ITC)
- Small Business Environmental Assistance Program (SBEAP)
- Regulatory Flexibility Program
- Angel Investment Credit Program
Follow us on Social Media for the latest on #EntrepreneurshipMonth!
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202010/26
Correction: LGBTQ+ Informational Session Taking Place 10/29
A previous email included an incorrect date for this week's PRIDE in Our Workforce: LGBTQ+ Employment & Engagement informational session.
This event will be taking place on Thursday, October 29th from 1pm - 230pm.
Learn more about this event and register here.
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202010/25
Upcoming Informational Sessions
Don't miss out on this coming week's informational sessions about manufacturing, apprenticeships and LGBTQ+ friendly businesses. Learn about and register for these upcoming events below.
Joliet Junior College and Illinois workNet Celebrate Manufacturing Month
When: 10/28 – 10am – 11am
About: A webinar with conversation focused around the importance of manufacturing in Illinois, educational opportunities that lead to high-paying local careers, student/employee perspective on the education/career, and finally how manufacturing gives back to the community will take place Wednesday, October 28th at 10:00am with manufacturers LyondellBasell and CITGO Petroleum Corporation, along with education partner Joliet Junior College. Learn what modern manufacturing is really all about! Learn more about this event and register here.
Manufacturing Apprenticeships in Illinois + ICATT Apprenticeship Program
When: 10/29 – 11am – 12pm
About: This webinar will highlight the ICATT Apprenticeship Program, a nationally awarded 3-year apprenticeship program combining on-the-job training with an associate's degree. ICATT operates across the state of Illinois and works closely with communities, community colleges, economic development organizations, and employers. You'll have the opportunity to learn about the program and hear success stories from existing ICATT partners, including community colleges, employers, and apprentices. The ICATT Apprenticeship Program is a workforce development strategy – a sustainable solution that builds a loyal workforce, provides a pipeline of talent, and ensures that standards of excellence are met. Learn more at https://www.icattapprenticeships.com/.
Who should attend:
- Current high school students or recent graduates (or really anyone 18+) interested in a career in manufacturing
- Benefits for ICATT apprentices: real-world training, an associate's degree, and an awesome career with no student debt; earn a salary + guaranteed employment for 2 years upon successful completion of the training and associate's degree
- Parents / guardians of high school students or recent graduates interested in a career in manufacturing
- Employers interested in getting involved with the ICATT Apprenticeship Program (open to any Illinois employer!)
- Benefits for companies: access to a sustainable pipeline of talent, increased employee retention, harness growth opportunities
- Communities and community colleges in the state of Illinois interested in getting involved with the ICATT Apprenticeship Program as a workforce development strategy
- Anyone with a general interest in learning about manufacturing apprenticeships and the ICATT Apprenticeship Program
Join this webinar through Zoom or Facebook.
PRIDE in Our Workforce: LGBTQ+ Employment & Engagement
When: 10/29 – 1pm – 230pm
About: Illinois workNet partnered with Illinois LGBT Chamber of Commerce (LGBTCC) and Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) to hold a multi-employer informational session highlighting LGBTQ+ friendly businesses throughout the state!
This is an inclusive virtual event for job seekers to hear from three hiring employers about current job openings and experiences. Businesses are invited to learn about LGBTCC, services offered by the Chamber, and work being done for the LGBTQ+ community; DCEO will provide information about the Business Interruption Grant (BIG) Program. There will be time for Q&A! Learn more about this event and register here.
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202010/24
Program Enrollment Closing Soon: Illinois FREE Online IT Training Through Coursera
In June, the State of Illinois partnered with Coursera to offer courses that lead to Information Technology (IT) professional courses and certificates, such as the Google IT Support Professional Certificate.
The period for free course enrollments in select Coursera Workforce Recovery Initiative content will end on October 31, 2020. Once enrolled, learners will still have until December 31, 2020 to complete their courses as part of the program.
You will not be able to enroll for free, if you enroll on or after November 1, 2020.
Access to Coursera to create a free account can be found by visiting Illinois workNet or Get Hired Illinois. Get Hired Illinois is a state web portal designed to connect workers with the available job and career training opportunities across the state of Illinois.
Here are the steps to get you started on Illinois workNet:
- Sign in to Illinois workNet.com or Create an Illinois workNet account
- Visit the training page and click on the "Access Your Free Courses" button
Once you complete Coursera courses, and if you want to continue your education, you can access other IT courses through your local community college:
Review your training options and learn more about Coursera's Training Opportunities.
Follow Illinois workNet on Social Media:
Sincerely,
The Illinois WorkNet Team
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202010/19
Celebrating Manufacturing and Highlighting its Importance to the Local Economy Pt. 3
Manufacturing is essential to every aspect of our world and serves as a catalyst by creating a ripple effect that impacts other important areas, including the local economy. Take a moment to think about the products that we use on a daily basis and it becomes even more evident how important manufacturing really is. From the vehicles we drive and fuel that goes in the tank to food and beverage products, the manufacturing industry and its workforce has an important role.
Below is the third and final part of an article about the manufacturing industry. This article highlights the importance and impact the manufacturing industry has to the workforce and our communities.
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Community Investment
Not to be overlooked are the significant contributions that manufacturers make to our local communities through outreach initiatives which include charitable organizations, scholarships, food drives, environment-friendly programs as well as events to increase interest in manufacturing. These contributions show the commitment that manufacturers have to not only be part of their community but also give back.
LyondellBasell Morris Complex
As we continue to navigate the pandemic there have been many positive outcomes - an outpouring of sincere kindness from several manufacturers who are eager to make their support known in communities. Among the manufacturing companies is LyondellBasell, which donated $50,000 to We Care of Grundy County. The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted various facets of people’s lives and created hardships for many. Food banks all over the world are on the front lines of this international pandemic providing food assistance to millions facing hunger, with demand increasing every day. LyondellBasell’s donation aims to help relieve some of the strain with its donation.
“We Care of Grundy County is incredibly special to us,” Morris site manager Randy Tatum said. “Both our employees and retirees regularly volunteer their time to help stock the food pantry throughout the year. We take our role in this community seriously, and this is something we can do to help our neighbors during this difficult time."
Donating funds to supply food for those in need is just one example how LyondellBasell has responded during the pandemic. Additionally, LyondellBasell's materials are found in many applications critical to protecting and preserving health and safety such as medical devices, protective equipment, cleaning products, and various pharmaceutical applications. The company continues to supply its customers with a variety of materials including polypropylene resins, which are used to produce melt-blown fibers that provide filtration in facemasks; masterbatch products are used in breathable films for protective suits; and, polypropylene, ethylene oxide, and propylene oxide are used to make medical syringes, medical test kits, soaps, disinfectants, and many other products.
ExxonMobil Joliet Refinery
The ExxonMobil Joliet Refinery places a high priority on community partnership. Over the last 10 years, the company and its employees have contributed nearly $2 million to the United Way through their annual campaign, and have dedicated countless hours volunteering for local charitable causes. Employees’ sweat equity and personal commitment to those charities is further boosted by financial grants under the ExxonMobil Volunteer Involvement Program (VIP).
A strong commitment to education drives much of the ExxonMobil’s community outreach. Each year, ExxonMobil employees share their expertise and experience with over 1,000 local students through their Secrets in Science program, Science Expo, Big Brothers/Big Sisters Mentor 2.0 Program, and Career Conferences. These programs pique students’ interest in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM), positioning those students for higher paying jobs, and support the long term objective of developing a workforce consistent with what our future economy will require.
ExxonMobil and its employees actively support higher education through its Educational Matching Grant Program, which matches employee donations with corporate contributions. In the last five years alone, $6.8 million has been donated to Illinois colleges and universities through the program and ExxonMobil has also recently collaborated with its contractor partners to establish the Manufacturing for the Future Fund at the Joliet Junior College.
Highlighting the more than 225 people ExxonMobil has hired in the last five years, Joliet Refinery Manager Monica Mainland expressed her appreciation for all that her colleagues do to operate the refinery with excellence, and to build strong partnerships with the community. “We operate in a challenging and dynamic business environment. As a company, we leverage our employees’ diverse backgrounds, experiences and thought to deliver creative solutions.”
Efforts like volunteerism, environment-friendly practices, and philanthropy continue to be the primary focus for manufacturing companies across the globe. At the end of the day, manufacturing is much more than making a product; it’s about the passion and purpose which provides a solid foundation for our local economy and continues to be the lifeblood of our communities.
The ExxonMobil Joliet Refinery places a high priority on community partnership. Over the last 10 years, the company and its employees have contributed nearly $2 million to the United Way through their annual campaign, and have dedicated countless hours volunteering for local charitable causes.
Calculating and configuring are all part of Loni Pierce’s day-to-day routine. Using computer-based information to analyze and repair equipment inside the plant, her days at Joliet Junior College studying Electrical Electronics Automated Systems have prepared her for her 30-year career with LyondellBasell. During the month of October, we celebrate Loni Pierce and other professionals in manufacturing who keep plants running safely and efficiently.
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Discover what manufacturing careers are available with the Illinois workNet Careers, Wages & Trends Search that allows you to use career and labor market information to:
- Plan for high school and beyond.
- Complete job applications and prepare for interviews.
- Find out about expected number of job openings and how much a job could pay.
- Make a job change, relocate, or request a pay raise.
Be sure to follow our event calendar for upcoming events, Virtual Job Fairs (VJF), and social media pages to learn more about Manufacturing Month:
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202010/15
Celebrating Manufacturing and Highlighting its Importance to the Local Economy Pt. 2
Manufacturing is essential to every aspect of our world and serves as a catalyst by creating a ripple effect that impacts other important areas, including the local economy. Take a moment to think about the products that we use on a daily basis and it becomes even more evident how important manufacturing really is. From the vehicles, we drive and fuel that goes in the tank to food and beverage products, the manufacturing industry and its workforce have an important role.
Below is the second part of an article about the manufacturing industry. Next week, we will be posting the remaining installment of this article that highlights the importance and impact the manufacturing industry has to the workforce and our communities.
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Industry & Education Partnerships
Recruiting, preparing, and growing the talent base is among the most critical challenges facing manufacturers. The best opportunity to train students for manufacturing careers is for businesses to partner with school districts and community/technical colleges. We see this happening throughout Illinois.
LyondellBasell’s Morris Complex is one of the initial companies that partnered with Joliet Junior College to establish the Operations Engineering and Technician (OET) Associate degree programs. This program prepares individuals with the education and training needed for an operator or maintenance position.
Since the inception of the OET program in 2015, JJC has enjoyed solid partnerships with industry leaders such as LyondellBasell, TC Energy, Aux Sable, CITGO Petroleum Corporation and Exelon Generation. The OET program stats continue to shine. Ever since the program began, there has been a 100 percent completion and employment rate with graduates earning an average salary of $72,000.
Amy Murphy, dean, applied arts, workforce education & training said, “Our industry partners have been instrumental in shaping the OET program’s curriculum, ensuring that our students are real-world ready through internship experiences as well as providing employment opportunities after graduation.”
Preparation for a career in manufacturing should start much earlier in a student’s education. Joliet Junior College adapted the success of the OET program to establish a dual-enrollment/pre-apprenticeship program, Advanced Integrated Maintenance (AIM), where high school students can attend college part-time their senior year to begin their career path in advanced manufacturing. Manufacturers have introduced hundreds of programs like these across the country.
Increasingly, advanced manufacturing companies are turning to apprenticeships to develop, grow and retain a skilled workforce. Apprenticeship programs combine on-the-job learning with related instruction in technical areas to produce qualified, highly skilled employees for careers requiring precision skills.
Apprenticeship training ensures workers have the knowledge and competencies that companies need for today and tomorrow while helping to reduce the turnover rate. According to RecruiterBox, the average cost-per-hire in the manufacturing industry is $5,159. Many variables go into calculating your cost-per-hire including your recruiter's time, job fair participation fees, job board fees and ad spend.
An apprenticeship program provides a 94% retention rate according to the U.S. Department of Labor. Joliet Junior College is a program sponsor for many advanced manufacturing occupations and is partnering with manufacturers to establish their apprenticeship programs in the area of machinists, industrial maintenance technicians and more.
Daisy Mireles, a student in JJC’s Operations Engineering & Technician (OET) program, works on a pump during one of her classes. The OET program prepares students with the education and training needed to become an operator or maintenance position in the petrochemical, manufacturing or nuclear industry.
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Discover what manufacturing careers are available with the Illinois workNet Careers, Wages & Trends Search that allows you to use career and labor market information to:
- Plan for high school and beyond.
- Complete job applications and prepare for interviews.
- Find out about the expected number of job openings and how much a job could pay.
- Make a job change, relocate, or request a pay raise.
Be sure to follow our event calendar for upcoming events, Virtual Job Fairs (VJF), and social media pages to learn more about Manufacturing Month:
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202010/07
National Disability Employment Awareness Month 2020
This month is National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM). Observed nationwide every October, NDEAM is a way to celebrate the contributions of workers with disabilities. It also helps organizations across the country to educate others on the value and impact of having a diverse workforce. As this month gets started, be sure to take advantage of the resources available to you on the disabilityworks website of Illinois workNet and elsewhere that can assist you directly:
- Disability Benefits Estimator
- Disability Employment Guide
- Find Available Benefits and Services
- Develop a Financial Management Plan
- Explore Career and Training Opportunities
- Get Organized and Search for Jobs
- Disabilityworks Video Series
- Illinois workNet – Employer Hiring Credits
- DHS Division of Rehabilitation Services
- State of Illinois – Disabled Workers Program
- 2020 Disability Equality Index Results – Best Places to Work
- Think Beyond the Label
- AbilityLinks
Be sure to check out and participate in upcoming events in Illinois and share with those you know. Visit the Illinois workNet Event Calendar today.
Follow us on Social Media for the latest on Disability Employment Awareness Month: -
202010/05
Celebrating Manufacturing and Highlighting its Importance to the Local Economy – Part 1
Manufacturing is essential to every aspect of our world and serves as a catalyst by creating a ripple effect that impacts other important areas, including the local economy. Take a moment to think about the products that we use on a daily basis and it becomes even more evident how important manufacturing really is. From the vehicles we drive and fuel that goes in the tank to food and beverage products, the manufacturing industry and its workforce has an important role.
Below is the first part of an article about the manufacturing industry. Throughout Manufacturing Month, we will be posting the other two installments of this article that highlights the importance and impact the manufacturing industry has to the workforce and our communities.
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Workforce Contributions
Over the years, manufacturing has transformed into an innovative, high-tech industry that provides a pathway to rewarding career opportunities. The shop floor isn't what it used to be. Technology has revolutionized the manufacturing industry by incorporating robotics, automation and 3D printing into production processes. In addition to positions in the plant, there are varieties of other occupations available such as human resources, information technology, accounting and sales to name a few.
"The perception of manufacturing has changed over the years from a low-skill, dirty and dangerous job to a high-tech, high-skill and high-paying one," said Randy Tatum, Site Manager of the LyondellBasell Morris Complex. "At LyondellBasell, we employ some of the finest professionals in our industry right here in Grundy County."
It's also been communicated that there is a shortage of skilled workers in the manufacturing sector due to a retiring workforce and lack of qualified applicants, therefore, the employment outlook is very favorable. Manufacturing also provides opportunities for employees to live in the communities where they work, which in turn stimulates spending into the local economy.
According to the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM), "manufacturers in Illinois account for 12.54% of the total output in the state, employing 9.58% of the workforce. Total output from manufacturing was $108.43 billion in 2018. In addition, there were an average of 592,000 manufacturing employees in Illinois in 2019, with an average annual compensation of $89,853.35 in 2018."
Value-Added Benefits
For every product that gets manufactured there are numerous value-added benefits to the supply chain. Whether it's the supplier of raw materials, the transportation company delivering the product or any job function in between, there's a multitude of companies and personnel that contribute to the entire manufacturing process. Essentially this equates to more jobs in a variety of career pathways across multiple sectors.
"Manufacturing generates more economic activity than other sectors. For every dollar of domestic manufacturing value-added, another $3.60 of economic activity is generated elsewhere across the economy. For every manufacturing job, there are 3.4 jobs created in nonmanufacturing industries. No other sector comes close to these numbers," as mentioned in an interview on Area Development's website.
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Illinois workNet Resources
Discover what manufacturing careers are available with the Illinois workNet Careers, Wages & Trends Search that allows you to use career and labor market information to:
- Plan for high school and beyond.
- Complete job applications and prepare for interviews.
- Find out about expected number of job openings and how much a job could pay.
- Make a job change, relocate, or request a pay raise.
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202010/03
National Cybersecurity Awareness Month 2020
October is National Cybersecurity Awareness Month (NCSAM). This month raises awareness about the importance of keeping private information that is online safe. The Department of Homeland Security's website says that this is a "collaborative effort between government and industry to ensure every American has the resources they need to stay safer and more secure online…" To learn more, visit the NCSAM website.
This year's theme is "Do Your Part. #BeCyberSmart." Each week of this month has a theme to consider and will be promoted by the Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and the National Cyber Security Alliance (NCSA):
- Week of October 5: If You Connect It, Protect It
- Week of October 12: Securing Devices at Home and Work
- Week of October 19: Securing Internet-Connected Devices in Healthcare
- Week of October 26: The Future of Connected Devices
Additionally, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) celebrates this month. To see what events they are hosting this month along with other resources, visit this page.
In this increasingly technological time, it is important to keep up to date on the latest information and resources available to you. Whether it is identity theft, company data breaches, or cyberattacks and other online scams be sure to read the following articles on Illinois workNet to protect yourself from online threats:
Illinois workNet Articles:
- How to Keep Your Financial Information Safe Online
- All About Passwords
- How to Protect Yourself From Identity Theft
- Why Online Security Matters
- What to Do After a Data Breach
- What You Need to Know About Online Scams
- Online Safety Tips for Job Seekers
- An Introduction to Job Scams
Follow us on Social Media for the latest on Cybersecurity Awareness Month:
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202010/02
Upcoming Veteran Virtual Recruitment Presentation - October 7, 2020
The Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS), Illinois Department of Veteran Affairs (IDVA) and the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) will be holding a veteran virtual recruitment presentation on October 7th, 2020.
The virtual training workshop will be provided to counsel and guide veterans who are seeking employment with the state of Illinois. The presentations will focus on educating individuals interested in learning the process of applying for state employment and will address general questions including veteran preference in state hiring. Attendees will also have the opportunity to meet representatives of the Illinois Department of Human Services and Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs recruitment to discuss state employment opportunities.
You may register for the event on this page.
For any questions about the event please email johnny.rodriguez@illinois.gov
Applicants interested in employment with the Illinois Dept. of Human Services can email DHS.RECRUITMENT@ILLINOIS.GOV or they can complete the DHS employment link below:
Visit www.work.illinois.gov to see state employment opportunities at our state agencies.
Below is a list of resources for Veterans that are available on Illinois workNet:
- Veteran Assistance Guide
- Transitioning to Civilian Employment
- Communicating Military Experience and Skills to Employers
- Benefits of Hiring Veterans
- Getting Connected to Benefits & Services for Veterans
- Translate Your Military Skills into Training or a New Career
- How to Apply Military Skills to Civilian Jobs
- How to Tackle a Career Change Head-On
- Preparing and Searching for a Job After the Military
- How Can Illinois JobLink Help You?
- Find Events for Veterans near you
- Additional Helpful Resources
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202010/01
Manufacturing Month 2020
Every October is Manufacturing Month. As this month gets started, be sure you have the resources to reach your manufacturing career, training, and employment goals. Be sure to check out the Illinois Manufacturers' Association (IMA) website throughout October for events, resources, and more.
View Illinois workNet’s manufacturing related resources below:
- Find Manufacturing Specific Events
- Explore Manufacturing Careers, Wages, and Trends
- See if Your Skills and Interests Align with Manufacturing
- Search for WIOA Approved Training Programs and Other Manufacturing Programs in Illinois
- Use Manufacturing Resume Templates to Build the Perfect Resume
- Search for Jobs in the Manufacturing Industry
- Find Manufacturing Student and Trade Connections
- Find Additional Online Manufacturing Resources
- Employer-Based Talent Pipeline Training Opportunities Flyer
- Requirements for Registering an Apprenticeship Program Flyer
Also, be sure to check out these Manufacturing related articles on Illinois workNet:
- Take Illinois workNet Surveys to Discover Your Skills
- Illinois Essential Employability Skills on Illinois workNet
- Get In-Demand with Manufacturing
- Growing a Career in Manufacturing with Industry-Recognized Credentials
- Competency-Based Learning in Manufacturing
Manufacturing Day 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. Learn more about Manufacturing Month at the Manufacturing Day website!
If you are looking for manufacturing employers in Illinois who are hiring, be sure to check out the Virtual Job Fair (VJF) employer booth listing and select "Manufacturing" from the "Filter by Industry" dropdown. Keep an eye on the Virtual Job Fair events calendar for upcoming VJFs held by manufacturing employers.
Need to update your resume for your next manufacturing job? Then be sure to check out the templates in our Resume Building tool for jobs in manufacturing. All you need to do is login to or create an Illinois workNet account.
Follow us on Social Media for the latest on Manufacturing Day and Manufacturing Month:
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202009/20
Adult Education and Family Literacy Week 2020
September 20 – 26 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. In the U.S., the number of adults who struggle with basic academic skills is approximately 36 million. This makes it difficult for individuals to achieve their education and work-related goals. As adult literacy connects with many social issues, it is very important to highlight the need to help others acquire these essential college and career skills.
Access toolkits, resources, and learn how you can participate for this week at the Adult Education and Family Literacy Week website.Be sure to check out these Illinois workNet articles during Adult Education and Family Literacy Week:- What is Adult Education?
- Give Yourself a New Lease on Life
- What are Basic Skills?
- Why Academic Skills Matter
- Why Positive Attitude Skills Matter
- Why Communication Skills Matter
- Why Work and Personal Ethic Skills Matter
- What is ESL?
- What is the TABE?
- What is the GED?
- How to Earn Your High School Equivalency
- How Do I Begin My Career?
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202009/18
Employ Older Workers Week 2020
The week of September 21 - 25 is Employ Older Workers Week! Older workers are an important force that contribute to our workplaces and communities with their wisdom and experiences. In addition to Illinois workNet's article on how these workers can remain working and engaged, check out the sources below for additional information.
The Department on Aging's website also has information about what programs and services are available to older adults in Illinois. The Provider Profile Search will show you which Illinois Department on Aging providers and services are available near you. From the Community Care Program to legal assistance and more, be sure to visit their site for your needs.
The Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) is a "community service and work-based training program for older workers." This website is a great location for individuals 55 and older who are looking to improve their employability skills. By being part of this program, older workers gain access to additional resources, services, and training opportunities. Be sure to check out the WorkforceGPS Resource Library for additional information concerning older workers.
Another resource to check out is Older Americans Month (OAM). This year's theme was "Make Your Mark."
This month recognizes older adults around the country and encourages them to participate in activities within their communities. The Activity Page on Older Americans Month's website offers several ideas of how these individuals can share their experiences with one another, younger generations, on social media, and much more. To read more about this month, check out the Older Americans Month's website.
Follow us on Social Media for the latest on #EmployOlderWorkers!
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202009/10
Hispanic Heritage Month 2020
September 15th – October 15th is National Hispanic Heritage Month. During this month we look at and celebrate the contributions that Hispanic Americans have made to better our society and country. The National Hispanic Heritage Month website has a page on its site with more than 160 lesson plans for educators that span American history. Additionally, this page includes resources for teachers from well known institutions such as the Library of Congress, National Archives, National Endowment for the Humanities, National Gallery of Art, National Park Services, and the Smithsonian Institution.
It is important to recognize the achievements, contributions, and influence that Hispanic Americans have provided for the U.S. Illinois workNet encourages our workforce and education partners to learn about and share these resources with their customers.
Latinx employers, be sure to attend the upcoming webinars Access to Capital. Latinx business owners have been disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 crisis. This webinar will discuss financial resources for Latinx owned businesses. View the Event Calendar entries below for additional information including how to register:
Discover what careers are available with the Illinois workNet Careers, Wages & Trends Search that allows you to use career and labor market information to:
- Plan for high school and beyond.
- Complete job applications and prepare for interviews.
- Find out about expected number of job openings and how much a job could pay.
- Make a job change, relocate, or request a pay raise.
Be sure to follow our event calendar for upcoming events and social media pages to learn more about Hispanic Heritage Month:
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202008/25
Division of Rehabilitation Services Available to Job Seekers
The Division of Rehabilitation Services (DRS) is the state's lead agency serving persons with disabilities. DRS helps individuals with disabilities and their families to help them in making decisions for employment, education, and independent living opportunities.
If you are interested in learning more about the types of services that DRS provides including how to apply for these services, watch the video linked on the DRS Impact page. To learn about successes from the DRS, visit the DRS Success page.
Below are DRS resources with more information about what assistance and services are available:
- DRS Flyer
- DRS Rehabilitation Services: Apply Online
- DRS Overview Page with Referral Form
- DRS Employer Brochure
Additionally, check out the following resources for individuals with a disability on disabilityworks' website:
Follow Illinois workNet on Social Media:
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202008/19
Update to Illinois workNet Resume Builder Tool to Take Effect on August 31st
After August 31st, previously saved Practice Interviews and Video Resumes will no longer be available in the Document Center of the Illinois workNet Resume Building Tool.
These interviews and resumes were recorded with Adobe® Flash®, which will no longer be supported with major internet browsers.*
While previously saved Practice Interviews and Video Resumes will no longer be available after August 31st, SkillsFirst will provide new career tools including practice interviews and thousands of interview questions/coaching sets.
New resources for Interviews and Interview Answers will be accessible after August 31st in the Document Center under the Interview Section. Note: This will be the same page where you find your previously saved resumes, cover letters, and other resources.
More than 1,000 interviews and 12,000 interview questions will be provided by SKillsFirst. In addition to creating your own practice interview with questions, the new Interview resources will allow you to filter by:
- Occupation
- Interview Type
- Skill Type
- and more
Check out the Illinois workNet Resume Writing Guide for an overview of resume related resources that are available on workNet.
*After August 31st new practice interviews will be supported by HTML5.
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202007/23
College Changes Everything 2020
The annual College Changes Everything Conference is now live. This year, the conference will be held over a two-week period with live events and pre-recorded webinars. To register for the conference and live events, go to this registration page.
This annual conference is an opportunity for individuals to share how their college or higher education experience has made a lasting and positive impact on their lives. The conference will provide presentations about resources that are available to increase educational access and college completion for students in Illinois. Illinois hopes to increase the number of adults in the state with higher education degrees to 60% by 2025. The College Changes Everything Conference is an important opportunity to help the state reach this number.
This year, Illinois workNet submitted a recording of a presentation on the Employment 101 tool. Employment 101 is a self-guided tool that helps job seekers determine and set their career goals.
Other topics that will be discussed at College Changes Everything include:
- Navigating College and Career Pathways as a Postsecondary Student During COVID-19,
- Skills & Tools to Support Postsecondary Planning,
- Engaging and Supporting Youth in Work-Based Learning, and
- Much more
If you are interested in this conference and would like to register, read more on the College Changes Everything website.
Illinois workNet Partner Resources
Illinois workNet Customer Resources
Here are some additional resources on Illinois workNet that may help you prepare for other events featured in the College Changes Everything Conference:
Skills/Education:
Financial Aid:
- Saving for School
- Ways to Pay for School
- What Kind of Financial Aid is Right for You?
- 5 Tips When Applying for Financial Aid
- 7 Phases of College Financial Aid Award Packaging
- Supporting Yourself While in School
- How to Make Informed Student Loan Decisions
Planning/Tests:
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202007/07
Your local community college…We are here for you.
Your local Illinois community college is a high-quality and affordable path to a new career during this time of economic uncertainty. Programs in Information Technology, Health Care, Education, and the trades provide you with an opportunity to get back into the workforce.
The services offered at your local community college provide the career planning and skills necessary for your success. Community colleges provide online and face-to-face state of the art instruction, access to technology, counseling and support services, tutoring, child care and so much more.
To find out more about your local community college and enrolling for fall, visit the college locator and enter in your zip code: http://iccbdbsrv.iccb.org/zipcodes/home.cfm.
Your local community college…We are here for you.
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202006/23
Online Training for IT Jobs Now Available
For a limited time, you can access free online Information Technology (IT) and Job Readiness courses from top institutions with Coursera. Coursera is an online learning platform offering certificates and degrees through online training.
These training opportunities will boost your skills and experience and give you an edge when applying to IT job openings in Illinois.
Be sure to register for these courses by October 31. Complete the courses by December 31, 2020 to earn your certificates.
To access Coursera for free, create an account by visiting the Get Started with Coursera page on Illinois workNet.
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202006/05
Illinois Partners with Coursera to Offer Free Online IT Training Courses and more
<div class="ExternalClassC80897E1D9D846E0B1FDE5EA797790F5"><p>The State of Illinois has partnered with Coursera to offer courses that lead to Information Technology (IT) professional courses and certificates, such as Google IT Support Professional Certificate.</p><p>For a limited time, Illinoisans can access free online Information Technology (IT) and Job Readiness courses from top institutions using Coursera. These courses and certifications will make you more competitive in the IT field where job openings exist in Illinois. You may also access other courses for digital literacy, job readiness, and more. Coursera is an online learning platform offering massive open online courses (MOOC), specializations, and degrees. The University of Illinois is a flagship partner with Coursera.</p><p>
<strong>
<em>Note: completing courses through Coursera does not affect Unemployment Insurance. </em></strong></p><p>
Free Coursera Online Courses: Register for the courses through October 31. Completion of courses and certificates must occur by December 31, 2020.<br></p><p>Access to Coursera to create a free account can be found by visiting Illinois workNet or
<a href="https://www2.illinois.gov/gethired/Pages/default.aspx">Get Hired Illinois</a>. Get Hired Illinois is a state web portal designed to connect workers with the available job and career training opportunities across the state of Illinois.<br></p><p>Here are the
<strong>steps to get you started </strong>on Illinois workNet: </p><ol><li>Sign in to <a href="/">Illinois workNet.com</a> or Create an <a href="/Pages/Register.aspx?ReturnUrl=/">Illinois workNet account</a></li><li>Visit
the training page and click on the "Access Your Free Courses" button</li><li>Coursera will then send you an email so you can get started on your courses<br></li></ol><p>Once you complete Coursera courses, and if you want to continue your education, you can access other IT courses through your local community college:</p><ul><li>
<a href="http://iccbdbsrv.iccb.org/dop/home.cfm">ICCB Directory of Programs</a><br></li><li>
<a href="/DownloadPrint/Illinois%20CC%20IT%20Programs%20List.pdf">Current / Active Illinois Community College IT Program</a></li></ul><p>
Review your training options and learn more about
Coursera's Training Opportunities.</p><p>Follow Illinois workNet on Social Media:</p><ul><li>
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/illinois.worknet">Facebook</a></li><li>
<a href="https://twitter.com/ILworknet">Twitter</a></li><li>
<a href="https://www.pinterest.com/illinoisworknet/">Pinterest</a></li><li>
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/illinoisworknet">YouTube</a><br></li></ul></div> -
202006/03
National Safety Month 2020
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 such as:
- Mental Health
- Ergonomics
- Building a Safety Culture
- Driving
Below is a list of resources Illinois workNet has that can help workers avoid injuries regardless of where they are:
National Safety Month – The National Safety Council provides several resources for you to help raise awareness about safety during the month of June. Read this Illinois workNet article on how you and others can remain safe and engaged.
Be Safe in Your New Job – When starting a new job, it's important to be aware and cautious of equipment you have not previously used. From operating workplace equipment to preparation and clean-up of your workspace, this article covers important safety precautions to keep in mind when on the job.
Stay Safe and Productive at Work – Following your company's safety guidelines is the best way to avoid getting hurt on the job. This article covers safety tips for the workplace so that you and your team can be safe while working on construction projects.
Technical Skills – Read up on the different skills required in the industry and how you can keep your skills and performance up to date.
Do You Need a Work Permit? – For younger members of the workforce, this article provides information on what jobs require work permits, rules for youths in the workplace, and how to apply for the work permit you will need.
Why Personal Health and Safety Matter – From avoiding injuries and illness to staying in shape and managing stress, read up on why it's important to maintain good health.
For more information, go to the National Safety Council's page on National Safety Month to gather safety materials and learn how to spread the word to your coworkers, families, and communities.
If you have any questions about National Safety Month, visit the National Safety Council's contact page here.
Follow us on Social Media for the latest on National Safety Month:
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202005/29
Recorded Webinars: Demos for Virtual Job Fair
Thank you to everyone that could join us for the Virtual Job Fair demos for Job Seekers and Employers earlier this week. If you were unable to join us, we have provided recorded versions of these webinars and the PowerPoint Presentations that were included in the demonstrations.
With the links below, the PowerPoint and recorded webinar are located on the right-hand side of the page under the "Resources" section.
These articles also include helpful tips to prepare for a Virtual Job Fair event whether you are a job seeker or an employer holding the event.
- Prepare for a Virtual Job Fair: Job Seeker Tips for Success
- Preparing for Virtual Job Fairs – Employers
The Virtual Job Fair (VJF) tools are a new opportunity for Employers to easily advertise their organization and connect with qualified job applicants at no cost.
It is also a new opportunity for Job Seekers to learn about and apply for job openings as well as communicate with representatives from employers that are hiring in Illinois for free.
Get started at: https://beta.illinoisworknet.com/virtualjobfairs/
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202005/23
NEW Virtual Job Fair Tools on Illinois workNet
<div class="ExternalClass961322A02B224BCE916CFDD22F603884"><p>Illinois workNet will be holding an upcoming webinar for Job Seekers and for Employers that will demonstrate the new Virtual Job Fair (VJF) tools available on Illinois workNet.</p><ul><li>The Job Seeker VJF webinar will be held on Wednesday, May 27<sup>th </sup>at 11 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.<br></li><li>The Employer VJF webinar will be held on Thursday, May 28<sup>th</sup> at 11 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.</li></ul><p>The new VJF tools are an opportunity for Employers to easily advertise their organization and connect with qualified job applicants at no cost. Employers will be able to setup virtual job booths where interested job seekers can learn more about their organization and available job openings. Employers may also request webinar assistance when hosting their Virtual Job Fair events.<br></p><p>It is also a new opportunity for Job Seekers to learn about and apply for job openings as well as communicate with representatives from employers that are hiring in Illinois for free. Job seekers will be able to explore these employer booths and attend Virtual Job Fair events to explore what opportunities are available to them and learn about their future employer.<br></p><p>Employers and Job Seekers are welcome to visit the site and start setting up and visiting the Virtual Job Booths. The first actual virtual job fair events will be arranged and scheduled in the upcoming weeks.</p><p>
<span style="text-decoration:underline;">
<strong>Webinar Registration</strong></span></p><ul><li>
<a href="https://vjfjobseeker.eventbrite.com/" target="_blank">Job Seekers registration</a></li><li>
<a href="https://vjfemployer.eventbrite.com/" target="_blank">Employers registration</a></li></ul><br>
<p>
<a href="/virtualjobfairs" target="_blank">Get started with Virtual Job Fairs</a><br></p></div> -
202005/18
Illinois workNet Virtual Job Fair Platform - State of Illinois Workforce Portal
On May 14, 2020 Governor JB Pritzker, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) and the Illinois Department of Employment Services (IDES) launched Get Hired Illinois – a new state web portal designed to connect workers with available job and career training opportunities across the state of Illinois. Get Hired is located at https://www2.illinois.gov/gethired
One of the newest features and services on the new Get Hired webpage is the Virtual Job Fair tools.
The Virtual Job Fair (VJF) tools are a new opportunity for Employers to easily advertise their organization and connect with qualified job applicants at no cost.
It is also a new opportunity for Job Seekers to learn about and apply for job openings as well as communicate with representatives from employers that are hiring in Illinois for free.
Employers will be able to setup virtual job booths where interested job seekers can learn more about their organization and available job openings. Employers may also request webinar assistance when hosting their Virtual Job Fair events.
Job seekers will be able to explore these employer booths and attend Virtual Job Fair events to explore what opportunities are available to them and learn about their future employer.
Employers and Job Seekers are welcome to visit the site and start setting up and visiting the Virtual Job Booths. The first actual virtual job fair events will be arranged and scheduled in the upcoming weeks.
Get started at https://beta.illinoisworknet.com/virtualjobfairs
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202005/05
Older Americans Month 2020
The month of May is Older Americans Month (OAM). This year's theme is Make Your Mark. This month recognizes older adults and their contributions around the country and encourages them to participate in activities with their communities. The Activity Page on Older Americans Month's website offers several ideas of how these individuals can share their experiences with one another, younger generations, on social media, and much more. To read more about this month, check out Older Americans Month's website and history page, which also includes previous themes.
The Department on Aging's website also has information about what programs and services are available to older adults in Illinois. The Provider Profile Search will show you which Illinois Department on Aging providers and services are available near you. From the Community Care Program to legal assistance and more, be sure to visit their site for your needs.
On May 7th, join the Administration for Community Living (ACL), the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), the Veterans Health Administration (VHA), and the National Coalition on Mental Health and Aging (NCMHA) for a thoughtful discussion on ways to prevent social isolation and promote mental health during this unprecedented time in our history. Learn more about and register for the webinar.
Another resource to check out is the Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP), which is a "community service and work-based training program for older workers." This website is a great location for individuals 55 and older who are looking to improve their employability skills. By being part of this program, older workers gain access to additional resources, services, and training opportunities. Be sure to check out the WorkforceGPS Resource Library for additional information concerning older workers.
Also, be sure to view these Illinois workNet resources:
Volunteering Articles
- Benefits of Volunteering
- Volunteer Guidelines
- Volunteering Builds Skills Employers Want
- Volunteering and Your Resume
- Why and Where to Volunteer
- Volunteer Opportunities in Your Community
- Businesses Supporting Volunteering and Community Service
- Volunteering and Your Job Transition
Follow us on Social Media for the latest on #OAM20!
- Benefits of Volunteering
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202005/01
National Military Appreciation Month 2020
In honor of National Military Appreciation Month, Illinois workNet 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.
To see what the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is doing to support veterans and their families during the COVID-19 pandemic, visit their website. From what you should do to how to protect yourself, learn about what the VA is doing to help our veterans and their communities. Additionally, the VA has information regarding health benefits and financial literacy along with how to access these benefits for veterans.
The following is a brief list of WIOA partners and training services available to our Military Service Members and Spouses:
Illinois Department of Employment Security
- Individualized Career Planning Assistance
- Unemployment Services
Illinois Job Link
Illinois Department of Human Services
- Family & Community Services
- Mental Health
- Rehabilitation Services
- Substance Abuse
Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity
- Apprenticeships (Employers & Job Seekers)
- Layoffs and Closing Guidance
- Veteran Assistance Guide
- Transitioning to Civilian Employment
- Communicating Military Experience and Skills to Employers
- Benefits of Hiring Veterans
- Getting Connected to Benefits & Services for Veterans
- Translate Your Military Skills into Training or a New Career
- How to Apply Military Skills to Civilian Jobs
- How to Tackle a Career Change Head-On
202004/27Second Chance Month 2020
As National Second Chance Month comes to an end, 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. From webinars and funding opportunities to information on a variety of topics such as family engagement, housing, and mental health, the National Reentry Resource Center has a wealth of resources on how workforce and education partners can assist people returning to their communities.
For additional information about National Second Chance Month, and what you can do today, go to the official page here and refer to the resources listed below:
Winning Job Opportunities – A Guide for Returning Citizens in Illinois
Workforce GPS
Be sure to share these Illinois workNet resources with returning citizens:
202004/16National Volunteer Week 2020
The week of (April 19-25) is National Volunteer Week! This is a time to reflect and appreciate the effect that volunteering has on our communities and the challenges they experience. It is also a time to recognize and appreciate those volunteers who have gone the extra mile. Since 1974, National Volunteer Week has grown to include more volunteers, projects, and events throughout the country.
For more information on how you can celebrate National Volunteer Week and find volunteering events near you, view the official website.
For what you can do in Illinois during the COVID-19 pandemic, visit Serve.Illinois.gov’s website.
Also, be sure to check out the following Illinois workNet resources about volunteering:
- Benefits of Volunteering
- Volunteer Guidelines
- Volunteering Builds Skills Employers Want
- Volunteering and Your Resume
- Volunteering and Networking
- Why and Where to Volunteer – Young Adults
- Volunteer Opportunities in Your Community
- Businesses Supporting Volunteering and Community Service
- Volunteering and Your Job Transition
Be sure to follow our event calendar for upcoming events and social media pages:
202004/06Best Practices for Remote Work
The Illinois Center for Specialized Professional Support (ICSPS) from Illinois State University has recorded a webinar, Best Practices for Remote Work. This webinar includes discussions on resources and best practices for individuals who are faced with the prospect of working from home.
Working from home requires responsibility, time management and productivity, stress management, leading and working as a team from a distance, utilizing online resources and training videos. It can be hard to separate work and home life. The structure of your workload may fluctuate and change while you establish a new routine. Stick to your goals and review priorities.
From getting started to establishing a flow, Illinois workNet has resources you can refer to that can help you as you work or manage your business from home.
Individuals:
- Setting Goals 101
- Developing Mental Toughness: Handling the Day-to-Day Stresses at Work
- Why Independence and Initiative Skills Matter
- Why Leadership and Teamwork Skills Matter
- Why Computer Skills Matter
- Why Online Skills Matter
- Why Online Security Matters
- 5 Ways to be Cyber Secure at Work
Businesses:
- Building an Online Presence for Your Business
- Keeping Your Business and Customers Safe Online
- How Social Media Can Help Your Business and Customers
- Establishing Your Business' Presence on Social Media
- Marketing Your Business on Social Media
- Enhance Your Business Networking with Social Media
Follow Illinois workNet's social media pages for updates including resources about working from home:
202004/02Financial Literacy Month 2020
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.
Also, Illinois workNet has updated several of its articles on money-related topics. Read below for tips on staying financially healthy:
- Getting Started with Money Management - Young Adults
- Saving for School
- Living with a Disability - Tips to Develop a Financial Management Plan
- Saving for and Buying a Car
- Banking and Savings 101
- Budgeting Basics
- Ways of Getting to Work
- Getting (and Staying) Out of Debt
- Repaying Student Loans
- What Kind of Financial Aid is Right for You?
- Ways to Pay for School
- Finding Affordable Child Care
- Get the Help You Need
- What You Need to Know Before Applying for a Credit Card
202003/11Small Business Development Centers (SBDC) Day 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. This year's SBDC Day will be on Wednesday, March 18, 2020.
For more information, check out the official SBDC website.
SBDCs offer a variety of services, training, and information to help businesses start-up and grow. Find an SBDC near you to learn more.
Procurement Technical Assistance Centers (PTACs) help small businesses expand into work with government contracting. For more information, find a PTAC near you.
Also, be sure to check out these Illinois workNet resources for small businesses:
- Start a Business Guide
- Benefits of Starting a Business
- What to Know Before You Start Your Business
- What to Do Before You Start a Business
- Get Going on Your Small Business
- Running Your Business
- Find Employee Based Training
- Building an Online Presence for Your Business
- Growing Your Business
- Entrepreneurship and Small Business
- 4 Ways to Grow a Local Family Business
- Recruiting & Hiring
- Employer Hiring Credits
202003/09What You Need to Know About the Coronavirus
Whether you plan on traveling for spring break, attending concerts or festivals, or being part of other large group gatherings or are protecting yourself in the workplace, it is important to know the facts about the coronavirus.
As it is likely it will continue to spread, it is important to know the facts such as the symptoms, how it transmits to others, and how to prevent acquiring or spreading the virus. While the immediate risk of acquiring the virus remains low for individuals in Illinois, it is important to take the necessary steps in order to appropriately respond.
Read our article for the information and resources you need to know about this that covers:
- Symptoms
- Transmission
- Prevention and Workplace Safety
- What if I am Sick or Someone I Live with is Sick?
- Precautions for Traveling and Returning from Traveling
- Additional Information and Resources
Be sure to follow our event calendar for upcoming events and social media pages:
202003/04Women's History Month 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.
Read our article for Women’s History Month that shows examples of influential women in different industries.
Discover what careers are available with the Illinois workNet Careers, Wages & Trends Search that allows you to use career and labor market information to:
- Plan for high school and beyond.
- Complete job applications and prepare for interviews.
- Find out about expected number of job openings and how much a job could pay.
- Make a job change, relocate, or request a pay raise.
Be sure to follow our event calendar for upcoming events and social media pages to learn more about career fields women are emerging in:
202002/12Why I Apprentice Video Competition
The "Why I Apprentice" national JFF contest is calling upon today's youth to share with the world why being an Apprentice has changed their life.
Are you an Apprentice with a story to tell?
Whoever can answer the big question in less than a minute could win $1,000 and a trip to New Orleans to attend the JFF Horizons conference where the winning video will be shown to a nationwide audience of more than 1,000 educators, training experts, and employers! Second place will win $500, and third place will win $250!
Here is how the contest works:
- In videos of no more than 60 seconds, contestants share what they like best about being an apprentice—what they've learned, how much they've grown, and how much fun they've had.
- Entries are due March 31.
- The panel of judges will select the top videos. These will be posted on YouTube, where teens all over the country will be able to see them.
- The first-place winner will receive $1,000 and a trip to New Orleans for the Horizons summit!
This competition is open to youth ages 16 to 21 who are participating in Registered Apprenticeship Programs in the United States. This is an opportunity to tell a story, be creative and is also a chance to inspire others.
Learn more by checking out the video challenge website.
Explore all of the apprenticeship resources available on Illinois workNet on the Apprenticeship Illinois site and the Illinois workNet Event Calendar.
202001/06National Mentoring Month 2020
January marks National Mentoring Month across the United States! The annual campaign is aimed at expanding quality mentoring opportunities to connect more of our 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.
Who do you turn to?
If you are looking for someone to help with decisions and life in general, find a mentor today!
Do you have what it takes to be a mentor?
Most of us have had a teacher, supervisor, or coach who has been a mentor to us and made a positive difference in our lives. Those people wore many hats acting as delegators, role models, cheerleaders, policy enforcers, advocates, and friends. Mentors assume these different roles and share some basic qualities such as:
- A sincere desire to be involved with a mentee,
- Respect for young people,
- Active listening skills,
- Empathy,
- Ability to see solutions and opportunities, and
- Flexibility.
Explore being a mentor or advocate for mentoring by visiting the Mentor Illinois website.
Spread the word for mentoring!
Look through the national Campaign Toolkits for ways to promote mentoring. View the National Mentoring Month Kick-off Video and share on Facebook, Twitter, or other social media platforms.
Also, be sure to check out these Illinois workNet resources and articles on mentoring:
201911/27International Day of Persons with Disabilities
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.
This year, the theme is The Future is Accessible. In order to foster and encourage a welcoming society for all, it is important to recognize that those with disabilities contribute greatly to all aspects of our society and world. Learn more about, endorse, and share the charter for Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities in Humanitarian Action.
Learn more about this event's history, resources, and how you can help today at the International Day of Persons with Disabilities website.
Be sure to check out the following Illinois workNet resources to help you or someone you know who has a disability:
- disabilityworks
- Disability Benefits Estimator;
- Disability Employment Guide;
- New Video Series for Workers, Job Seekers, and Employers;
- Resources, and more
- Illinois workNet – Employer Hiring Credits
- DHS Division of Rehabilitation Services
- State of Illinois – Disabled Workers Programs
- 2019 Disability Equality Index Results – Best Places to Work
- Think Beyond the Label
- AbilityLinks
201911/26Small Business Saturday 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.
You can check out the Small Business Administration page to see how you can participate in Small Business Saturday and find links for businesses and shoppers! Small business owners can find customizable materials to promote your physical location, online shop, and/or social media for Small Business Saturday. If you'd like to support small businesses in your community, visit your favorite, local shops or you can find a list of participating businesses near you.
In addition, you can share Small Business Saturday on Social Media using the hashtag #ShopSmall.
If you're interested in starting a business, or already own a small business, here are some resources for you:
- How to Make the Most of Small Business Saturday
- 4 Ways to Market Your Small Business This Holiday Season
- Illinois workNet's Starting a Business Guide
- Recruiting & Hiring
- Employer Hiring Credits
- Step by Step Guide – Small Business Assistance
- Small Business/Startup Resources
- Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Locator
Follow us on Social Media for the latest on Small Business Saturday:
201911/21College Changes Everything Conference 2020 – Save the Date: July 9, 2020
Please mark your calendars for the 2020 College Changes Everything® Conference – the state's premier college access and success event. This one day conference showcases best practices, collaborations, and resources available to promote and support student college and career readiness and to help Illinois reach its Goal 2025 – to increase the proportion of adults in Illinois with high-quality degrees and postsecondary credentials to 60% by the year 2025. The conference will take place at the Tinley Park Convention Center, Tinley Park, Illinois.
A call for interest session proposals will go out in January. Please consider submitting a proposal to help make the conference a valuable professional development experience by sharing your knowledge and experience with colleagues from all over the state.
One of the strengths of the conference is that it brings together the diverse stakeholders from across the state needed for student success: college access practitioners; high school leaders, counselors, and case managers; college and university leaders and administrators; employers and workforce development professionals; and policy makers and elected officials interested in education and student outcomes. The conference also serves as an opportunity for stakeholders to improve their practice of collaboration and collective leadership as we work toward the state's goal.
2020 College Changes Everything Conference Planning Committee:
- Illinois Student Assistance Commission
- Illinois Board of Higher Education
- Illinois Community College Board
- Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity
- Illinois State Board of Education
- Illinois College Access Network
- Federation of Independent Illinois Colleges and Universities
- Advance Illinois
- Center for the Study of Education Policy at Illinois State University
- Education Systems Center at Northern Illinois University
- Generations Serving Generations
- ACT Now
- Women Employed
201911/15American Education Week 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 on social media with resources ranging from Conversation Starters for Kids on Parents Day to meeting the needs for your students.
Each day this week has a special theme recognizing the people involved in American Education. Plan activities around these themes to celebrate the week:
- Monday, November 18, 2019: Kickoff Day
- Tuesday, November 19, 2019: Parents Day
- Wednesday, November 20, 2019: Education Support Professionals Day
- Thursday, November 21, 2019: Educator for a Day
- Friday, November 22, 2019: Substitute Educators Day
Check out the official site for American Education Week and plan your week today.
The Illinois State Board of Education has developed a Career Guide for the 2019-2020 school year. This guide is to help students, parents, teachers, and counselors on the career paths that are available to Illinois students. View the Career Guide to learn more.Through collaboration with the Illinois State Board of Education and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, Education Systems Center has released a Career Development Experience Toolkit aligned to the frameworks established in the Postsecondary and Workforce Readiness (PWR) Act. The Toolkit is a gathering of best practices and resource sharing from communities doing incredible work throughout the state of Illinois and nationally to establish expectations for implementing high-quality, rigorous work-based learning experiences. Communities may apply, repurpose, and utilize these resources to provide meaningful and robust Career Development Experiences that ultimately prepare youth to be college and career-ready. Access and read more about the toolkit here. Please reach out to Heather Penczak, Policy & Program Manager at EdSystems, with any questions or needs (hpenczak@niu.edu).
Also, it is important to recognize the important role Career and Technical Education (CTE) plays in our public school system. Perkins V, a federal grant program that supports CTE at both the secondary and postsecondary levels, was reauthorized in the summer of 2018 and took effect July 1, 2019. The reauthorized Act reflects technological advances occurring in both education and the workforce. Key strategies include expanding access to dual credit opportunities, offering quality work-based learning, and addressing equity gaps within our CTE programs. For more information, visit www.isbe.net/perkins or http://www2.iccb.org/iccb/.
Check out the Illinois workNet resources below for additional reading:
- Events Near You
- Skills and Interests Surveys
- Youth Guide
- Do You Need a Work Permit?
- Getting Started with Money Management – Young Adults
- Prevent Violence at School and Work
- Get a Head Start on Your Career with Student Organizations
- Do You Want to be an Intern?
- Saving for School
- Ways to Pay for School
- How to Make Informed Student Loan Decisions
Follow us on Social Media for the latest on #AmericanEducationWeek!
201911/08National Apprenticeship Week 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.
Job seekers, are you interested in starting a new career or changing careers but are not sure if the traditional classroom setting is for you? Getting into an apprenticeship could be a perfect alternate path to reaching your career, training, and employment goals. Read Illinois workNet's article on everything you need to know about apprenticeships.
For employers, do you have a difficult time filling some positions or know that many of your employees may retire soon? Explore the apprenticeship model as a workforce planning strategy for obtaining and keeping a skilled workforce.
Find the NAW week events near you on Apprenticeship.gov's site and explore all of the apprenticeship resources available on Illinois workNet on the Apprenticeship Illinois site and the Illinois workNet Event Calendar.
201911/07Veterans Day and Resources for Veterans
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.
The following is a brief list of WIOA partners and training services available to our Military Service Members and Spouses:
- Individualized Career Planning Assistance
- Unemployment Services
- Illinois Job Link
- Family & Community Services
- Mental Health
- Rehabilitation Services
- Substance Abuse
- Apprenticeships (Employers & Job Seekers)
- Layoffs and Closing Guidance
- Illinois workNet
- Veteran Assistance Guide
- Transitioning to Civilian Employment
- Communicating Military Experience and Skills to Employers
- Benefits of Hiring Veterans
- Getting Connected to Benefits & Services for Veterans
- Translate Your Military Skills into Training or a New Career
- How to Apply Military Skills to Civilian Jobs
- How to Tackle a Career Change Head-On
- Preparing and Searching for a Job After the Military
- How Can Illinois JobLink Help You?
- Find Events for Veterans near you
- Additional Helpful Resources
Follow us on Social Media for the latest on #VeteransDay!
201911/04Entrepreneurship Month 2019
Starting a business is a lot of work, but you're not in it alone. The month of November is Entrepreneurship Month, and there are many resources available that can help walk you through the steps it takes to get your business started. The Small Business Administration, or the SBA, has a multitude of resources available to those wanting to start a business. One resource that you may not find other places is the SBA Learning Center. Here you can find online courses designed for you to learn more about a specific topic.
Entrepreneurs in Illinois, whether you are starting, maintaining, or hoping to grow your business, check out Illinois workNet's resources so you can stay up to date on the latest when it comes to events near you. Also, be sure to read Illinois workNet's Starting a Business Guide and the following articles below for your entrepreneurial needs.
Illinois workNet Business Resources:
- Entrepreneurship and Small Business
- Why Entrepreneurship Skills Matter
- Benefits of Starting a Business
- What to Know Before You Start Your Business
- What to Do Before You Start a Business
- Get Going on Your Small Business
- Running Your Business
- Service Finder for Employers
- Find Employee Based Training
- Illinois JobLink
- Building an Online Presence for Your Business
- Growing Your Business
- Business Hub Beta and Business Partner Emails
- Keeping Your Business and Customers Safe Online
- Up and Running Start Planning for Your Business Today
- Hiring, Recruiting and Training
- Employment and Hiring Planning Resources
- Job Searching and Hiring Videos
Other Small Business Resources:
- First Stop Business Information Centers (BIC)
- Small Business Development Centers (SBDC)
- Find the closest SBDC near you
- Procurement Technical Assistance Centers (PTAC)
- SBDC International Trade Centers (ITC)
- Small Business Environmental Assistance Program (SBEAP)
- Regulatory Flexibility Program
- Angel Investment Credit Program
Follow us on Social Media for the latest on #EntrepreneurshipMonth!
201910/29Illinois workNet Account Validation Update
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. You may also update your secret question and answer on this screen. This verification process will assist with any account recovery efforts in the event that you forget your Illinois workNet username or password.
This update will be in effect starting November 4, 2019.
201910/09Illinois's No Salary History + Equal Pay Toolkit Now Available
<div class="ExternalClass29C234CB4FF6499AB33622FE1AAB11F0"><p>
Illinois's new No Salary History law went into effect on September 29<sup>th</sup>, which means that employers will no longer be allowed to ask job applicants for past wages during the hiring process. It's a huge victory for equal pay! The practice of using past pay to determine salary offers is a major contributing factor to the gender wage gap.<br></p><p>We want to make sure all of Illinois knows about this win for economic justice! So
<a href="https://womenemployed.org/resources/no-salary-history-and-pay-equity-toolkit/" target="_blank" title="Women Employed - Toolkit">
Women Employed has created a toolkit</a>
to help job applicants understand their rights, employers understand their responsibilities, and advocates spread the word. As a valued partner of Women Employed, we share a belief that women deserve equal opportunity at economic security and advancement for themselves, their families, and their communities.
We want to make sure you have access to
this toolkit to share with your personal and professional networks, as well as the communities you serve! </p><p>Included in
the toolkit, you will find:<br></p><ul><li>
<strong>Resources for employers</strong>, to help them comply with the law and go further to advance pay equity.</li><li><strong>Resources for job seekers</strong>, to help them understand their new rights, and to give them tips on what to do if they are still asked for their salary history.</li><li>
<strong>Sample social media posts and language for e-newsletters and emails</strong>, to make it easy to spread the word!<br></li></ul><p>
You can access the toolkit here:<br></p><p style="text-align:center;"><a href="https://womenemployed.org/resources/no-salary-history-and-pay-equity-toolkit/" target="_blank" title="Download the Toolkit"><strong></strong><span style="text-align:center;">DOWNLOAD THE TOOLKIT</span></a><br></p><p>Share This Information Widely!<br></p><p>Please spread the word about these resources on your social media channels and via email. (The toolkit includes convenient <a href="https://womenemployed.org/illinois-no-salary-history-law-digital-outreach-toolkit/" target="_blank" title="Sample Language">sample language</a> to make it easy!) If you manage listservs, e-newsletters, or social media accounts for your organization, please consider including the information there as well.</p><p>If you have any questions, please reach out to Mary Kay Devine at <a href="mailto:mdevine@womenemployed.org" target="_blank" title="mailto:mdevine@womenemployed.org">mdevine@womenemployed.org</a>, or by phone at 312-782-3902, x224.<br></p></div>201910/07Cybersecurity Awareness Month 2019
<div class="ExternalClass53D74803B998404987AE59298A089770"><p>October is National Cybersecurity Awareness Month (NCSAM). This month raises awareness about the importance of keeping private information that is online safe. The Department of Homeland Security's website says that this is a "collaborative effort between government and industry to ensure every American has the resources they need to stay safer and more secure online." To learn more, visit the <a href="https://www.cisa.gov/cybersecurity-awareness-month" target="_blank" title="NCSAM Website">NCSAM website</a>.</p><p>In this increasingly technological time, it is important to keep up to date on the latest information and resources available to you. Whether it is identity theft, company data breaches, or cyberattacks and other online scams be sure to read the following articles on Illinois workNet to protect yourself from online threats:<br></p><p>Illinois workNet Articles:</p><ul><li>
<a href="/Pages/Article.aspx?ArticleID=94" target="_blank" title="How to Keep Your Financial Information Safe Online">How to Keep Your Financial Information Safe Online</a></li><li>
<a href="/Pages/Article.aspx?ArticleID=99" target="_blank" title="All About Passwords">All About Passwords</a></li><li>
<a href="/Pages/Article.aspx?ArticleID=252" target="_blank" title="How to Protect Yourself From Identity Theft">How to Protect Yourself From Identity Theft</a></li><li>
<a href="/Pages/Article.aspx?ArticleID=171" target="_blank" title="Why Online Security Matters">Why Online Security Matters</a><br></li><li>
<a href="/Pages/Article.aspx?ArticleID=250" target="_blank" title="What to Do After a Data Breach">What to Do After a Data Breach</a><br></li><li>
<a href="/Pages/Article.aspx?ArticleID=251" target="_blank" title="What You Need to Know About Online Scams">What You Need to Know About Online Scams</a></li><li>
<a href="/Pages/Article.aspx?ArticleID=285" target="_blank" title="Online Safety Tips for Job Seekers">Online Safety Tips for Job Seekers</a></li><li>
<a href="/Pages/Article.aspx?ArticleID=296" target="_blank" title="An Introduction to Job Scams">An Introduction to Job Scams</a><br></li></ul><div>Other Articles:<br></div><ul><li>
<a href="https://www.zdnet.com/pictures/top-10-iphone-privacy-and-security-tips-you-should-check-today/" target="_blank" title="Top 10 iPhone Privacy and Security Tips">Top 10 iPhone Privacy and Security Tips You Should Check Today</a></li></ul><p>Follow us on Social Media for the latest on Cybersecurity Awareness Month:<br></p><ul><li><a href="https://www.facebook.com/illinois.worknet" target="_blank" title="IwN - Facebook">Facebook</a></li><li><a href="https://twitter.com/ILworknet" target="_blank" title="IwN - Twitter">Twitter</a></li><li><a href="https://www.pinterest.com/illinoisworknet/" target="_blank" title="IwN - Pinterest">Pinterest</a></li><li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/illinoisworknet" target="_blank" title="IwN - YouTube">YouTube</a></li></ul></div>201910/04National Disability Employment Awareness Month 2019
This month is National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM). Observed nationwide every October, NDEAM is a way to celebrate the contributions of workers with disabilities. It also helps organizations across the country to educate others on the value and impact of having a diverse workforce. As this month gets started, be sure to take advantage of the resources available to you on the disabilityworks website of Illinois workNet that can assist you directly:
- Disability Benefits Estimator
- Disability Employment Guide
- Find Available Benefits and Services
- Develop a Financial Management Plan
- Explore Career and Training Opportunities
- Get Organized and Search for Jobs
- Disability Resources Search
- Disabilityworks Video Series
- Illinois workNet – Employer Hiring Credits
- DHS Division of Rehabilitation Services
- State of Illinois – Disabled Workers Programs
- 2019 Disability Equality Index Results – Best Places to Work
- Think Beyond the Label
- AbilityLinks
Be sure to check out and participate in upcoming events in Illinois and share with those you know. Visit the Illinois workNet Event Calendar today.
Follow us on Social Media for the latest on Disability Employment Awareness Month:
201910/01Manufacturing Month 2019
Every October is Manufacturing Month. 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 manufacturing related resources below:
- Find Manufacturing Specific Events
- Explore Manufacturing Careers, Wages, and Trends
- See if Your Skills and Interests Align with Manufacturing
- Search for WIOA Approved Training Programs and Other Manufacturing Programs in Illinois
- Use Manufacturing Resume Templates to Build the Perfect Resume
- Search for Jobs in the Manufacturing Industry
- Find Manufacturing Student and Trade Connections
- Find Additional Online Manufacturing Resources
- What is an Apprenticeship? Flyer
- Employer-Based Talent Pipeline Training Opportunities Flyer
- Requirements for Registering an Apprenticeship Program Flyer
Also, be sure to check out these Manufacturing related articles on Illinois workNet:
- Take Illinois workNet Surveys to Discover Your Skills
- Illinois Essential Employability Skills on Illinois workNet
- Get In-Demand with Manufacturing
- Growing a Career in Manufacturing with Industry-Recognized Credentials
- Competency-Based Learning in Manufacturing
Manufacturing Day 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. Learn more about Manufacturing Month at the Manufacturing Day website!
Follow us on Social Media for the latest on Manufacturing Day and Manufacturing Month:
201909/23Employ Older Workers Week 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. In addition to Illinois workNet’s article on how these workers can remain working and engaged, check out the sources below for additional information.The Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) is a “community service and work-based training program for older workers.” This website is a great location for individuals 55 and older who are looking to improve their employability skills. By being part of this program, older workers gain access to additional resources, services, and training opportunities. Be sure to check out the WorkforceGPS Resource Library for additional information concerning older workers.Another resource to check out is Older Americans Month (OAM). This year’s theme was Connect, Create, Contribute, which encourages communities to:- Connect – with friends, family, and services that support participation.
- Create – by engaging in activities that promote learning, health, and personal enrichment.
- Contribute – time, talent, and life experience to benefit others.
This month recognizes older adults around the country and encourages them to participate in activities within their communities. The Activity Page on Older Americans Month’s website offers several ideas of how these individuals can share their experiences with one another, younger generations, on social media, and much more. To read more about this month, check out the Older Americans Month’s website.Follow us on Social Media for the latest on #EmployOlderWorkers!201909/19Adult Education and Family Literacy Week 2019
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. In the U.S., the number of adults who struggle with basic academic skills is approximately 36 million. This makes it difficult for individuals to achieve their education and work-related goals. As adult literacy connects with many social issues, it is very important to highlight the need to help others acquire these essential college and career skills.
Learn how you can participate for this week at the Adult Education and Family Literacy Week website.
Be sure to check out these Illinois workNet articles during Adult Education and Family Literacy Week:
- What is Adult Education?
- Give Yourself a New Lease on Life
- What are Basic Skills?
- Why Academic Skills Matter
- Why Positive Attitude Skills Matter
- Why Communication Skills Matter
- Why Work and Personal Ethic Skills Matter
- What is ESL?
- What is the TABE?
- What is the GED?
- How to Earn your GED
Follow us on Social Media for the latest on
201909/10Now Available: Getting a Job Using Illinois workNet Online Course
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.
The course takes approximately 1 hour to complete and is divided into 7 short lessons that will guide you through the job seeking process using the most helpful resources on Illinois workNet:
- Steps to Getting a Job – Understand the process and the organization needed to get a job.
- Deciding on the Jobs to Consider – Sign up for an account and use the assessment tools in Resume Builder.
- Organizing the Job Search – Use worksheets to stay organized during your job search.
- Preparing your Resume and Cover Letter – Create a resume and cover letter using the Resume Builder tool.
- Searching Jobs – Learn how to use the Illinois workNet JobFinder tool.
- Applying for Jobs – Know all the steps involved with submitting job applications.
- Interviewing & Following Up – Review the tips on how to interview and follow up with employers after the application and interview process.
Getting a Job Using Illinois workNet is one of 25+ simple digital literacy courses on Chicago DigitalLearn. The site is free and available to the public, meaning you do not need to live in Chicago or have a Chicago Public Library card to use it. The course can be accessed with this link.
Users can take courses immediately or if you choose to make an account, you can track your progress and earn personalized certificates. The course is simple, interactive, and repeatable. It is also available in Spanish.
For beginners or inexperienced computer users, the Starting Out category has 10 courses which will guide you through learning the parts of a computer and using a mouse to navigating a website and sending an email with an attachment. There is also a category for Being Safe Online, a course on using an Android mobile device, and a course on how to find quality health information online.
For questions or more information, reach out to Kate Lapinski at Chicago Public Library at klapinski@chipublib.org
201907/10College Changes Everything Conference 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. The conference will provide presentations about resources that are available to increase educational access and college completion for students in Illinois. Illinois hopes to increase the number of adults in the state with higher education degrees to 60% by 2025. The College Changes Everything Conference is an important opportunity to help the state reach this number.
Topics that will be discussed include college readiness, connecting students and employers, navigating the college-going process, supporting special student populations, and much more.
If you are interested in this conference and would like to register, read more on the College Changes Everything website. Below are the documents that Illinois workNet will be using for its presentation at the conference:
Partner Resources
- College Changes Everything PowerPoint
- Become a Partner Quick Start Guide
- Create a New Site on Illinois workNet Guide
Customer Resources
Here are some additional resources on Illinois workNet that will help you prepare for this event:
Skills/Education:
Financial Aid:
- Saving for School
- Ways to Pay for School
- What Kind of Financial Aid is Right for You?
- 5 Tips When Applying for Financial Aid
- 7 Phases of College Financial Aid Award Packaging
- Supporting Yourself While in School
- How to Make Informed Student Loan Decisions
Planning/Tests:
201906/04National Safety Month 2019
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 such as:
- Week 1: Hazard Recognition
- Week 2: Slips, Trips and Falls
- Week 3: Fatigue
- Week 4: Impairment
Below is a list of resources Illinois workNet has that can help workers avoid injuries regardless of where they are:
• National Safety Month – The National Safety Council provides several resources for you to help raise awareness about safety during the month of June. Read this Illinois workNet article on how you and others can remain safe and engaged.
• Be Safe in Your New Job – When starting a new job, it's important to be aware and cautious of equipment you have not previously used. From operating workplace equipment to preparation and clean-up of your workspace, this article covers important safety precautions to keep in mind when on the job.
• Stay Safe and Productive at Work – Following your company's safety guidelines is the best way to avoid getting hurt on the job. This article covers safety tips for the workplace so that you and your team can be safe while working on construction projects.
• Technical Skills – Read up on the different skills required in the industry and how you can keep your skills and performance up to date.
• Do You Need a Work Permit? – For younger members of the workforce, this article provides information on what jobs require work permits, rules for youths in the workplace, and how to apply for the work permit you will need.
• Why Personal Health and Safety Matter – From avoiding injuries and illness to staying in shape and managing stress, read up on why it's important to maintain good health.
For more information, go to the National Safety Council's page on National Safety Month to gather safety materials and learn how to spread the word to your coworkers, families, and communities.
If you have any questions about National Safety Month, visit the National Safety Council's contact page here.
Follow us on Social Media for the latest on National Safety Month:
201812/22National Mentoring Month January 2019
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 young people with caring adults. Mentors make an impact providing young people with the tools to make responsible choices, attend and engage in school, and reduce or avoid risky behavior.
Who do you turn to?
If you are youth looking for someone to help with decisions and life in general, find a mentor today!
Do you have what it takes to be a mentor?
Most of us have had a teacher, supervisor, or coach who has been a mentor to us and made a positive difference in our lives. Those people wore many hats acting as delegators, role models, cheerleaders, policy enforcers, advocates, and friends. Mentors assume these different roles and share some basic qualities such as:
- A sincere desire to be involved with a young person;
- Respect for young people;
- Active listening skills;
- Empathy;
- Ability to see solutions and opportunities; and
- Flexibility.
Explore being a mentor or advocate for mentoring by visiting the Mentor Illinois website.
Spread the word for mentoring!
Look through the national Campaign Toolkit for ways to promote mentoring. View the National Mentoring Month Kick-off Video and share on Facebook, Twitter, etc.
Also, be sure to check out these Illinois workNet resources and articles on mentoring:
201812/21Illinois workNet Redesign Feedback Webinar
If you have used Illinois workNet the past several weeks, you may have noticed some changes. The workNet team has re-designed several different features of the website to allow for an enhanced look and feel across devices (computers and mobile). These updates include new:
- Sliding menus,
- News, events, and announcements,
- Images, icons, and headers,
- Success Stories display,
- The latest Illinois workNet social media activity,
- A new article app,
- And more!
As an Illinois workNet user and Workforce/Education Partner, we want your feedback on these changes! We have scheduled a webinar for January 18th where we will provide a live demo of the site changes and ask for your feedback.
Please register for the Individual and Partner Redesign Feedback Webinar.
201812/03International Day of Persons with Disabilities
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.
This year, the theme is Empowering Persons with Disabilities and Ensuring Inclusiveness and Equality. In order to foster and encourage a welcoming society for all, it is important to recognize that those with disabilities contribute greatly to all aspects of our society and world. Learn more about, endorse, and share the charter for Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities in Humanitarian Action at this site.
Learn more about this event's history, resources, and how you can help today at the International Day of Persons with Disabilities website.
Be sure to check out the following Illinois workNet resources to help you or someone you know who has a disability:
- disabilityworks Website
- Disability Benefits Estimator;
- Disability Employment Guide;
- New Video Series for Workers, Job Seekers, and Employers;
- Resources, and more
- Illinois workNet – Employer Hiring Credits
- DHS Division of Rehabilitation Services
- State of Illinois – Disabled Workers Program
- AbilityLinks
201810/12National Disability Employment Awareness Month 2018
<div class="ExternalClass297D60D1C8B0411E9E781E7B599B3B9F"><p>October is
National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM). Observed nationwide
every October, NDEAM is a way to celebrate the contributions of workers with
disabilities. It also helps organizations across the country to educate
others on the value and impact of having a diverse workforce. As this month
gets started, be sure to take advantage of the resources available to you on
the disabilityworks website of Illinois workNet that can assist you directly: </p><ul><li><a title="disabilityworks Website" href="/disabilityworks" target="_blank">disabilityworks
Website</a> </li><ul><li>Disability Benefits Estimator;</li><li>Disability Employment Guide;</li><li>New Video Series for Workers, Job Seekers, and Employers;</li><li>Resources, and more<br></li></ul></ul><ul><li><a title="Illinois workNet – Employer Hiring Credits" href="/Jobs/Pages/HiringCredits.aspx" target="_blank">Illinois workNet – Employer Hiring Credits</a><br></li><li><a title="DHS Division of Rehabilitation Services" href="https://www.dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?item=29727" target="_blank">DHS Division of Rehabilitation Services</a></li><li><a title="State of Illinois – Disabled Workers Program" href="https://work4.illinois.gov/employment-resources/disabpgm.html" target="_blank">State
of Illinois – Disabled Workers Program</a></li><li>Think Beyond the
Label<br></li><li><a title="AbilityLinks" href="https://abilitylinks.org/" target="_blank">AbilityLinks</a><br></li></ul><p>Be sure to check out and participate in upcoming events in Illinois
and share with those you know. Visit the <a title="Illinois workNet Event Calendar" href="https://apps.illinoisworknet.com/Calendar/" target="_blank">Illinois workNet Event Calendar</a>
today.<br></p></div>201808/09Illinois Employment First Update – August 2018
<div class="ExternalClass84DF7D22E3454B7DA0285CC286E3AF2C"><p>Illinois Employment First Update – August 2018</p><p>Check out <a title="DHS - Employment First" href="http://www.dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?item=80571" target="_blank">Illinois Employment
First’s</a> updates for August 2018. These new additions include:</p><ul><li>Webinars ranging from After-Action Reports on
Major Disasters, Pre-Employment Services in Inclusive Higher Education
Settings, Telebehavioral Health and the Consumer, and more.</li></ul><ul><li>Resources such as a maintenance guide for users
of manual and power wheelchairs, information on adapting activities for those
with Alzheimer’s Disease, an Income and Benefits Calculator, and more.</li></ul><ul><li>Notices of learning opportunities including a
free course on Employment Literacy, a leadership training program with Partners
in Policymaking, and much more.</li></ul><p>Read the updates in full on <a title="E1 Updates August 2018" href="/DownloadPrint/Illinois%20Employment%20First%20Update%20August%208,%202018.pdf">this
page</a>.</p></div>201807/24Illinois Employment First Update – July 2018
<div class="ExternalClass66806C472E15444790FC43CA7CB623C9"><p>Check out <a title="DHS: Employment First" href="http://www.dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?item=80571" target="_blank">Illinois
Employment First’s</a> updates for July 2018. These new additions
include:</p><ul><li>Webinars ranging from Disaster Response Efforts, Best Practices for Reentry and Employment Interventions, State Leadership Mentoring Programs, and more.</li><li>Events such as Access Chicago 2018, an EXPO for People with Disabilities.</li><li>Resources such as the free online course “Disability in the Workplace: A Global Perspective”, Natural Support Networks, transportation guides for those who are blind or have low vision, along with an article on self-employment strategies with those who have a psychiatric disability.<br></li><li>Notices of recently added funding opportunities for programs involving donating surplus property; projects that benefit children and families; nonprofits seeking grants for arts, health, humanities, and social services; and more.</li></ul><p>Read the
updates in full on <a title="IL Employment First Update 7/9/18" href="/DownloadPrint/Illinois%20Employment%20First%20Update%20July%209,%202018.pdf">this
page</a>.</p></div>201807/20Advancing the Development of Minority Entrepreneurship (ADME) Business Workshop
Are you interested in starting your own business or becoming an entrepreneur but unsure of where to start? If so, be sure to register to attend the FREE ADME Business Workshop, presented by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, along with the Small Business Development Center. The workshop will take place July 24, 2018 from 10:30 AM – 1:30 PM CDT at Bethel Family Resource Center in Chicago Heights. This workshop is designed to assist new business start-ups and help individuals who are interested in entrepreneurship. During the workshop, subject experts will address the needs of first time business owners and those who are looking to pursue entrepreneurships. This workshop will also provide guidance on the certification process. The State of Illinois provides certifications for Women Owned Business Enterprise (WBE), Minority Owned Business Enterprise (MBE), and Person with Disability Owned Business Enterprise (PBE). Veteran Business Program (VBP) provides certification to Veteran and Service Disabled Veteran Owned Businesses.
Other topics that will be covered include:
- Business Entity
- Business Enterprise Program Certification for the State of Illinois
- Business Planning
- Importance of Credit
- Access to Capital Panel Discussion
201802/16Upcoming Webinar - Health Coverage Choices
<div class="ExternalClassFA0A722470E0459FA04F327C9D40C2D5"><p>Illinois workNet and the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA) will be providing this webinar to anyone who would like to attend. This webinar will not be recorded, so click the link below to register so you can get this helpful information and ask any questions you have.<br></p><p>
<a href="https://healthcoverage_ebsa.eventbrite.com/">March 27th at 2 PM - Work and Life Changes Require Health Choice</a></p><p>The Employee Benefits Security Administration wants to help you better understand how work and life changes can affect your health coverage. Changes in your life – such as losing your job or starting a new one, getting married, or having a baby – can impact the health coverage you and your family receive from your employer’s health plan. </p><p>This presentation will help you understand what rights you and your family have under federal health benefit laws so that you can make timely and informed decisions when you need to. The laws covered in this workshop include COBRA, HIPAA, ERISA, and the Affordable Care Act.</p><p><a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/work-and-life-changes-require-health-choices-webinar-tickets-43211442588?ref=ebtn" target="_blank"><img src="https://www.eventbrite.com/custombutton?eid=43211442588" alt="Eventbrite - Work and Life Changes Require Health Choices Webinar" /></a>
<br>
</p></div>201801/19Funding Opportunity - Kessler Foundation
The Kessler Foundation is dedicated to improving the quality of life for people with disabilities through discovery, innovation, demonstration, application, and dissemination.To that end, the foundation is inviting concept applications from nonprofit organizations for its annual Signature Employment grants program, which supports new pilot initiatives, demonstration projects, or social ventures with the potential to generate new i solutions to high unemployment and underemployment among individuals with disabilities.
In 2018, the foundation has a special interest in innovative transportation projects that help people with disabilities (PWD) seek, obtain, or retain employment. The foundation also is interested in innovative projects that improve employment opportunities and provide jobs for PWD that have been formerly incarcerated or have encountered the criminal justice system. However, all submitted grant concepts are eligible for funding.
Grants of up to $500,000 over two years will be awarded for qualified projects. Signature grants are not intended to fund project expansions or bring proven projects to new communities, and innovation should be the focus of the proposed project
A 15 percent match of the total request amount is required, with the additional percentage added to the total project budget.
All interested candidates must submit an online concept application no later than February 18, 2018. Upon review, select candidates will be invited to submit a full proposal by June 15, 2018.
Any organization recognized as a tax-exempt under the Internal Revenue Code may apply for funding. This includes nonprofit agencies, public or private schools, and public institutions such as universities and government agencies (state, local, federal) based in the United States or any of its territories.
See the Kessler Foundation website for complete program guidelines, information about previous grant recipients, and application instructions.
201801/10National Mentoring Month 2018
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 young people with caring adults. Mentors make an impact providing young people with the tools to make responsible choices, attend and engage in school, and reduce or avoid risky behavior like drug use.Who do you turn to?
If you are youth looking for someone to help with decisions and life in general, find a mentor today!
Do you have what it takes to be a mentor?
Most of us have had a teacher, supervisor or coach who has been a mentor to us and made a positive difference in our lives. Those people wore many hats, acting as delegators, role models, cheerleaders, policy enforcers, advocates, and friends. Mentors assume these different roles and share some basic qualities:
- A sincere desire to be involved with a young person;
- Respect for young people;
- Active listening skills;
- Empathy;
- Ability to see solutions and opportunities; and
- Flexibility.
Explore being a mentor or advocate for mentoring by visiting the Mentor Illinois website.
Spread the word for mentoring!
Look through the national Campaign Toolkit for ways to promote mentoring. View the National Mentoring Month Kick-off Video and share on Facebook, Twitter, etc.
MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR IMPORTANT DATES AND EVENTS IN JANUARY.
Click to see the official Illinois Mentoring Month Proclamation.
201710/30National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) 2017
With October winding down, we wanted to make sure you had resources and tools you needed to keep the momentum going! Here are resources that can assist you directly, or assist you as you continue your work with individuals with disabilities. - disabilityworks Website
- Disability Benefits Estimator;
- Disability Employment Guide;
- New Video Series for Workers, Job Seekers, and Employers;
- Resources, and more
- Illinois workNet – Employer Hiring Credits
- DHS Division of Rehabilitation Services
- State of Illinois – Disabled Workers Program
- AbilityLinks
Don’t forget, NDEAM is observed nationwide every October! Mark your calendar for next year to make sure you participate in events in Illinois and share with those you know. NDEAM is a way to celebrate the contributions of workers with disabilities and it also helps organizations across the country educate others on the value and impact of a diverse workforce. This message is led by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) but it’s up to organizations, employers, friends, and family to make sure that message is shared.
201710/07IATP's Statewide disABILITY Expo 2017
The 2017 IATP disABILITY Expo is coming up on October 23rd and 24th in Springfield, Illinois. This event is free and open to the public, for all ages and abilities. At the expo:
- Explore new products
- Essentials for educators and seniors
- Mini AAC conference (contact IATP to register)
- Network with colleagues
- Low tech make and take (for a small fee)
- Win door prizes
You can download the Expo flyer here (PDF) and a flyer for the Mini AAC Conference here (PDF).
201709/22DEI Video Series Webinar Follow-Up
<div class="ExternalClass366FAF87B53D4C3DB779F4A630EE5EB5"><p>The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS), Division of Rehabilitation Services (DRS), Division of Mental Health (DMH), Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES), and Equip for Equality held a joint webinar on 9/18/2017 to announce the release of the Disability Employment Initiative (DEI) Video Series. During the webinar, each agency provided a brief overview of the services they provide to individuals with disabilities, jobseekers with disabilities, and employers. In addition, job seekers and social service agencies were shown the DEI video series located on the disabilityworks website. These videos provide individuals and jobseekers with disabilities and employers information on the Americans with Disabilities Act, reasonable accommodation, how to seek services under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, and much more.</p><p>Below you can find the links to the presentation document, links to the archived webinar, and the link to the video series.
<br></p><ul><li>Download the webinar presentation here (<a href="/News/Documents/DEIVideoAnnouncementWebinar_Final.pdf" title="Webinar Presentation (PDF)" target="_blank">PDF</a>) or see it on
<a href="https://www.slideshare.net/ILworkNet/dei-video-series-announcement-webinar" title="SlideShare" target="_blank">SlideShare</a>.</li><li>Watch the archived webinar below or on
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=529ggf507sI&t" title="YouTube" target="_blank">YouTube</a>.</li><li>Find all the videos on
<a href="/disabilityworks/Resources/Pages/Videos.aspx" title="DEI Video Series">www.disabilityworks.org/DEIVideoSeries</a>.
<br></li></ul><p>In addition, below you can find information on how to reach out the organizations that were a part of the DEI Video Series:</p><ul><li>Commerce – Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity</li><ul><li>Find your local Illinois workNet Center at
<a href="/Connect/Pages/LocationSearch.aspx" title="Illinois workNet Service Finder" target="_blank">www.illinoisworknet.com/ServiceFinder<br></a><br></li></ul><li>IDHS- Illinois Department of Human Services
<br></li><ul><li>Employment First Inquiries:
<a href="mailto:%20Tania.Morawiec@illinois.gov" target="_blank">Tania.Morawiec@illinois.gov</a>
<br></li><li>
<a href="http://www.dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?item=29757" title="DHS Office Locator" target="_blank">DHS Office Locator</a><br><br></li></ul><li>DRS- Division of Rehabilitation Services</li><ul><li>1-877-761-9780 (voice) or 1-866-264-2149 (TTY) or (312) 957-4881 (VP)</li><li>
<a href="http://www.dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?item=51120" title="DRS Website" target="_blank">www.drs.illinois.gov/success</a> and click "DRS Apply Online"<br><br></li></ul><li>DMH- Division of Mental Health
<br></li><ul><li>Darius McKinney, Project Manager for the SAMHSA Mental Health Transformation</li><li>Office: 773-794-4247</li><li>Office #2: 773-432-6297</li><li>email:
<a href="mailto:%20Darius.mckinney@illinois.gov" target="_blank" title="Email">Darius.mckinney@illinois.gov </a>
<br></li><li>
<a href="http://www.dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?item=29763" title="DMH Website" target="_blank">Online Resources</a><br><br></li></ul><li>IDES- Illinois Department of Employment Security</li><ul><li>Richard Wuthrich, Statewide Veterans’ Program Manager</li><li>618-277-8944</li><li>
<a href="http://www.illinoisjoblink.com/" title="Illinois JobLink" target="_blank">Illinois JobLink</a><br><br></li></ul><li>Equip for Equality
<br></li><ul><li>(844) RIGHTS-9 (844-744-4879) - Employment Rights Helpline</li><li>(800) 537-2632 (voice) or (800) 610-2779 (TTY)</li><li>
<a href="http://www.equipforequality.org/about/contact-us/" title="Equip for Equality Online Form" target="_blank">Online Form</a><br><br></li></ul></ul><p><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/529ggf507sI" width="560" height="315" frameborder="0"></iframe>
<br>
</p><p></p></div>201709/12Mark Your Calendar – DEI Video Series Announcement Webinar
The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) is excited to announce the Disability Employment Initiative (DEI) video series available online. DEI aims to improve education, training and employment opportunities for youth and adults with disabilities who are unemployed, underemployed and/or receiving Social Security disability benefits. The DEI video series covers a broad range of topics for jobseekers and workers with disabilities, and their employers. The short, informational design allows jobseekers and employers to gain an easy introduction to topics including the Americans with Disabilities Act, reasonable accommodation, how to seek services under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, and much more!
On Monday, September 18, 2017 at 11am (CST) we will be hosting a webinar for you to learn more about the video series.
We will cover the following topics:
- What is DEI (Disability Employment Initiative)?
- Where are the videos located online, and how can my organization use them?
- What information is available for employers?
- What is the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act?
- What are some services jobseekers with disabilities can take advantage of?
- IDHS- Illinois Department of Human Services
- DRS- Division of Rehabilitation Services
- DMH- Division of Mental Health
- IDES- Illinois Department of Employment Security
- Equip for Equality
- Additional questions.
ENTERING THE WEBINAR
You can access the webinar using the webinar address: http://siuccwd.adobeconnect.com/deivideos/. When you enter the webinar, please make sure to enter your name AND YOUR ORGANIZATION. "Click to Enter." You do not need a password to enter this Webinar.
AUDIO OPTIONS
Option 1: Computer Speakers (Recommended) The webinar will be broadcasted live online with the ability to login to the webinar and listen through your speakers. With Option 1 you will be able to ask questions via chat.
Option 2: Phone Call into the conference call 866-803-3878 and mute your computer speakers. There is no pin needed to participate in this call.
201705/24disabilityworks Video Series Now Available
The disabilityworks video series is now available at www.disabilityworks.org!
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!
You can also check out each of the playlists on YouTube:
- Workers and Job Seekers with Disabilities
- Info for Employers (Disability Related)
- State Services for Individuals with Disabilities
Coming soon we will have ASL videos covering State Services for Individuals!
201705/08Employment Rights Helpline Launches to Help People with Disabilities
On May 1, 2017, Equip for Equality launched the NEW initiative called the Employment Rights Helpline. The following was part of the news release:The Helpline is a new, free, statewide service to provide people with disabilities with legal rights information and advice, as well as self-advocacy assistance to help them navigate employment issues that arise. Equip for Equality is the federally mandated Protection and Advocacy System that safeguards the rights of people with disabilities in Illinois.
To access the Helpline, people with disabilities can call toll-free: 1-844-RIGHTS-9 (or 1-844-744-7489) and a trained attorney will respond to the call. People with disabilities can also email the Helpline at: employment@equipforequality.org.
Helpline staff can:
- Discuss legal rights under the ADA
- Answer employment rights questions
- Assist with reasonable accommodation requests
- Help understand options
- Share fact sheets, sample letters and forms
You can read the entire news release on the Equip for Equality website.
201509/21Youth Guide Now Available!
<div class="ExternalClass0BE40633FE7E4155AE4CA653317A9576"><p>
<span style="line-height:20px;">Illinois workNet has released the reinvented online Youth Guide!
<span>
<span>
<span>
<a href="http://www.illinoisworknet.com/DownloadPrint/2015%20Illinois%20workNet%20Youth%20Guide%20Document%20Version_FINAL.pdf" title="Summer Youth Guide" target="_blank">Download and print the PDF version of the Youth Guide today!</a></span></span></span></span></p>
<span>
<p>This is an easy to use guide for youth to use to learn how to:</p>
<ul><li>Explore Careers.<br></li><li>Prepare for a job.</li><li>Apply for a job</li><li>Learn how to be smart with money.</li><li>Plan for the future by setting goals.</li></ul></span>
<div><br>Get started with the
<a href="/Youth/Pages/default.aspx" title="Youth Guide">youth guide</a> today and share with anyone you know that can use the tips, resources, and tools to be successful.<br><a title="Youth Guide Main Page Image" href="/Youth/Pages/default.aspx"><img alt="Youth Guide Main Page Image" class="ms-rteImage-2" src="/News/PublishingImages/YouthGuideMainImage.JPG" style="margin:5px;width:685px;height:234px;" /></a><br>
<br>
<span><span><span><span>You can access the guide from the Illinois workNet home page at any time, just look for the Youth</span></span></span><span><span><span> Guide logo!
<br>
<a href="/Youth/Pages/default.aspx">
<img src="/PublishingImages/SpecialProjectImages/YouthGuide_OER.png" alt="Youth Guide Icon" style="margin:5px;" /></a></span></span></span></span>
<br>
<br></div></div>201508/14Broaden Your Network! Networking Essentials
<div class="ExternalClass9BC083C8B33944C4932EAB6BABFB89B0"><p><img src="/News/PublishingImages/Networking_News.jpg" class="ms-rtePosition-2" alt="Networking" style="margin:5px;width:150px;height:209px;" />Start expanding your network with the help of Illinois workNet! Our latest webinar, featuring Dee Reinhardt with
<a href="http://time2mrkt.com/" title="Time2Mrkt" target="_blank">Time2Mrkt</a>, gave participants tips and techniques on what to do before, during and after a networking event.<br></p><p>Robert Kiyosaki said "The richest people in the world look for and build networks, everyone else looks for work". How will you build your network?<br></p><p>
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AsO3lajkAAI" target="_blank" title="YouTube">Watch the recording</a> of our webinar to find out the following and more:<br></p><ul><li>Be optimistic about how networking can help you in your job search or business goals.<br></li><li>Prepare in advance for a networking event: </li><ul><li>Brush up your elevator speech.</li><li>Have plenty of business cards - and what to have on them.<br></li></ul><li>At the event, set a goal for what you want to accomplish:</li><ul><li>Ask the "right" questions.</li><li>How do you introduce someone.</li></ul><li>After the event, do what you say and say what you do:</li><ul><li>Add people to a CRM.</li><li>Get or stay in touch.</li></ul><li>At the follow-up meeting:</li><ul><li>Share more detailed information.</li><li>Find out how can you mutually help each other.</li></ul></ul><p>Find out more networking resources available on Illinois workNet by linking here:
<a href="/UpdatesHelp/Pages/News.aspx?PostID=302" title="Networking Resources on Illinois workNet">www.illinoisworknet.com/networking</a>.</p><ul><li>Download the
<a href="/DownloadPrint/Broaden%20Your%20Network_Final.pdf" title="Networking Essentials Presentation (PDF)" target="_blank">Networking Essentials Presentation (PDF)</a> and
<a href="/DownloadPrint/YourBRANDDanceCard.docx.pdf" title="Your B.R.AN.D Handout (PDF)" target="_blank">Your B.R.AN.D Handout (PDF)</a>.<br></li><li>Watch the recording of the webinar below or on
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AsO3lajkAAI" title="YouTube" target="_blank">YouTube</a>.<br></li><li>Find the slides on
<a href="http://www.slideshare.net/ILworkNet/broaden-your-network" title="SlideShare" target="_blank">SlideShare</a>.</li><li>Watch other recordings from
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/illinoisworknet/" title="Illinois workNet on YouTube" target="_blank">Illinois workNet on YouTube</a>.</li></ul><p><iframe width="420" height="315" frameborder="0" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/AsO3lajkAAI"></iframe>
<br>
</p></div>201508/13Tough Enough? Learn how to answer the tough interview questions!
<div class="ExternalClassF92C8808DD984B74B6DDDE65B1B49D08"><p><img src="/News/PublishingImages/ToughInterviewQNews.jpg" class="ms-rtePosition-2" alt="Tough Interview Questions Image" style="margin:5px;" />Whenever we are scheduled for an interview, we know the basic questions that will be asked:</p><ul><li>Tell me about yourself.</li><li>What are your strengths/weakness?</li><li>What are some projects you have completed?</li><li>Why should we hire you?</li><li>Do you have any questions for us?</li></ul><p>Each of these are pretty standard. That is why we are going to <strong>discuss some of those tough questions </strong>that might be hiding a an underlying question and ulterior motive. How will you answer them? Will you stay on point, or drift off course?</p><p>
<strong><a title="Eventbrite" target="_blank" href="https://tackle-tough-interview-questions.eventbrite.com/">Register today to attend this webinar on August 21, 2015 at 10AM</a></strong>. This webinar is pre-paid through a federal grant so there is no cost to participants. </p><p>Join us on the webinar so that you can ask your questions about tough interview questions during the webinar. <br></p><p>After you register, check out the <a href="/Jobs/Pages/Articles.aspx" title="Interview articles">Interview articles</a> to prepare questions for the presenters!<br></p></div>201507/22Be a Disability Employment Initiative (DEI) Partner
Become a Disability Employment Initiative (DEI) Partner www.illinoisworknet.com/aboutDEI
What is this program? The DEI project provides WIOA services to anyone with a disability within the project regions whether or not they meet WIOA eligibility requirements. The goal is to increase outreach and services to individuals with disabilities to achieve career, training and employment goals. The full range of staff-assisted WIOA services are provided and coordinated through the regions integrated network of partners. The project model is to integrate all aspects of service provision with day-to-day LWIA activities so the service model continues after the DEI grant ends.
Why participate in the integrated network of partners? Helping individuals with a disability get training and job experience is good for business, good for the individual, and good for your community.
- Go to www.illinoisworknet.com/aboutDEI and learn more about the DEI Program.
- Contact info@illinoisworknet.com if you are:
- A service provider who offers services in one or more of the program areas, or
- An employer who can offer an internship, job shadowing, or on-the-job training. We will connect you to the right person to learn more about becoming part of your local integrated partner network.
201507/22Disability Employment Initiative (DEI) Program Online Application
The Disability Employment Initiative (DEI) application is live!
- Go to www.illinoisworknet.com/aboutDEI and learn more about the DEI Program.
- Complete the starter or full online application.
This program is for Illinois residents: - With a disability
- Between the ages of 14-64.
- Ages 18-64 for the following counties: Lake, Franklin, Jackson, Jefferson, Perry, Williamson
- Ages 14-24 for the following counties: DuPage, Northern Cook
As part of this program you will receive updates and information to help you reach your career, training and employment goals. This includes information for:
- Employment Search
- Training
- Financial Counseling and Assistance
- Support Services
201506/18Check Out Our Latest Articles
<div class="ExternalClass4ADBB6FEB048433BBF8BD71C4A0F5556"><p>The Illinois workNet team is constantly looking for new and helpful information and resources we can post for our users. Yesterday we released six new articles that cover a variety of topics! Get a preview of each below and click on the ones that interest you to read the full article and see supporting videos or infographics.</p><p>
<strong>Updating Computer Skills:</strong></p><p>
<a title="Email Basics Article" href="/pages/article.aspx?articleID=100"><img src="/Articles/ArticleThumbnailImages/EmailBasics_thumbnail.png" alt="Email Basics Article" style="margin:5px;" /></a><br>
<strong></strong></p><ul><li>
<a title="Email Basics Article" href="/pages/article.aspx?articleID=100">Email Basics</a> - Get the basics of setting up an email account, choosing an email address, formatting an email, adding attachments to an email, creating a signature, and other tips.</li></ul><p><a href="/pages/article.aspx?articleID=99"><img src="/Articles/ArticleThumbnailImages/BasicsPasswords_thumbnail.png" alt="All About Passwords Article" style="margin:5px;" /></a><br></p><ul><li>
<a title="All About Passwords Article" href="/pages/article.aspx?articleID=99">All About Passwords</a> - Learn about what a strong password is, how to keep your password safe, and how to recover a password.<br></li></ul><p>
<strong>Networking & Connecting:</strong></p><p><a title="Introducing Yourself to Others Article" href="/pages/article.aspx?articleID=101"><img src="/Articles/ArticleThumbnailImages/IntroduceYourself_thumbnail.jpg" alt="Introducing Yourself to Others Article" style="margin:5px;" /></a><br><strong></strong></p><ul><li><a href="/pages/article.aspx?articleID=101" title="Introducing Yourself to Others Article">Introducing Yourself to Others</a> - Learn how to make your first impression a good impression with extras on elevator speeches and business cards.</li></ul><p><a href="/pages/article.aspx?articleID=102"><img src="/Articles/ArticleThumbnailImages/ManagingYourBrand_Thumbnail.png" alt="Rocking Your Brand Article" style="margin:5px;" /></a><br></p><ul><li><a href="/pages/article.aspx?articleID=102" title="Rocking Your Brand Article">Rocking Your Brand</a> - Learn how to create and manage an online brand any employer would like to see!</li></ul><p><a title="It's Easy to Stay Current Article" href="/pages/article.aspx?articleID=104"><img src="/Articles/ArticleThumbnailImages/StayCurrent_Thumbnail.png" alt="" style="margin:5px;width:270px;" /></a><br></p><ul><li><a title="It's Easy to Stay Current Article" href="/pages/article.aspx?articleID=104">It's Easy to Stay Current</a> - Learn why staying up-to-date in today's world is essential, and how you can do it with social media, subscriptions, and email.<br></li></ul><p>
<strong>Work Support Services:</strong></p><p><strong><a title="Get the Help You Need Article" href="/pages/article.aspx?articleID=103"><img alt="Get the Help You Need Article" src="/Articles/ArticleThumbnailImages/PublicAssistance_thumbnail.png" style="margin:5px;" /></a><br></strong></p><ul><li><a title="Get the Help You Need Article" href="/pages/article.aspx?articleID=103">Get the Help You Need</a> - Learn about work support services in Illinois that can assist you and your family, including cash assistance, food and nutrition, and homelessness resources.<br></li></ul></div>201506/12Earn and Share Digital Badges to Show Your Knowledge
<div class="ExternalClassA9AB717100CF4C7490FF7C792C0F230C"><p>Badges have evolved from the patches you sew on a sash that you might have earned as a Girl Scout or Boy Scout. Badges still show up in traditional places, like on police or fireman uniforms, but they also show up on the internet with things like games, apps and education.</p><p>Digital badges are a visual representation of what an individual knows and a means to demonstrate in granular detail the depth of learning that was acquired.</p><p>These type of badges makes it very easy for business owners and human resource managers to understand what someone learned because of the granular detail included in the portfolio of the person who earned the badge. </p><p><img src="/News/PublishingImages/DigitalBadges.JPG" alt="Digital Badges" style="margin:5px;width:500px;height:278px;" /><br></p><p>Norma Nerstrom of Harper College in Palatine, IL, was our guest speaker on this webinar that covered the definitions of digital badge terms, key players in the market place, structure of digital badges and who offers them. We also discussed the value of digital badges to the people who earn them, the institutions who issue them, and the employers who will recognize them in the workplace. </p><p>Download the presentation and a handout from Harper College that covers what badges are and their importance, and then
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lPY_C_K25zA" title="YouTube" target="_blank">watch the recorded webinar for in depth details</a>!</p><ul><li>
<a href="/DownloadPrint/digital%20badges.pdf" title="Digital Badges Presentation (PDF)" target="_blank">Digital Badges Presentation (PDF)</a></li><li>
<a href="/DownloadPrint/Digital%20Badge%20Webinar%20Handout.pdf" title="Digital Badges - What They Are and Why They Are Important (PDF)" target="_blank">Digital Badges - What They Are and Why They Are Important (PDF)<br><br></a></li></ul><p><iframe width="420" height="315" frameborder="0" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/lPY_C_K25zA"></iframe>
<br>
</p></div>201506/05Summer 2015 Youth Guide Now Available!
Illinois workNet has released the Summer 2015 Youth Guide! This is an easy to use guide for youth to use to:
- Prepare for a job.
- Apply for a job
- Learn how to be smart with money.
- Plan for the future by setting goals.
With the school year at a close, the summer is a great time for youth to find summer work to start building their skills and resume. In addition to providing steps youth can use to prepare for the job search, the guide also covers saving money, setting goals, and planning for the future.Get started with the youth guide today and share with anyone you know that can use the tips, resources, and tools to be successful this summer!
You can access the guide from the Illinois workNet home page at any time, just look for the Summer 2015 Youth Guide logo!
201505/28Planning for the Future
<div class="ExternalClassD1D4ADC9B7FF45D8BF2F85291F12EDA9"><div><img class="ms-rtePosition-2" alt="bright future sign.jpg" src="/News/PublishingImages/Lists/Posts/AllPosts/bright%20future%20sign.jpg" style="margin:5px;" />Planning for the future is exciting and rewarding with the help of our resources and tools for managing your money. You can get on the right track with budgets, student loans, financial aid, and more with the click of your mouse. Whether you are just starting out in school, have experienced a temporary job loss, or are planning for retirement, these resources can help you.</div><div>
<br>
</div><div>Use the list below to explore and learn, and if you are interested in helping others with their finances, a career in Finance may be a great option for you. You can learn more about education and career pathways with
<a title="Illinois Pathways - Finance Career Pathway" target="_blank" href="/ilpathways/STEM/Pages/Finance1.aspx">Illinois Pathways</a>.</div><div>
<br>
</div><div><div>Use the articles, webinars, and other resources below to get started today:</div><div>
<br>
</div><div><ol><li>
<a target="_blank" href="/Training/Pages/Videos.aspx" title="Training & Financial Aid Videos">Watch videos on Financial Aid, Budgeting Basics, and Student Loans </a><br></li><li>We have articles and tips that cover many different areas:<br></li></ol></div><div><div>
<strong>Student/Young Adults:</strong></div><div><ul><li>
<a title="Saving For and Buying a Car" target="_blank" href="/pages/article.aspx?articleID=96">Saving for and Buying a Car</a><br></li><li>
<a title="Saving for School" target="_blank" href="/pages/article.aspx?articleID=98">Saving for School</a><br></li><li>
<a title="Ways to Pay for School" target="_blank" href="/pages/article.aspx?articleID=95">Ways to Pay for School</a><br></li><li>
<a title="What Kind of Financial Aid is Right for You?" target="_blank" href="/pages/article.aspx?articleID=46">What Kind of Financial Aid is Right for You?</a><br></li><li>
<a href="/pages/article.aspx?articleID=4">5 Tips When Applying For Financial Aid</a> <br></li><li>
<a title="7 Phases of College Financial Aid Award Packaging" target="_blank" href="/pages/article.aspx?articleID=39">7 Phases of College Financial Aid Award Packaging</a><br></li><li>
<a title="How to Make Informed Student Loan Decisions" target="_blank" href="/pages/article.aspx?articleID=36">How to Make Informed Student Loan Decisions</a><br></li><li>
<a href="/pages/article.aspx?articleID=44" target="_blank" title="SUpporting Yourself While in School">Supporting Yourself While In School</a><br></li><li>
<a title="Repaying Student Loans" target="_blank" href="/pages/article.aspx?articleID=93">Repaying Student Loans</a></li></ul></div></div></div><div>
<strong>Budgeting and Money Management Articles:</strong></div><div><ul><li>
<a title="Getting Started with Money Management" target="_blank" href="/pages/article.aspx?articleID=92">Getting Started with Money Management</a> <br></li><li>
<a title="Getting (and Staying) Out of Debt" target="_blank" href="/pages/article.aspx?articleID=97">Getting (and Staying) Out of Debt</a><br></li><li>
<a title="How to Keep Your Financial Information Safe Online" target="_blank" href="/pages/article.aspx?articleID=94">How to Keep Your Financial Information Safe Online</a><br></li><li><p>
<a title="Budgeting Basics" target="_blank" href="/pages/article.aspx?articleID=17">Budgeting Basics</a></p></li><li><p>
<a target="_blank" title="Bankings and Savings 101" href="/pages/article.aspx?articleID=16">Banking and Savings 101</a><br></p></li></ul><div><div>3.  There are also documents and infographics available that you can download and print to use for on-the-go financial planning:</div><div><ul><ul><li>
<a title="Monthly Expense Worksheet" target="_blank" href="/DownloadPrint/MonthlyExpensesWorksheetFINAL.pdf">Monthly Expenses Worksheet</a>  </li><li>
<a target="_blank" title="Financial Aid Comparison Worksheet" href="/DownloadPrint/Financial_Aid_Comparison_Worksheet2011_ISAC.pdf">Financial Aid Comparison Worksheet</a> from ISAC </li><li>
<a target="_blank" title="Eligible for Student Aid Infogrpahic" href="/DownloadPrint/are-you-eligible-for-federal-student-aid_512cd4614fb1d_w1500_jpg.jpg">Eligible for Federal Student Aid Infographic</a> from Federal Student Aid </li><li>
<a title="New Grads Guide to Personal Finance Infographic" target="_blank" href="/DownloadPrint/supporting-yourself-while-in-school.jpg">New Grads Guide to Personal Finance Infographic</a> from OnlineCollege.org </li><li>
<a title="Playing th Student Loan Game Infographic" target="_blank" href="/DownloadPrint/Financial-Aid-Proccess-Debt.png">Playing the Student Loan Game Infographic</a> from Debt.org   </li><li>
Types of Aid Infographic from StudentAid.org  </li><li>
<a title="The Financial Aid Aid Process Infographic" target="_blank" href="/DownloadPrint/Filling%20Out%20FAFSA%20Steps%20Infographic.png">The Financial Aid Process Infographic</a> from StudentAid.org </li></ul></ul></div><div>4.  <a title="Employment 101" target="_blank" href="/explore/Pages/Employment-Step-Guides.aspx">Employment 101</a> – Access this tool from your My Dashboard. Under the “Achieve Your Goals”section we have “Set Financial Goals” which can help you plan and reach your goals.</div><div>5.  We have additional resources available from our
<a title="Work Support Resources Search" target="_blank" href="/UpdatesHelp/Pages/Resources.aspx">Work Success Support Resources Search</a>. You can find resources that offer money management, budgeting, and financial planning information and tips.</div><div>
<br>
</div>
<span style="line-height:25.6px;">You can utilize all of these resources to get started with your financial goals, get back on track, or change up your goals. Whatever stage or financial situation you are in, these resources and tools can help you along your path to financial success!<br></span></div></div></div>201505/18Get the Basics - Finances for Young Adults
<div class="ExternalClass06E0B6E049D34DD4BF20A5012D792AF2"><img class="ms-rtePosition-2" alt="Group of Youth" src="/News/PublishingImages/Group%20of%20Youth_400.jpg" style="margin:5px;width:350px;height:263px;" />We have been busy the past week updating the Managing Your Work Success section of Illinois workNet. Young adults can now find helpful articles on a wide variety of topics relating to finances, like:<p></p><ul><li>
<a title="Getting Started with Money Management" href="/pages/article.aspx?articleID=92">Getting Started with Money  Management</a> </li><li>
<a title="Getting (and Staying) Out of Debt" href="/pages/article.aspx?articleID=97">Getting (and Staying) Out of Debt</a></li><li>
<a title="How to Keep Your Financial Information Safe Online" href="/pages/article.aspx?articleID=94">How to Keep Your Financial Information Safe Online</a></li><li>
<a title="Saving for School" href="/pages/article.aspx?articleID=98">Saving for School</a></li><li>
<a title="Ways to Pay For School" href="/pages/article.aspx?articleID=95">Ways to Pay For School</a></li><li>
<a title="Repaying Student Loans" href="/pages/article.aspx?articleID=93">Repaying Student  Loans</a></li><li>
<span><span><span><a title="Saving For and Buying a Car" href="/pages/article.aspx?articleID=96">Saving For and Buying a Car</a></span></span></span></li></ul><p>Along with the articles, you can find helpful infographics, videos, and documents to help make these concepts easier to understand! </p><p>Take a look at the
<a title="Managing Your Work Success area " href="/UpdatesHelp/Pages/Articles.aspx">Managing Your Work Success area and learn more</a>!  <br></p></div>201505/09Watch our archived webinar to get up-to-date on LinkedIn!
<div class="ExternalClass6439AAB3424C46B1879BA1F5C6906D4E"><p><img alt="LinkedIn Icon" class="ms-rtePosition-2" src="/Connect/PublishingImages/LinkedIn_100.png" style="margin:5px;" />Are you curious about LinkedIn or already have a LinkedIn profile but want to make sure you're utilizing all the tools?  If so, watch one of our latest webinar, LinkedIn Updates.  Illinois workNet’s own social media strategist let us in on the <strong>top 5 things you should have in your profile</strong> to make it stand out from others without having to pay for a premium account. In addition to showing you how to boost your profile, she also covered the
<strong>top 5 tips for businesses</strong> who are trying to engage potential customers or their employees!
<br></p><p>The LinkedIn Updates webinar is a great resource for anyone interested in boosting your profile's potential or engaging with the public as a business.
<a href="/DownloadPrint/LinkedIn_TakeAways_Final.pdf" title="LinkedIn Updates PDF" target="_blank">Download the handout</a> with the most important points for LinkedIn accounts used in the webinar and
<a href="https://youtu.be/h2qW7HWfInE" title="YouTube" target="_blank">watch the archived recording</a>.<br></p><p></p><iframe width="420" height="315" frameborder="0" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/h2qW7HWfInE"></iframe>
<br><br>Make sure to join the <a target="_blank" title="Illinois Virtual Job Club on LinkedIn" href="https://www.linkedin.com/groups/Illinois-Virtual-Job-Club-Network-4794123">Illinois Virtual Job Club on LinkedIn</a> to connect with job seekers, employers, and professionals!<br>
<p></p></div>201504/08Have you noticed a change on the Illinois workNet homepage?
<div class="ExternalClass24EE323DB73E48AB9513863B5FA00686"><h3>User Guides are now available!  </h3> Not sure where to get started on Illinois workNet? We now have user guides to point you in the right direction to find the tools and resources you need. These guides have simple steps and resources to help you: <p></p><ul><li> Find the right job, </li><li> Find training to get ahead, </li><li> Find laid off worker resources, </li><li>Fill job openings and more.</li></ul><p>Get started using the guides today from the Illinois workNet homepage!<br></p><h3>Quick Look</h3><p>
<a target="_blank" href="http://www.slideshare.net/ILworkNet/user-guides-in-illinois-work-net" title="User Guide Overview Slides"><img src="/News/PublishingImages/user%20guide.png" alt="User Guide Overview" class="ms-rteImage-1" style="margin:5px;" /></a> </p><p>
<a target="_blank" href="http://www.slideshare.net/ILworkNet/user-guides-in-illinois-work-net" title="User Guide Overview Slides">Overview Slides</a></p></div>201504/03It’s Time to Learn about Chronological Resumes
<div class="ExternalClass5E640874786F4EC0994D990B482DFBA5"><p><img src="/Articles/ArticleThumbnailImages/ChronologicalResumeThumbnail.png" alt="Chronological Resume Image" style="margin:5px;" /></p><p>Do you need to create a resume, but you’re not sure what resume format to use? In the newest Illinois workNet article, you can learn who a chronological resume is best for, what to include, and even see example resumes. You can also take a look at the resume guide in the article documents to get even more information about chronological resumes. Let Illinois workNet help you create the best resume possible with
<a title="Article" href="/pages/article.aspx?articleID=90">It’s All about Those Dates, ’Bout Those Dates, No Worries</a>!
<br></p><p>
<a target="_blank" title="Chronological Resume Image" href="/DownloadPrint/chronological%20image.jpg">
<img class="ms-rteImage-2" alt="Chronological Resume Image" src="/DownloadPrint/chronological%20image.jpg" style="margin:5px;width:300px;height:379px;" /></a>
<br></p></div>201503/31Looking for Work Support?
<div class="ExternalClass105B23F1C6E3474799DD6A8670D4E3D5"><p><img src="/News/PublishingImages/IndPath_UpdatesHelp_150.png" class="ms-rtePosition-2" alt="Updates & Help Icon" style="margin:5px;width:150px;height:150px;" />The Find Work Support Tools and Services webinar from March 25th is now available on our
<a title="YouTube Channel" target="_blank" href="https://www.youtube.com/user/illinoisworknet">YouTube channel</a> for viewing at any time. You can now review the Updates & Help menu on Illinois workNet wherever you are. This webinar has a lot of information on work support resources to help you find your next job or succeed in your current position. Learn all about the News & Updates section, the FAQs, the Glossary, Download & Print, and all the Success Stories of partner programs across the state. </p><p>Download the
<a target="_blank" title="Work Support Tools & Services handout" href="/DownloadPrint/Finding%20Work%20Support%20Tools%20and%20Services_FINAL.pdf">Work Support Tools & Services handout</a> and <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WxFL8T5TJxA" title="YouTube" target="_blank">watch the archived webinar</a>.<br><br></p><p></p><iframe width="420" height="315" frameborder="0" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/WxFL8T5TJxA?rel=0"></iframe>
<br>
<p></p></div>201503/25Is a functional resume the right format for you?
Do you need to write a resume but don’t have much work experience or have a great deal of experience? Learn all about functional resumes in the Illinois workNet article Form and Function for Your Resume. Functional resumes focus on your skills, not your experience. You can emphasize what you have done in previous positions, whether they are volunteer or in the workplace. Form and Function for Your Resume can tell you all about these things and more!
Functional Resume Overview (PDF)
Functional Resume Example and Areas (JPEG)
201503/21Are you ready to network?
<div class="ExternalClassDE21D1B14DEA4D9CAD7D9C7743936A3D"><p><img alt="Network & Connect Icon" class="ms-rtePosition-2" src="/PublishingImages/Connect-menu-icon.png" style="margin:5px;width:100px;height:100px;" />Did you get a chance to attend the Networking and Connecting webinar? If not, don’t worry – it is now available to watch any time. During this webinar, the Network & Connect menu items of Illinois workNet were covered. Watch the webinar as we demonstrate how to use tools like the Service Finder, the Events Calendar, the Student & Trade Association search, and how to use social media to network and connect with potential employers. </p><p>You can watch the webinar,
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YGnv3OApu54" title="YouTube" target="_blank">Networking and Connecting</a>, at any time. <br></p><p>Download our related materials so you can see how the Newtork & Connect tools and resources on Illinois workNet can help you!</p><ul><li>Network & Connect Infographic (<a target="_blank" title="Network & Connect Infographic (PDF)" href="/DownloadPrint/Network_Connect.pdf">PDF</a>)</li><li>Finding Services in Illinois (<a target="_blank" title="Finding Services in Illinois (PDF)" href="/DownloadPrint/Finding%20Services_FINAL.pdf">PDF</a>)<br><br></li></ul><p></p><iframe width="420" height="315" frameborder="0" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/YGnv3OApu54"></iframe>
<p></p></div>201503/18Have you downloaded the jobPrep app yet?
<div class="ExternalClassBAB6B18C3AF041719B22EC367C2834FA"><p>Illinois workNet has released jobPrep version 3.0! If you already have the app, make sure it has updated, and if you don’t have it, download it from Android, <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/job-prep/id586985926?mt=8" title="Apple" target="_blank">Apple</a>, or <a href="http://www.amazon.com/SIU-Center-for-Workforce-Development/dp/B00O9O4EKA/ref=sr_pi_syps_1_1?s=mobile-apps&ie=UTF8&qid=1412773843&sr=1-1&keywords=jobPrep" target="_blank" title="Amazon">Amazon</a>.
<br></p><p>More than just a job search tool, the jobPrep app offers job preparation at your fingertips:</p><ul><li>learn about what you need to do to get the competitive edge with articles & tips,</li><li>learn how and where to get supportive services,
<br></li><li>connect to training programs for high demand jobs,</li><li>connect to the virtual job club,
<br></li><li>find and apply for jobs,</li><li>use the calendar to find local job fairs and workshops, and</li><li>bookmark items to access them anytime from the jobPrep app or your workNet Dashboard.</li></ul><p>Illinois workNet will be providing a jobPrep webinar on April 15th at 10 AM. During this webinar we will walk users through the jobPrep app so you can use it anytime, anywhere you need it.
<strong>
<a target="_blank" title="Eventbrite Registration" href="https://jobprep-application.eventbrite.com/">Register today!</a></strong></p><p>See all the features in jobPrep 3.0 in the <a target="_blank" title="jobPrep Slideshare" href="http://www.slideshare.net/ILworkNet/jobprep-30">slideshare</a> linked below!<br><strong></strong></p><p><strong><a target="_blank" title="jobPrep Slideshare" href="http://www.slideshare.net/ILworkNet/jobprep-30"><img alt="jobPrep Slideshare" class="ms-rteImage-2" src="/News/Lists/Photos/jobPrep_Slideshare.JPG" style="margin:5px;width:500px;height:378px;" /></a><a target="_blank" title="Eventbrite Registration" href="https://jobprep-application.eventbrite.com/"><br></a></strong></p><p></p></div>201503/11More Upcoming Webinars with the U.S. Department of Labor
<div class="ExternalClass7BBF9E2C43B24F94849955802D90D355"><p>Illinois workNet has teamed up with the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) Employee Benefits Security Administration (ESBA) to provide you with more webinars! We have one upcoming webinar for employers and two for employees/job seekers. We will provide two session of each webinar, but these are repeating sessions (with the same information) so you only need to register for one session of each webinar topic. See the schedule below!<br></p><p>
<strong>Wellness Programs and HIPAA Nondiscrimination Webinar</strong><br>March 19th at 10:30 AM and 1:30 PM</p><p>Under HIPAA’s nondiscrimination provisions, an individual cannot be denied eligibility for benefits or charged more for coverage because of any health factor.  Join us for a presentation that will highlight how employers can reduce their healthcare costs through use of a Wellness Program, and learn about the rules for incentivizing healthy behavior in employees without discriminating.</p><p>
<a target="_blank" title="Register today!" href="http://www.eventbrite.com/e/wellness-programs-and-hipaa-nondiscrimination-webinar-tickets-16121657311?ref=ebtn">Register today!</a></p><p>
<a title="Registration" href="http://www.eventbrite.com/e/wellness-programs-and-hipaa-nondiscrimination-webinar-tickets-16121657311?ref=ebtn" target="_blank">
<img src="https://www.eventbrite.com/custombutton?eid=16121657311" alt="Eventbrite - Wellness Programs and HIPAA Nondiscrimination Webinar" /></a><br> </p><p>
<strong>Health Insurance Marketplace 101 Webinar</strong></p><p>March 26th at 10:30 AM and 1:30 PM
<br></p><p>The Health Insurance Marketplace 101 provides a high-level overview of the Affordable Care Act, and the new Health Insurance Marketplace.</p><p>The presentation will include detailed information on: 
<br></p><ul><li>Health Insurance Marketplace,
<br></li><li>Small Business Health Options Program (SHOP),</li><li>Premium tax credit options,</li><li>State Medicaid eligibility, and<br></li><li>Resources to help apply, enroll, and get covered.</li></ul><p>
<a href="http://www.eventbrite.com/e/health-insurance-marketplace-101-webinar-tickets-16090763908?ref=ebtn" title="Register today!" target="_blank">Register today!</a></p><p>
<a target="_blank" href="http://www.eventbrite.com/e/health-insurance-marketplace-101-webinar-tickets-16090763908?ref=ebtn" title="Registration"><img alt="Eventbrite - Health Insurance Marketplace 101 Webinar" src="https://www.eventbrite.com/custombutton?eid=16090763908" /></a>
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<strong>Taking the Mystery out of Retirement Savings Webinar</strong></p>
<p>April 2nd at 10:30 AM and 1:30 PM</p>
<p>Taking the Mystery Out of Retirement Planning will help you prepare for a secure retirement.  It is designed for those people who are about 5-10 years away from their retirement date.   The presentation and the online tool can help you get an idea of how well you are prepared financially for retirement and what additional steps you may need to take to reach your goals. </p>
<p>
<a href="http://www.eventbrite.com/e/taking-the-mystery-out-of-retirement-savings-webinar-tickets-16121948181?ref=ebtn" title="Register today!" target="_blank">Register today!</a></p>
<p>
<a target="_blank" href="http://www.eventbrite.com/e/taking-the-mystery-out-of-retirement-savings-webinar-tickets-16121948181?ref=ebtn" title="Registration"><img alt="Eventbrite - Taking the Mystery out of Retirement Savings Webinar" src="https://www.eventbrite.com/custombutton?eid=16121948181" /></a><br> </p></span></span></div>201503/03And the Webinars Continue...
Illinois workNet wants to make sure our users know about all of the tools and resources to help you successfully use our site. We are continuing on in our webinar series and have scheduled six more sessions! See the list of webinars below and click on the title to get to the registration page:Networking and Connecting Tools Webinar
March 12, 2015 10:00 AMThis webinar will review locating Illinois workNet Centers and Partners near you, using the Event Calendar, finding student and trade associations, and using social media. All of these items are needed to use networking as a job search tool.
Employment 101 Webinar
March 18, 2015 10:30 AMThis webinar will walk users through the Employment 101 tool and how to use it to plan out your path to achieving your goals. With Employment 101 you can create and use a Career Plan, Job Search Plan, and plan to Achieve Your Goals.
Find Work Support Tools and Services Webinar
March 25, 2015 10:30 AMThis webinar will cover the Updates & Help menu of Illinois workNet that includes news and updates, FAQ, glossary, download and print, success stories, and related articles, videos, and resources!
Employers Programs and Tools Webinar
April 1, 2015 10:00 AMThis webinar will review tools available to employers on Illinois workNet for hiring and recruiting employees. We will also look at programs that can help employers off-set hiring and training costs.
Layoff Assistance Resources and Tools Webinar
April 7, 2015 10:00 AMThis webinar will review the resources and tools available on Illinois workNet for employers and workers that have been or will be affected by a layoff.
jobPrep Mobile App Webinar
April 15, 2015 10:00 AMThis webinar will walk users through the jobPrep app. Learn how you can use the mobile version of the Illinois workNet website anywhere and anytime you need it. You can download the app from Google Play, Apple App Store, and Amazon.
201411/22The Right App for the Right Job!
<div class="ExternalClassE23FD1800DCD4C30BA2634E30A4E745F"><p>
<img src="/Connect/PublishingImages/jobPrep_HomeScreen.png" alt="jobPrep Home Screen" class="ms-rtePosition-2" style="margin:5px;width:181px;" /> Illinois workNet is excited to announce the updated jobPrep app for Android, iOS, and Amazon! The updated jobPrep app includes capabilities that will assist Illinois job seekers with their employment needs, all from the convenience of a smartphone. Whether you're at home or on your way to a job interview, get the help you need when and where you need it with the jobPrep app.</p><p> More than just a job search tool, the jobPrep app offers job preparation at your fingertips:<br></p><ul><li> learn about what you need to do to get the competitive edge with articles & tips,</li><li> learn how and where to get supportive services, </li><li> connect to training programs for high-demand jobs,</li><li> connect to the virtual job club,
<br></li><li>
<span><span><span><span><span><span>find and apply for jobs, </span></span></span></span></span></span> and </li><li> use the calendar to find local job fairs and workshops.</li></ul><p>
<br> Using these resources provides job seekers with many outcomes, like a 2nd interview, a job offer, a new contact, a new skill, and more!</p><p>
<strong>View the infographic.<a target="_blank" href="/Connect/PublishingImages/jobPrepApp%20download%20for%20print%20flyer%20size.png" title="jobPrep Infographic"><img src="/Connect/PublishingImages/jobPrepApp%20download%20for%20print%20flyer%20size_250.png" alt="jobPrep Infographic" class="ms-rtePosition-2" style="margin:5px;width:207px;" /></a><br></strong></p><p> The jobPrep app is made possible through a federal WIA-funded project sponsored by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, and partnerships with Illinois workNet, i.c. stars, and Solstice Mobile.<br></p><p> Matt and Jeremy are two hardworking individuals that became involved in the i.c.stars program. Watch the video below that highlights their key takeaways from their time as residents with i.c.stars, as well as their experiences as mobile developers with Solstice Mobile on the jobPrep application.</p><p></p>
<iframe width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/C8pHyee4UyY"></iframe>
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<strong>Watch the jobPrep screencast!</strong></span></span></span><br>
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<iframe width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_gZ6ycb6N4c"></iframe>
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<strong>Download the jobPrep Flyer for Adults (</strong><a target="_blank" href="/DownloadPrint/JobPrepSeekerFlyerNovember2014_Final.pdf" title="jobPrep Flyer for Adults (PDF)"><strong>PDF</strong></a><strong>) to share!</strong></p><p>
<a target="_blank" href="/DownloadPrint/JobPrepSeekerFlyerNovember2014_Final.pdf" title="jobPrep Flyer for Adults (PDF)">
<img src="/News/PublishingImages/JobPrepSeekerFlyerNovember2014_Final_200.jpg" alt="jobPrep Flyer for Adults PDF" style="margin:5px;" /></a>
<br>
<strong></strong> </p><p>
<strong>D</strong><strong>ownload the jobPrep Flyer for Youth (<a target="_blank" href="/DownloadPrint/jobPrepYouthFlyer_FINAL.pdf" title="jobPrep Flyer PDF">PDF</a>) to share!</strong></p><p>
<a target="_blank" href="/DownloadPrint/jobPrepYouthFlyer_FINAL.pdf" title="jobPrep Flyer PDF">
<img src="/Connect/PublishingImages/jobPrepYouthFlyer_v1_2014_400.jpg" alt="jobPrep Flyer PDF" class="ms-rtePosition-1" style="margin:5px;width:200px;height:259px;" /></a>
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</strong><strong>Scan the tag below to download the jobPrep app today!<br></strong></p><p>
iTunes</p><p>
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<a target="_blank" href="http://www.amazon.com/SIU-Center-for-Workforce-Development/dp/B00O9O4EKA/ref=sr_pi_syps_1_1?s=mobile-apps&ie=UTF8&qid=1412773843&sr=1-1&keywords=jobPrep" title="Amazon"></a></span></span></span></p><p><span id="DeltaPlaceHolderMain"><span id="part1"></span></span></p><p>
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<p></p></div>201411/18The New Beta Illinois workNet Site is Now Available
<div class="ExternalClassBB39F2ABD8E04904A4A44BEC802FB033"><p>The new <a title="Home Page" href="/Pages/default.aspx">Beta Illinois workNet site</a> is now available.  <br>We invite you to take a look at the new site and let us know what you think using this survey.</p><p>The new design incorporates some completely new features such as:</p><ul><li>An Apprenticeship Opportunities Search.</li><li>A Student and Trade Connections Search.</li><li>An Employment 101 Guide.</li><li>A mobile friendly view to easily use the site on your mobile device.</li><li>More videos, infographics, slideshows, and graphics to provide information.</li><li>More in-depth content using an article, blog-like approach for sharing information.  You can comment and share your tips with each article.  Plus, articles will continue to be published to share fresh and current content.</li></ul><p>The new site features include current customer favorites that have been updated with enhancements! </p><p>Such as:</p><ul><li>My Dashboard – Login with your account to access your dashboard to help you plan for a career, connect to training programs, get hired into a job, and stay current on events, news, and special programs.</li><li>Explore Options – Use these tools to explore the different career paths and the skills needed in order to launch your new career.</li><li>Training Options – Explore different types of training options and find the one that is your best option.</li><li>Market Your Qualifications – Use the resume builder and resources to get your resume in tip top shape and prepare for the job interview. <br></li><li>Fill Job Openings – Job seekers can find job openings and employers can recruit job candidates.</li><li>Network and Connect <span><span><span>–</span></span></span> Connect with people and resources that can help you reach your employment goals. </li></ul><p><span id="DeltaPlaceHolderMain"><span id="part1"><span><a title="Illinois workNet Beta Web Portal Feedback Sessions Infographic" target="_blank" href="/DownloadPrint/Beta%20Illinois%20workNet%20Feedback%20Infographic.png"><img alt="Illinois workNet Beta Web Portal Feedback Sessions Infographic" class="ms-rtePosition-2" src="/DownloadPrint/Beta%20Illinois%20workNet%20Feedback%20Infographic.png" style="margin:5px;width:267px;height:1800px;" /></a></span></span></span>Customers were invited to attend webinars in October that provided a preview of the new site.  Participants provided great feedback and verified that the tools in the site are important to them.  Take a look at the infographic (to the right) to see customer responses and related tools within Illinois workNet Beta.</p><span><span><p>During
the Beta period, the original Illinois workNet site will remain
available for a limited time. We’ll also be reaching out to partners,
individuals, and employers to provide feedback. Right now, there isn’t a
firm date set for switching entirely to the new Illinois workNet Portal
System but we estimate it will be by January 1, 2015.</p><p>Follow us
on social media and subscribe to news on any of the Illinois workNet
sites to stay informed about the new Illinois workNet Portal System and
participate with feedback opportunities.</p></span></span><p><br></p><p><br></p></div>201410/17Serving Individuals with Disabilities
Providing services that are accessible to individuals with disabilities is what Illinois workNet® Centers do on a daily basis. To consistently work toward approaches that continually ensure quality services for all customers, it’s essential that managers and staff have a road map, and that it is regularly adjusted and improved upon. Continual improvement processes are important for any business or organization so this information isn’t limited to only Illinois workNet Centers.
If you’re with an organization that needs to ensure services are accessible to individuals with disabilities, take a few minutes and read The Institute Brief, Access for All Customers: Universal Strategies for One-Stop Career Centers. The Brief provides seven Principles of Universal Design and a checklist to implement universal strategies for services. As the checklist points out, though some items may seem obvious, we all become comfortable with routines and can lose sight of designing for customer access rather than staff perspectives.
The brief (PDF) can help you review current practices and revisit your roadmap to serving customers.
Visit the disabilityworks website for more resources like this https://beta.illinoisworknet.com/disabilityworks201410/10disabilityworks in the News
<div class="ExternalClass97A9CFF59FE6421FB219245751A5FD73"><p>The Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) highlighted disabilityworks in their September/October 2014 Newsletter! See excerpt below and download the newsletter for the whole article.</p><p>"In September, the U.S. Department of Labor announced $14.8 million in grants to six states, including $2.5 million to Illinois, to improve employment opportunities for adults and youth with disabilities.<br></p><p>Grants are being awarded as part of the
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.dol.gov/agencies/odep/initiatives/disability-employment-initiative" title="Disability Employment Initiative">Disability Employment Initiative</a> (DEI), funded by the Department of Labor's
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.dol.gov/agencies/eta" title="Employment and Training Administration">Employment and Training Administration</a> and
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.dol.gov/agencies/odep" title="Office of Disability Employment Policy">Office of Disability Employment Policy</a>. This is the fifth round of funding through the Disability Employment Initiative, which now supports 37 projects in 26 states..."</p><p>Download it <a href="/News/Documents/September-October%202014%20DCEO%20Newsletter.pdf" title="DCEO Newsletter PDF" target="_blank">here</a>.</p><p><a href="/News/Documents/September-October%202014%20DCEO%20Newsletter.pdf" title="DCEO Newsletter PDF" target="_blank"><img src="/News/PublishingImages/September-October2014DCEONewsletter_400.jpg" alt="" style="margin:5px;" /></a><br></p></div>201409/02Financial Aid and Budgeting Basics Webinar Series
Illinois workNet will be offering three webinars to cover money management basics. Join any or all of these 30 minute webinars for tips from the experts! Budgeting - September 17 from 10:00-10:30 AM
Nathalie Rosado, Ladder Up Financial Literacy Coordinator, will cover how to make a budget, as well as making saving a priority within a budget. Topics include needs versus wants and the importance of careful financial planning for young adults.Financial Aid Basics - September 17 from 11:00-11:30 AM
Keisha Heard, Ladder Up Financial Aid Coordinator, will provide an overview of the financial aid process for students and parents. This workshop will provide basic knowledge of the Free Application for Student Aid (FAFSA), and guide clients through the correct steps of completing the FAFSA.Make Informed Student Loan Decisions - September 17 from 1:00-1:30 PM
Keisha Heard, Ladder Up Financial Aid Coordinator, will discuss the types of loans that are available and key differences among them as well as how a loan works with emphasis on the repayment process.201408/29In Honor of Workforce Development Week - Activities
We held four webinars for job seekers to help build their interviewing skills in honor of Illinois' Workforce Development Week.
Are you interviewing for a job in information technology, healthcare or manufacturing? Take 30 minutes to review these recordings with our industry experts:
- Information Technology guest speaker Bill Markham from Disys gave some great tips on IT positions, including project management. He even included a list of questions for which you should be prepared to answer when you walk into a job interview.
- Manufacturing guest speaker Jim McGough of Valuable Resources Company provided ideas on how to get the interviewer to stop and pay closer attention to what you said. Jim also offered some tips on how to handle an "Instant Interview".
- Healthcare guest speaker Urvita Patel of Presence Health offered her advice on the intangible items that interviewers consider along with how you can control the first impression someone has of you during the interview.
- Discussing the Interactive Interview tool offered by Illinois workNet was Dee Reinhardt. She showed us how to use the practice sessions in the Illinois workNet Resume Building Tool to help you ace those interviews.
Each of our speakers shared valuable insight from a recruiter's perspective on how you should approach your interview in the Healthcare, IT and Manufacturing sectors.
If you don't have 30 minutes, take just 2 minutes to listen to the tips offered by Eric Smith, Director of Human Resources at Hoffer Plastics, Urvita Patel of Presence Health and Bill Markham of Disys. These quick tips are the key points you need to be prepared for your next interview.
Download the presentations below and watch the videos!
- IT Presentation (PDF)
- Manufacturing Presentation (PDF)
- Healthcare Presentation (PDF)
- Interactive Interview Tool and Tips Presentation (PDF)
201408/28College Resources for Disabled Students
<div class="ExternalClass967C2C2628CE4954BD19F1EB96F40DA4"><p><img alt="Students" class="ms-rtePosition-2" src="/News/PublishingImages/College%20Resources%20DW%20News%20Item%20Image.jpg" style="margin:5px;width:300px;height:200px;" />Transitioning to campus life can be a frightening prospect for any new student, and especially those with special needs, be they physical or in the learning environment.  BestColleges.com features a guide that aims to inform disabled students on their rights and opportunities in higher education, and serve as a central list of college help resources for disabled students, including assistive technologies (sites, apps, software). Click
<a title="Best Colleges Website" href="http://www.bestcolleges.com/resources/disabled-students/" target="_blank">http://www.bestcolleges.com/resources/disabled-students/</a> for more information. </p><p>If you're going back to school, or considering it, visit the
<a title="disabilityworks Resources" href="/disabilityworks/Resources/Pages/DisabilityResources.aspx">disabilityworks resources page</a> for this and other transition resources.</p></div>201408/1630 Minutes is all it takes!
Do you have 30 minutes to help make your resume stand out? Watch our Illinois workNet Resume Tips in 30 Minutes from a Manufacturing Human Resources consultant. We asked her questions and talked about manufacturing employer expectations and how to build a resume for a manufacturing position that will make you stand out.
If you have 30 more minutes to spare, we have an additional webinar recording that covers all of the features in our Illinois workNet Resume Building Tool that are at your disposal when you have an account with Illinois workNet. We cover templates, tools, and actions you can take. We even threw in a couple of extra tools that are useful to help you find the keywords and action verbs you should be including in your resume.
All of the handouts and recordings are available for you to use and share. We even post the recordings on our YouTube channel.
Download the materials used for the Manufacuturing and Illinois workNet Resume Builder sessions below and watch the videos!
Manufacturing Resume Tips Presentation (PDF)
Illinois workNet Resume Builder Tips Presentation (PDF)
201408/15Register for the next webinar series!
<div class="ExternalClass14EA06033B6C459B9EE2385876202F89"><p>Do you have 30 Minutes to spare? Get Tips on Interviewing from Illinois workNet!</p><p>In honor of Workforce Development Week in Illinois (the last week of August 2014), Illinois workNet will be holding four webinars, 30 minutes each, providing viewers tips on Interviewing.</p><p>We will have four individual sessions:</p><ul><li>August 26 at 12:30 - Information Technology Interview Tips in 30 Minutes<br></li><li>
<span><span><span>August 26 at</span></span></span> 2:30 - Manufacturing<span><span><span> Interview Tips in 30 Minutes</span></span></span></li><li>
<span>
<span>
<span>August 27 at</span></span></span> 2:30 - Healthcare and<span><span><span> Interview Tips in 30 Minutes</span></span></span></li><li>
<span><span><span>August 27 at</span></span></span> 12:30 - <a href="https://illinoisworknet.optimalresume.com/login.php" title="Illinois workNet Interviewing Tool" target="_blank">Illinois workNet's Interactive Interviewing tool</a></li></ul><p><br>Recruiters and employers in these career fields will be offering their best advice in 30 minutes to job seekers. Advice will include how to handle "instant interviews", attitude, how to dress and much more. Because each one is different, you may pick up a tip from one career path that could be transferable to your career path. Find out about the interactive interviewing tool on Illinois workNet and how you can use this with your Illinois workNet account!
<br></p><p>
<a href="https://30minuteinterviewtips.eventbrite.com/" target="_blank" title="Webinar Registration">
<strong>Register today for one or all four of these webinars!</strong></a></p></div>201407/19Register for the "Resume Tips in 30 Minutes" Webinars!
Illinois workNet has scheduled its next webinar series! Register to attend one, two, or all three of the Resume Tips in 30 Minutes webinars. Each webinar will cover a different industry and have an expert on to review what they look for from someone with minimal work experience and from an applicant with more extensive work experience.Our series will cover these three industries:
- August 6, 2014 1PM - Information Technology
- August 6, 2014 2:30PM - Healthcare
- August 13, 2014 1PM - Manufacturing
- August 13, 2014 2:30 PM - Optimal Resume Tools
Get started on your resume before the webinar with Optimal Resume. This tool is free to all Illinois workNet account holders! You can find out all the tool options of Optimal Resume.201404/29Think Beyond the Label – A Resource You Need
<div class="ExternalClass7DE2BBE0E3244EA09583B327D17DF5DC"><p>
<strong><img src="/News/PublishingImages/TBTL_PartnerLogo_200.png" class="ms-rtePosition-2" alt="Think Beyond the Label Partner Logo" style="margin:5px;" />Think Beyond the Label</strong> began in January 2010 as a campaign to raise awareness about the business case for hiring people with disabilities. Through its humorous, award-winning print, TV and digital advertisements and website, Think Beyond the Label works to counter attitudes and myths about people with disabilities—as well as connecting job seekers to businesses to help them diversify their workforce, strengthen their brand, and successfully recruit, hire and retain qualified job seekers with disabilities. </p><p>
<strong></strong>
<strong>For Businesses</strong><br>Get up-to-date information and all the tools you need to hire people with disabilities and integrate them into your workforce. Whether through outreach to Think Beyond the Label’s pool of qualified workers with disabilities or participation in one of our targeted online hiring events, Think Beyond the Label is always working to help businesses diversity their workforce.</p><p>
<strong></strong><strong>For Job Seekers</strong><br>Think Beyond the Label offers you a network, online events and a digital hub that provides information, tools and resources to aid in your job search so you can find meaningful employment in your chosen field. The Think Beyond the Label jobs portal allows you to search and apply for jobs with companies that are actively seeking to hire you. </p><p>
<strong></strong> </p><p>
<strong>d</strong><strong>isabilityworks is a proud partner of Think Beyond the Label and we encourage you to use these resources!</strong><br></p></div>201403/21Get Involved in Community Gardening!
<div class="ExternalClass2C5AB12454E4459A910C614D584C848B"><p><em><img src="/News/PublishingImages/ChicagoBotanicalGarden_400.jpg" class="ms-rteImage-4 ms-rtePosition-2" alt="Gardening as a Social Enterprise: Including People with Disabilities" style="margin:5px;width:300px;height:232px;" /><a target="_blank" href="/News/Documents/ChicagoBotanicalGarden_Gardening.pdf" title="Gardening as a Social Enterprise: Including People with Disabilities PDF">Gardening as a Social Enterprise: Including People with Disabilities</a></em> is a guide for groups interested in gardening and small-scale farming as a vocational training opportunity for people with a wide variety of disabilities. The guide provides examples drawn from the Chicago Botanic Garden’s own expertise in disabling conditions, its training programs for youth and young adults, and from other successful models nationally. It includes best-practice methods, links to supporting information, budgeting examples, program management tools, and explanations of how to build and adapt a garden to make the enterprise fully inclusive. The guide addresses leadership, staffing, outcome expectations, return on investment, and impact measurement; it is a practical handbook for organizations seeking to improve the socioeconomic and public health concerns of their community by engaging people with disabilities in productive, revenue-generating work. 
<br></p><p>Visit the
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.communitygarden.org/" title="American Community Gardening Association Website">American Community Gardening Association website</a> where you can
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.communitygarden.org/garden" title="Find a Garden Near You">search for a Garden Near You</a> and find resources to get a community garden started.<br></p><p>The University of Illinois Extension offers statewide information on
<a target="_blank" href="https://extension.illinois.edu/lfssf" title="Local Food Systems and Small Farms University of Illinois Extension Website">Local Food Systems and Small Farms</a> that can help you get started as well. </p></div>201403/20Find a Location Near You
<div class="ExternalClass05451BC957444D2A9AD5527CF279762B"><p><img src="/PublishingImages/Icons/Icon_ServLocator.png" alt="Service Locator Icon" class="ms-rtePosition-2" style="margin:5px;width:100px;height:100px;" />The
<a href="/Connect/Pages/LocationSearch.aspx" title="Disability Services Locator">
<strong>Disability Services Locator</strong></a> allows you to search for locations near you that specialize in assisting individuals with disabilities with achieving training and employment goals. You can search using multiple options like ZIP code or county along with filtering options to narrow your search results.</p><p><br></p><p>Not near a computer? No problem, find a location near you using your mobile device!</p><p> <img src="/News/PublishingImages/workNetServiceFinderScreenShot.JPG" alt="Service Locator Mobile Screen Shot" style="margin:5px;width:300px;height:427px;" />    </p><p>
<strong>Don't wait; </strong>
<a href="/Connect/Pages/LocationSearch.aspx" title="Disability Services Locator Web Page">
<strong>find a location near you</strong></a><strong> for further assistance.</strong></p><p>  <img src="/News/PublishingImages/workNetServiceFinderScreenShotbrowser.JPG" alt="Services Locator Screen Shot" style="margin:5px;width:460px;height:256px;" />   </p></div>201401/30Estimate Changes to Your Benefits
<div class="ExternalClassD9CEA7D6C878428FB222808AC1678E40">
<img src="/disabilityworks/PublishingImages/disabilityworksIcon_BenefitsEstimator.png" class="ms-rtePosition-2" alt="" style="margin:5px;width:100px;height:100px;" />If you’re thinking of going to work or getting an additional job, use the Disability Benefits Estimator to see how your benefits might change. The estimator considers your current income and benefits and provides potential benefits and options to explore based on your income changes.
<p></p><p>To complete the estimator, have your bank statements, Workers’ Compensation, and other benefit source information in front of you. </p><p>
<strong>The disabilityworks website works great on your mobile device too!</strong></p><p>
<img src="/disabilityworks/PublishingImages/benefitsestimatorscreenshotmobile.JPG" alt="" style="margin:5px;width:350px;height:437px;" />
<br>
</p><p>
<strong>Take 10 minutes of your day and protect your benefits! </strong></p><p>
<img src="/disabilityworks/PublishingImages/benefitsestimatorscreenshot.JPG" alt="" style="margin:5px;width:500px;height:298px;" /><br></p></div>201401/21Need Help Achieving Your Employment and Training Goals?
<div class="ExternalClass2C9664B0FCC74F79AC5C25919D32A60A"><p>
<img class="ms-rtePosition-2" alt="Step Guide Icon" src="/PublishingImages/Icons/ilWorkNet_Icon_StepGuide.png" style="margin:5px;width:100px;height:100px;" />The disabilityworks Step Guide has been updated! When you start the Step Guide, you will choose a path that best matches your situation. Each step provides you with action items and resources to help you move on to the next step. Action items are worksheets and handouts that you can complete on your computer or print out and complete. The resources lead to outside websites that can help you get the information or assistance you need for that step.</p><p>Get started on your path to employment or training today! Choose your path:</p><ul><li> I have work experience.</li><li> I have little or no work experience.<br></li><li> I am a transitioning youth.<br></li></ul></div>201401/21Need Help Achieving Your Employment and Training Goals?
<div class="ExternalClass2C9664B0FCC74F79AC5C25919D32A60A"><p>
<img src="/disabilityworks/PublishingImages/ilWorkNet_Icon_StepGuide_100.png" alt="Step Guide Icon" class="ms-rtePosition-2" style="margin:5px;" />The
disabilityworks Step Guide has been updated! When you start the Step Guide you will choose a path that best matches your situation. Each step provides you with action items and resources to help you move on to the next step. Action items are worksheets and handouts that you can complete on your computer or print out and complete. The resources lead to outside website that can help you get the information or assistance you need for that step.<br></p><p>Get started on your path to employment or training today! Choose your path:</p><ul><li>
I am an adult job seeker.<br></li><li>
I am a transitioning youth.<br></li></ul></div>201311/01Year One Group Discovery Facilitator Training
<div class="ExternalClass65CA4EE9F2224A27A3089425C22490C9"><p> <img src="/News/PublishingImages/DCEO%20logo_colorseal2highresolution.jpg" alt="DCEO Website" class="ms-rtePosition-2" style="margin:5px;width:300px;height:98px;" />DCEO is excited to have been selected to receive assistance through the US Department of Labor’s LEAD Center Initiative to enhance the workforce system’s ability to effectively utilize Customized Employment and Self-Employment strategies to improve outcomes for job seekers with disabilities and other job seekers with significant barriers to employment.<br>Registration for the Year One Group Discovery Facilitator Training is free of charge, but those participating must agree to co-facilitate at least one Group Discovery session within the six months of the training.</p><p>The November 12-13, 2013 training will provide an overview of Customized Employment, the Group Discovery process, and walk facilitators through the curriculum materials. Technical assistance will be provided to support facilitators in implementing Group Discovery after the training.</p><p>Note, this event is for case managers that work in an agency that serves people with disabilities and LWIA Case Managers.</p><p>
<a target="_blank" href="https://groupdiscoverytraining.eventbrite.com/" title="Event Registration Website">
<strong>Registration is limited so sign up today!</strong></a></p><p>You can learn more about the LEAD Center Customized Employment Initiative at
<a target="_blank" href="http://www.leadcenter.org/" title="Lead Center Website">www.leadcenter.org</a>.</p></div>201310/24Register for the disabilityworks Launch Webinar
<div class="ExternalClassEC2168B2F6D34B95975ADE2B4C61AF93"><p>Join us on October 29th or October 31st for the disabilityworks launch webinar to hear about the new website and the tools available to help you achieve your training and employment goals.<br></p><p>
<br>
<a target="_blank" href="http://www.eventbrite.com/event/8840659651?ref=ebtnebregn" title="Eventbrite Registration">
<img src="http://www.eventbrite.com/custombutton?eid=8840659651" alt="Eventbrite - disabilityworks Launch" /></a> </p></div>201310/129th Annual Illinois Statewide Transition Conference
<div class="ExternalClass9B74022AB1474CC484B960FA174F8F02"><p>
<a target="_blank" href="http://www.illinoistransitionconference.org/" title="9th Annual Illinois Statewide Transition Conference Website"></a><a href="http://www.illinoistransitionconference.org/" title="9th Annual Illinois Statewide Transition Conference Website" target="_blank"><img src="/News/PublishingImages/transitionlogo2.gif" alt="transitionlogo2.gif" class="ms-rtePosition-2" style="margin:5px;" /></a>The
<a target="_blank" href="http://www.illinoistransitionconference.org/" title="9th Annual Transition Conference Website">9th Annual Transition Conference</a> for high school aged students and young adults with disabilities, their family members and teachers, vocational professionals, caregivers, health care professionals, college students pursuing careers in special education and community advocates will be held at Thelma Keller Convention Center in Effingham, Illinois from October 24-25, 2013.<br></p><p>The conference, titled “Stepping Stones of Transition”, will invite participants to imagine the possibilities for students with disabilities in the areas of independent living, education and training, employment, community integration, health care, and self-advocacy.<br></p><p>Conference sessions will be organized into 4 tracks: Education, Employment, Community and Healthcare.<br></p><p>Friday, October 25th concludes the conference and highlights multi-choice Plenary Sessions and Break-Out Sessions in the morning. The conference concludes at 1:00 p.m.<br></p></div>201310/12Individuals with Disabilities/Disabled Veterans Job Fair
<div class="ExternalClass7362D9DF06E444E581CEDDA41455479B"><p>Northwestern University is hosting its first ever Individuals with Disabilities and Disabled Veterans job fair.  In honor of National Disability Employment Awareness Month, Northwestern University would like to invite you to come out and learn about what we have to offer as an employer.  Learn about our benefits, available positions, and the recruitment process.  We value our commitment to increase diversity among our prospective employees and our workforce.
<br></p><p>You will get the opportunity to meet our Recruitment Team and talk with them about employment opportunities within the university.  Our Temp Center will also be present to tell you about our temporary job opportunities.<br></p><p>The job fair will feature entry level administrative jobs in the fields of Business and Finance Administration, Health and Research Administration, and all types of Academic Administration roles including Program Assistants, Program & Project Coordinators, Department Assistants, Administrative & Office Assistants, Temporary positions, and many more.  If you are seeking higher level positions, we will have our full list of open jobs available for review.<br></p><p>Date: October 14, 2013<br></p><p>Place: Norris Center<br>Louis Room 205<br>1999 Campus Drive<br>Evanston, IL 60208<br></p><p>Time: 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.<br></p><p>For more information contact Tina Feliciano Curry at (847) 491-7458 or
<a href="mailto:t-feliciano@northwestern.edu" title="Email" target="_blank">t-feliciano@northwestern.edu</a>.</p></div>201310/12Dyslexia and Other Learning Disabilities - Free Informational Seminar
<div class="ExternalClass5F7CD59FE92849A7BF226F66B160AB80"><p>The Career Center of the Polish American Association invites you to attend a free informational session on the problems of dyslexia  and other learning disabilities in children and adults.<br></p><p>The presentation will be conducted by an experienced Polish-speaking reading tutor. The presentation will cover the following topics:<br></p><ul><li>What are the causes of dyslexia and learning difficulties?</li><li>How do you recognize dyslexia in children or in adults?</li><li>Where do you get help?</li><li>Dyslexia correction programs and teaching methods.</li></ul><p> </p><p>
<strong>**PLEASE NOTE THAT THE SESSION WILL BE CONDUCTED IN POLISH.</strong><br></p><p>The session will take place on Tuesday, October 15, 2013 at 6:00 pm at the Copernicus Foundation Center at 5216 W. Lawrence, Chicago, IL 60630. For more information regarding the session, please call 773 282-1122 ext. 414.<br></p></div>201310/12Welcome to disabilityworks!
<div class="ExternalClass530DEA38BB92497BBA971EFBD205ECFE"><p> Welcome to the new disabilityworks website! Use the tools here to:
<br></p><ul><li> Achieve your
training and employment goals;</li><li> Learn how you can
earn income and keep some benefits;</li><li> Locate
disability support service providers; and</li><li>
Connect to resources you need.<br></li></ul><p> <img src="/News/PublishingImages/disabilityworksFlyer_FINAL_250.jpg" alt="" style="margin:5px;" /></p><p> Download the disabilityworks flyer.<br></p></div>
