State’s newly-transformed workforce development system helps individuals succeed, businesses thrive and Illinois’ economy flourish
CHICAGO – February 19, 2008 – Illinois residents and businesses can access free career planning, training and job placement services through the state’s newly-transformed workforce development system called Illinois workNet. Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity Director Jack Lavin, Mayor’s Office of Workforce Development Commissioner David Hanson and Illinois Department of Employment Security Director James Sledge showcased Illinois workNet’s expanded capabilities at an event held today at the Instituto del Progreso Latino, an Illinois workNet location, on Chicago’s Southwest Side. The event was attended by more than 100 community, business and civic leaders.
Illinois workNet is a cooperative effort among economic development, workforce development and education agencies, local workforce investment boards and their public and private partners. The new system now integrates physical locations with online resources available through the Illinois workNet portal (www.illinoisworknet.com), which can be accessed at homes, offices and onsite at more than 260 community partners statewide.
A statewide re-branding effort is also underway to ensure that all Illinois workNet locations, including those housed at community partner sites, are easily identifiable. Approximately 40 sites in Chicago have been established as Illinois workNet locations. An advertising campaign to increase participation in Illinois workNet services has been launched.
“Illinois workNet represents one of the many ways Governor Blagojevich and the State of Illinois are working to help develop, maintain and support a strong, skilled, well-trained workforce,” said Jack Lavin, director, Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. “We are proud to partner in the expansion of Illinois workNet through partnerships with community-based
organizations and city and state agencies. These partnerships are essential to ensuring that all Illinois citizens and businesses can access the comprehensive, free workforce support services available through Illinois workNet.”
Illinois workNet allows individuals to search for jobs that match their interests and skills, as well as find education and training programs. Illinois workNet also provides assistance with resume writing and interview preparation. In addition, job seekers can obtain wage and salary data, labor market trends, health insurance overviews, and information about unemployment compensation, money management, child care and other supportive services.
“The Mayor’s Office of Workforce Development is proud to join the state in expanding access to its workforce development system,” said David Hanson, commissioner, Mayor’s Office of Workforce Development. “Comprehensive programs like Illinois workNet and the Mayor’s WorkNet Centers are vital resources to connect Chicago businesses with qualified workers, helping the city and state compete in today’s global market.”
Illinois workNet also offers businesses access to high quality applicants, training and valuable management resources. Under the new system, each Illinois workNet Center and community partner employs at least one certified Illinois workNet advisor knowledgeable about the federal and state workforce system. Employers also will find tools to recruit qualified employees, information about training to upgrade the skills of their current employees and a wide range of
resources to help Illinois businesses remain competitive.
"The Illinois Department of Employment Security works hard on behalf of employers and employees to provide resources to sustain and grow the state's workforce," said James Sledge, director, Illinois Department of Employment Security. "The integration of Illinois workNet with state agencies, such as Illinois Department of Employment Security, will allow us to more effectively and efficiently provide our services to both businesses and workers."
Illinois workNet is an initiative of the Illinois Workforce Investment Board and is sponsored by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO). It is made possible through partnerships with community-based organizations and state agencies, including the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES), Mayor’s Office of Workforce Development
(MOWD), Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS), Illinois Community College Board (ICCB), Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) and others.