Meet The Partnership
The Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership (The Partnership) is a non-profit organization operating one of the largest public workforce systems in the country. The Partnership’s diverse staff is proud to live and work in Chicago and Cook County’s communities; we are your friends and neighbors working to bring careers and a talented local workforce to regional residents.
By The Numbers
2022-2023 Program Year
Invested into Individual Training Accounts
Individual Training
Accounts created
Employment rate post-training from Individual Training Accounts
Invested in Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) funding
Individuals placed into registered apprenticeships
Career-seekers, including adults, dislocated workers, & youth received services
Employer reimbursement for on-the-job training
(417 adults, 223 dislocated workers, 15 youth)
Employer reimbursement provided for Incumbent Worker Training projects
Serving Career Seekers & Employer-Partners
American Job Centers
The 10 American Job Centers (AJCs), 5 in suburban Cook County and 5 in Chicago, offer a range of employment services for adults, out-of-school youth, job seekers, incumbent workers,
and businesses.
The Partnership oversees a network of more than 90 community-based organizations made up of American Job Centers, satellite sites, and sector-driven centers.
scaleLIT
The Partnership contracts with scaleLIT as the “one-stop operator” to assist in coordination and oversight of the AJC network. Throughout the past program year, the scaleLIT team hosted regular monthly partner meetings and provided customized resource newsletters highlighting programs and upcoming events at each of the ten AJCs.
Working With Employer Partners
Information Technology Sector Center
230
Job orders, focusing on providing access to career opportunities in the IT sector.
Carmencita, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, completed IT Infrastructure training in networking and systems administration. Upon completion, she was referred to The Partnership’s IT Sector Center where a career coach supported her with resume building and interviewing skills.
Hospitality and Tourism Sector Center
250
Businesses assisted
1,500
Supported hiring positions
250
Career Seekers Hired
The Hospitality and Tourism Sector Center collaborates with agencies and job centers to provide essential WIOA workforce services for businesses and career seekers in suburban Cook County and Chicago, focusing on the crucial hospitality industry.
Transportation, Distribution and Logistics
600
100
On-The-Job Training opportunities
Juan was hired and promoted at Best Solutions as a result of the TDL Sector Center’s partnership with Blue Horizons Truck Driving School. Site Manager Agata praises Juan for his exceptional attitude and willingness to learn.
Healthcare Sector Center
250
160
Individuals placed into healthcare employment
Jackee was referred to the Healthcare Sector Center with a high school diploma. He was invited to attend a customized job readiness workshop and in May of 2023, was offered the position of Patient Escort with On-The-Job-Training (OJT). The OJT provided the opportunity to get hands-on training while also receiving career support.
Construction Sector
250
Career seekers found opportunities in the construction sector
$26
Average hourly wage of career seekers in construction sector
In partnership with Crudup Construction via the Illinois Tollway’s Construction Works program, The Partnership facilitates pre-apprenticeship programs for individuals interested in trades. In 2023, out of 30 participants, over half successfully transitioned into apprenticeships across
various trades.
Manufacturing Sector
300
Career seekers placed into roles
$21
Michael had been working in the manufacturing industry for about 22 years and lost his job due to the pandemic. Michael worked with a career coach at an American Job Center, took classes in IT with a focus on Network Administration and began a new career at the Chicago Transit Authority.
Paths to Success of the Past Program Year
Cook County Career Connector Events
Through 12 events, attended by over 1,200 career seekers and 400 employers, The Career Connector Program fostered connections vital for Cook County’s economic recovery, funded by Cook County’s American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds.
Chicago Community Health Response Corps
The Chicago Community Response Corps expanded to focus on closing the racial life expectancy gap in Chicago.
National Disaster Worker COVID Disaster Recovery Grant
The Partnership administered $5 million in workforce and humanitarian services through this grant.
Good Jobs Challenge
The Partnership received an $18.5 million grant for employer-led workforce development. Thanks to the Good Jobs Challenge grant, The Partnership will empower individuals to gain in-demand skills, leading to quality job placements.
Chicago Housing Authority
The Partnership works with CHA through the CHA Jobs Plus program, providing career coaching, job training, and employment services.
Partnership with the AARP Foundation
The Back to Work 50+ program is designed to help people aged 50+ gain confidence and skills in today’s changing workforce.
Young Adult Programs
Opportunity Works and Opportunity Summer provide paid internships in high demand, high growth sectors for young adults in suburban Cook County. Emily participated in Opportunity Summer and on track for a successful career, thanks to her exposure to different sectors during the internship.
The Road Home for Returning Residents
Through the Reentry Navigation Initiative: The Road Home, comprehensive support is provided for individuals returning to Cook County from incarceration. Over the past Program Year, The Partnership served more than 900 returning residents, with nearly 400 securing employment.
Partnership Funding Information
2023 Annual Report
From working with career seekers to career providers (employers)
The Partnership’s work is critical to our regional economy.
For more insights, download the full PDF below.