No matter where you are on your career journey, whether you’re just starting out, looking to grow, or ready to begin again, we are here to help you take the next step with confidence. From skills training and job placement to career coaching and support services, we connect you to the tools, guidance, and opportunities you need to thrive.
American Job Centers (AJCs) are more than career resource hubs, they’re launchpads for transformation. As the front door to The Partnership’s network, AJCs connect people, businesses, and communities to possibilities.
Rooted in neighborhoods across Chicago and suburban Cook County and backed by a powerful public workforce system, AJCs provide career seekers with personalized guidance, skill-building resources, and connections to real opportunities. For employers, AJCs are strategic allies offering access to local talent, hiring support, and workforce training incentives that strengthen entire industries.
Funded by the U.S. Department of Labor and guided by the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), AJCs reflect our commitment to equity, access, and community investment. The Partnership proudly leads Local Workforce Investment Area 7, one of Illinois’ largest, administering federal workforce development funds to expand opportunity across Chicago and suburban Cook County.
Whether you’re seeking your first job, your next career move, a great hire, or to develop your current team, AJCs are where progress begins.
Meet Mareo R., a Fleet Manager at Kalaju Transportation Services, which provides transportation for the elderly and those with disabilities. Mareo completed an 8-week On the Job Training (OJT) course through The Partnership’s network with Kalaju. During his OJT, his wages were covered by funds The Partnership allocates, ensuring Kalaju could afford to train him and Mareo could be compensated while he learned! He is now on his way in a new career!
“Please allow me to express how wonderful the Kalaju Family treated me during the training process,” said Mareo. “They embraced me as one of their own since the first day. They provided me with everything I needed in order to succeed in the program. They were kind, supportive, and very serious about me becoming one of their Fleet Managers. This was obvious throughout the entire Fleet Management training program.”
Every AJC is staffed by expert career professionals who help individuals explore their goals, grow their skills, and navigate a path to meaningful employment. Many offer workshops, job fairs, and training programs tailored to in-demand careers.
You’ll also find dedicated business service teams ready to help employers recruit talent, upskill their workforce, and build stronger teams.
Services vary by location and may include:
Apprenticeship programs are a great way to get a career started. The Partnership aligns its apprenticeship efforts with the U.S. Department of Labor’s Registered Apprenticeship Program, expanding beyond traditional trades to non-traditional industries nationwide. In the past program year, The Partnership received an ‘Apprenticeship Illinois’ grant to promote the benefits of apprenticeship models to regional employers, helping them build talent pipelines. During the same period, 40 career seekers enrolled in certified apprenticeship programs, with participation expected to grow across all industries.
Every young person deserves a strong start and a clear path forward. Whether you’re exploring your first job or building toward a bigger goal, knowing where to begin can make all the difference. Support that feels relevant and relatable can spark a connection that leads to lifelong success.
The Partnership works alongside businesses and community organizations across Chicago and suburban Cook County to offer work-readiness training for eligible youth. Programs serve out-of-school youth ages 16 to 24, and in-school youth ages 16 to 21. From summer internships to year-round development, our programs help young people build confidence, gain experience, and step into their futures with purpose.
These AJCs provide a full array of employment and training related services for workers, youth and businesses. These locations include the mandatory Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) partners on-site, such as Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES), Veterans services, Vocational Rehabilitation, and more.
These AJCs provide more limited, but still extensive, employment and training related services for workers, youth, and businesses than the Comprehensive AJCs. These locations do not include all the mandatory Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) partners (i.e., Veterans, Vocational Rehabilitation, IDES) on-site.
These AJCs provide career and educational services to in and out of school youth. These sites may not have public resource rooms or job readiness workshops.
These AJCs focus on serving specific needs, such as those of dislocated workers (those who have lost their jobs), youth, or key industry sectors, and may not offer all the services of a Comprehensive or Affiliate AJC.
Career Centers do not receive WIOA funding. They offer programs and services tied to specific programs funded by other private or public sector partners.
The Partnership’s network can be found throughout Chicago and Suburban Cook County.