Cook County Announces Launch of Career Connector Program

Hiring Events Located Throughout Suburban Cook County at Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership Network Locations

CHICAGO — (May 24, 2022) Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle today announced the launch of The Cook County Career Connector Program. The Program consists of hiring events at sites within The Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership’s (The Partnership) network. The Career Connector Program promotes a more inclusive and equitable economy as Cook County emerges from the pandemic by connecting residents to quality jobs and connecting employers to a skilled and diverse talent pool.

“As we continue to emerge from the effects of the pandemic, we have heard the needs of the thousands of residents still looking for employment and hundreds of businesses struggling to meet their talent needs,” said President Preckwinkle. “These Career Connector events will bridge the gap between employers and job seekers in this incredibly tight job market.”

Funding for the Career Connector Program is being provided as part of a $15 million investment by Cook County, using dollars from the American Rescue Plan Act, for programs and services provided by the Partnership. The Partnership, the designated administrative agency for Chicago and Cook County’s federally funded public workforce system, the largest in the nation, will administer this program. The Program will serve Suburban Cook County residents and businesses and who were negatively impacted by the Covid-19 Pandemic. 

Today’s kickoff event was located at South Suburban College in South Holland with support by Partnership delegate agency Employment & Employer Services (E&ES). It featured more than 30 ready-to-hire employers with more than 400 job seekers registered to attend. Employers at today’s event crossed several industry sectors and employers including Amazon, Cook County Health, Illinois Tollway Call Center, National Tube Supply, PACE Suburban Bus, Symphony Care Network, Walgreens and more which offer competitive wages and benefits.

Employers and job seekers interested in participating in the Career Connector program can register for an upcoming event at CookCountyCareerConnect.org. Approximately 30 employers and at least 200 job seekers are expected at each event. Job seekers should bring at least 15 copies of their resume, dress appropriately, and be prepared to interview.

The Program includes three main types of events: six large scale signature regional events led by The Partnership’s five suburban Cook County American Job Centers (AJCs) such as today’s event; smaller hyper-local events that may also target certain populations such as youth, veterans and/or returning residents; and customized recruitment and outreach events for large suburban employers and/or County sister agencies. Work to create the events begins weeks ahead of time with The Partnership staff and network completing employer and job seeker outreach, identifying the most qualified candidates, and matching them with employers with current career opportunities. The signature events are scheduled through October throughout suburban Cook County.

“The Partnership has been matching qualified job seekers with ready-to-hire employers for ten years. As the economy begins to recover many workforce sectors are reporting a workforce shortage,” said  Partnership Interim CEO Patrick Combs. “Employers are eager to make great hires and job seekers are looking for an offer that truly matches their needs. That’s why we are honored to  create the Career Connector program,  made up of recurring hiring events in suburban Cook County that connect job seekers to employers with career-pathway opportunities.”

The Partnership’s network of AJCs offers a range of no-cost employment services for adults, out-of-school youth, job seekers, incumbent workers (those currently employed), and employers, such as interview preparation, resume building, career planning, and more. The AJC network can be reached at 1-800-720-2515 or chicookworks.org.