Employer Services - Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership

Man holding a sign that says I got the offer. Woman holding a sign that says I made the offer.

Employer Services at The Partnership

Engaging the business community. Meeting workforce needs.

At The Partnership, we believe strong businesses build strong communities. That is why we work alongside employers to strengthen the regional workforce and open doors to growth, innovation, and long-term success.

We help companies find, train, and retain the skilled talent they need to stay competitive in a changing economy. By understanding industry trends and workforce demands, we deliver strategic support that meets businesses where they are and helps them grow.

Through our sector centers and employer partnerships, we offer insights into labor market trends, job growth, and wage projections. Together, we create customized recruitment and training strategies that turn today’s workforce into tomorrow’s success stories.

Our Network Supports Key Industries:

Healthcare

Hospitality and Tourism

Information Technology

Transportation, Distribution, and Logistics

Success with Employer Services

“We’ve successfully worked with the Partnership by participating in successful culinary and hospitality training cohorts. These programs give students the opportunity to learn more about this field and gain meaningful employment. By investing in training and mentorship, we’re helping to shape the next generation of culinary and hospitality professionals. Together, we’re fostering growth and opportunity in our community.”
– Chef Cliff Rome, Founder of Rome’s Joy Companies

Economic Development Support

We believe that when businesses grow, communities thrive. That is why we work hand in hand with regional economic development agencies to drive business expansion and connect employers to powerful tools for success.
Whether you are hiring, expanding, or exploring new opportunities, we can help you access valuable resources from tax credits and loans to workforce development funding. Our team is here to support your goals and strengthen the regional economy through strategic partnerships and targeted support.

Layoffs and Rapid Response

Change is never easy, but you do not have to navigate it alone. If your business is facing or anticipating layoffs, The Partnership offers Rapid Response services to support both employers and workers during transitions.

We provide immediate, on-site assistance that includes employee workshops, career counseling, job placement support, and access to retraining programs. If your company has submitted a Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) notice, or expects to, we encourage you to connect with us early so we can help mitigate disruption and guide affected employees toward new opportunities.

Three young women are smiling in a classroom. They are all sitting at school desks, ready to learn about welding.

A is for Apprenticeship

Both businesses and career seekers give apprenticeships an A! Apprenticeships help businesses develop their talent within a proven model and help career-seekers ‘earn while they learn’ while on the job.

The Partnership aligns its apprenticeship initiative with the U.S. of Labor’s Registered Apprenticeship Program and the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity, expanding beyond traditionally known trades to promoting the model in non-traditional industries and occupations nationwide.

What’s in it for me?

Employers gain access to funding and a ready-to-work apprenticeship pipeline through The Partnership’s network for On the Job Training for new hires or support for Incumbent Worker training to upskill current employees.
Employers gain from higher retention rates –studies show the average retention rate for apprentices completing their respective training programs is 91%.
Over the past program year, The Partnership’s Apprenticeship Illinois Expansion initiative engaged and worked with close to 100 businesses in a variety of high-growth sectors.

Need Help from Our Business Services Team?

Whether you’re hiring, upskilling your workforce, or planning for business changes — we’re here to help.

Fill out the form below to submit a support request. A member of our team will follow up with you promptly.

Request Business Services

Programs for Employers

ConstructionWorks

ConstructionWorks opens the door to impactful careers in the heavy highway and construction industries. This program builds a diverse pipeline of talent prepared to succeed as equipment operators, carpenters, electricians, and more.

Funded by the Illinois Tollway and administered by The Partnership’s network, ConstructionWorks offers training, career coaching, and direct access to employers. With 13 centers across Northern Illinois and at no cost to participants, the program helps individuals launch strong careers, support vital infrastructure, and strengthen our region.

Good Jobs Chicagoland

Good Jobs Chicagoland is an employer-led, community-driven initiative that provides training and direct pathways into high-growth industries such as healthcare, IT, manufacturing, and transportation.

Funded by an $18.5 million federal investment, the program builds resilient talent pipelines that connect job seekers, particularly from communities most impacted by poverty and the pandemic, to careers that offer stability, purpose, and family-sustaining wages.

OpportunityWorks

Our region is filled with growing industries and businesses ready to thrive, who seek talented, motivated individuals, many of which comprise our youth population. OpportunityWorks helps young adults ages 16 to 24 take their first steps toward that future. This program offers young adults paid internship experience and offers employers the chance to hire a young person, with the cost of the wages funded by Cook County with federal ARPA funds, The Partnership collaborates with employers and community organizations across the region to make these experiences possible and to introduce the next generation of professionals to professional opportunities in the workforce.

Road Home

We believe in second chances and the strength people bring when given the opportunity to rebuild. The Road Home supports individuals preparing to return ‘home’ from Illinois state prisons, by connecting them with Reentry Navigators who offer guidance and support before they return home.

This initiative addresses people’s holistic needs and provides personalized support, including navigation, career coaching, training, support services, and paid work experience. With a focus on workforce development, occupational training, and permanent, unsubsidized job placement, The Road Home helps returning residents step confidently into new opportunities and a brighter future.