This page has resources and links for people who are looking for a job and who need training. 

What is a job training program?

Job training programs help unemployed workers search for a new job or start a new career.  

Where can I find information on job training programs in Illinois?

Illinois workNet Programs

The Illinois workNet Portal System has information on services available in Illinois.

The website also has an Event Calendar to help you stay up-to-date on:

• Job fairs,
• Adult education classes, and
• Job training sessions.

Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES)

The IDES has programs for specific groups of workers:

• Apprenticeships: for people who want to work in construction;
• Hire the Future: for youth between the ages of 16 and 24;
• Veteran Services: for veterans; and
• Re-entry Employment Service Program: for people who cannot find jobs due to an arrest record or conviction.

Visit the IDES website for more info on how to find training programs provided through the Illinois Career Information System (CIS).

Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS)

If you receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, you can also receive job training through the Illinois Department of Human Services (DHS). DHS offers:

• A basic review of reading, writing, and math;
• GED classes and/or computer training programs;
• Job training, mentoring, and career counseling.

Find your local DHS Office using the DHS Office Locator or by contacting the DHS Help Line at (800) 843-6154.

Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (IDCEO)

The IDCEO hosts several programs to provide job training. These programs include:

• Job Training Assistance and Support Services Pilot Program,
• Illinois Works Apprenticeship Initiative, and
• Illinois Works Construction Pre-apprenticeship Program.

The Job Training Assistance and Support Services Pilot Program begins in 2023. This program provides many types of aid, including funds for:

• Transportation,
• Child care,
• Housing-related expenses,
• Digital technology needs,
• Education needs,
• Mental health services,
• Substance abuse services,
• Income support, and
• Work-related supplies.

To be eligible for the Pilot Program, you must participate in one of the following:

• A registered apprenticeship program,
• A pre-apprenticeship program, or
• Work-based learning programs.

The Illinois Works Apprenticeship Initiative creates opportunities for apprentices in the construction industry and the trades. Projects under this program have a certain amount of work done by apprentices.

The Illinois Works Construction Pre-apprenticeship Program creates opportunities to fill jobs with diverse candidates. This program provides skills training through non-profits. These include community colleges, faith-based organizations, and business associations. Participants attend tuition-free. They also receive a stipend and other services to help enter the construction industry.

Year Up Program

This program provides job training and meaningful internships to young adults from low-income households. A GED or high school diploma is required. Classes begin in March and September in Chicago. Apply online here - applications are considered on a rolling basis until the class is filled. Apply online here if you have DACA status.

The Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership offers free job training for positions that are in high demand in Illinois.

A Safe Haven is an organization in Chicago that helps homeless people or those who might become homeless find jobs. They provide life skills, soft skills, job readiness training, on-the-job-training, internships and job placement services. 

What if I am a Veteran?

There are several local programs that can help you transition to the workforce and apply the skills you learned in the military to civilian life: 

• Call of Duty Veteran Support
• Indeed job search website

What if I was laid off?

The US Department of Labor website has information on resources for people who are laid off.

Also, if you were laid off because your employer is moving jobs out of the country, or is increasing imports, you can apply for Trade Adjustment Assistance. 

Job Websites

When using job websites like Indeed, LinkedIn, or USAJobs, you should:

• Limit the contact information you provide. Recruiters can message you directly on the job search platforms if they need to contact you for an interview. Learn more about how to prevent fraud.
• Double check the employer for any offer for an interview. You can do this by googling the name and finding the company website and office location, for example. 
• Change the privacy settings on your social media accounts or limit what you have on your accounts. Today, 70% of employers use social media to screen applicants. You can make your social media, or just make sure that you are comfortable with a prospective employer seeing your posts. One tip for keeping your social media public but still keeping some privacy is to delete your full birthday from your profile.
• Never pay for training or products from a prospective employer. Be especially careful if an employer asks you to wire money. If an employer asks you for money, it is probably a scam.

Resume and cover letter

Most jobs that are posted online require you to submit a resume and possibly a cover letter. Besides using online guides, you can visit your local public library to see when they are holding resume and cover letter workshops. Many Illinois public libraries also offer free skill building workshops, such as ESL classes, Microsoft program classes, and more. Public library programs are free, although some may require that you have a library card. Visit your local public library in person or online to find more information.