Good Jobs Chicagoland is an employer-led community driven initiative to promote economic resiliency and growth for Chicago and suburban Cook County. It focuses on four strong, proven, and ready-to-scale sectors: Health Care; Information Technology; Manufacturing; and Transportation, Distribution, & Logistics (TDL). The program aims to link Chicagoland employers who offer family-sustaining wages and other compensation with un/underemployed regional residents. Good Jobs Chicagoland is focused on meeting the needs of communities suffering from intergenerational poverty exacerbated by the pandemic, particularly on the South and West sides of Chicago and suburban Cook County. Ultimately, the program’s employer focus is meant to benefit regional career seekers and employers alike by creating the talent pipeline needed by employers and the training and careers needed by residents.

The programs are designed for Chicago and suburban Cook County residents seeking to improve their job prospects, particularly those from underserved communities. Eligibility may vary based on the specific program.

Partner organizations referred to as “backbone entities,” employers, and other stakeholders will design training programs that fit employer needs and are tied to employer hiring commitments. Occupational skills training, credential programs, on the job training, apprenticeships and incumbent worker training initiatives will focus on 16 high demand, high growth occupations across the four target sectors, with a total of 2,000 individuals trained and 1,800 placed over the three-year life of the grant.

You can apply by completing the contact form on the Good Jobs Chicagoland website. Detailed information on the application process for each program is available online.

No. Most programs are funded through grants and are free to eligible participants.

Yes, we work closely with local employers to connect trained individuals with job opportunities in high-demand sectors. Our aim is to ensure a smooth transition from training to employment.

Employers are crucial partners in Good Jobs Chicagoland, helping shape training programs to meet industry needs, offering insights into sector demands, and providing job opportunities for trained candidates.

Partnering with us gives you access to a pool of skilled, job-ready candidates trained in relevant industry skills. It also allows you to contribute to workforce development in your sector.

The program focuses on high-growth sectors in Chicago and suburban Cook County: Health Care; Information Technology; Manufacturing; and Transportation, Distribution, and Logistics. The program works to fill skill gaps and meet employer needs in these areas.

You can join the program by expressing your interest through our contact form on the website. Our team will contact you to discuss partnership opportunities and how your business can get involved.

There is no cost for employers to participate. The goal of the program is to create mutually beneficial partnerships that support workforce development and economic growth.

Absolutely! We encourage employer input to tailor training programs that align with specific industry requirements, ensuring that candidates are well-prepared to meet your company's needs.