Programs

To improve literacy, obtain a GED credential or learn English as a second language to gain the knowledge and skills necessary for transition to college and career pathways, Illinois provides several options in adult education.

During the next 10 to 15 years, the number of construction-related jobs in Illinois is expected to grow at a healthy pace. These careers offer excellent wages and benefits. Become an apprentice and earn while you learn.

Participate in Career & Technical Training (CTE) to prepare not only for employment, but also for life-long learning. CTE programs offered by colleges provide students with opportunities in over 100 career & academic and technical instruction, work-based technical fields. These programs include integrated learning, dual credit opportunities and potential for continuing at the baccalaureate level.

Look here for information on requirements in obtaining approval for hiring foreign worker(s) to fill a position within your company.

Hire the Future (HTF) is designed to facilitate the transition of young adults between 16 and 24 years of age into adulthood and into the workplace. The HTF program provides students with exposure to the workplace environment including an understanding of work requirements and education and necessary skills.

Where traditional educational methods have failed, the Lincoln's Challenge Academy has succeeded and proved to be a tremendous alternative for young people who have the ability to excel, but need an intensive, structured environment.

The Migrant Seasonal Farm Worker Program (MSFW) offers employment services to individuals who are legally eligible to work in the United States and are of legal age to perform services for wages. Offices designated as “Significant MSFW Offices” provide bilingual Outreach Worker staff trained to provide specific, mandated MSFW program services.

The Re-Entry Employment Service Program (RESP) is an employment program dedicated to the formerly incarcerated or any individual with a criminal conviction who may need help finding employment.

This program provides services to underemployed or unemployed people who receive TANF, to address any barriers to employment, and to help them gain skills to obtain and retain unsubsidized employment.

If your job may be, or will be, impacted by a layoff related to the employer moving jobs out of the country or increased imports, additional benefits and services may be available to you and others impacted by the layoff if it is certified as a Trade layoff.

Based on eligibility requirements, unemployment insurance is designed to partially replace lost wages when you are out of work or if you work less than full time because of lack of work. UI, however, cannot and does not protect you against wage losses while you are absent from work due to illness or while you are idle by choice.

Assisting Veterans in finding gainful employment and helping employers hire qualified Veterans is a top priority. IDES staff provides Veterans with priority of service utilizing a full array of employment services and in coordination with those of our partners.

In order to help individuals gradually move from economic hardship to steady employment, WOTC, a federal program, provides tax savings to employers who hire people from certain target groups, including general assistance recipients, veterans, youth and ex-felons.