Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership

Looking for a career in transportation, logistics, or manufacturing? Local employers are hiring, and our network and partners are bringing them to you.

Join us on Thursday, Oct. 8, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at National Able Network's Skokie branch office at Oakton Community College, 7701 Lincoln Ave., Skokie.

Bring your resume and come explore what roles are available. Share this with a friend and learn more at: https://chicookworks.org/event/tdl-manufacturing-job-fair

This Hispanic Heritage Month, we want to recognize three of our American Job Centers and the neighborhoods they call home.

Our Comprehensive AJC in Pilsen is in the heart of a vibrant neighborhood, built by generations of families in the cultural heart of Chicago's Hispanic and Latinx community.

Our AJC at Daley College serves the Southwest Side, home to some of the city's largest Hispanic and Latinx populations.

And our AJC in North Riverside reaches career seekers across the southwest suburbs, communities shaped by decades of Hispanic families calling this area home.

This month, and every month, these centers offer career training and services with the hope to boost and strengthen these communities and local economies.

Learn more about your local American Job Center at LevelUpAJC.org––where you’ll find information in English and Spanish!

Melanie M. was laid off after a long career as a flight attendant supervisor. At the same time, her mother became ill, and she became her full-time caregiver.

Amazingly, Melanie used these circumstances as motivation. Through Moraine Valley Community College, one of our partners, she earned her commercial driver’s license.

As Melanie said, “I’m very excited about my new career....Thank you for all that [the WIOA program] does to help myself and everyone else that you help. It’s appreciated more than you can imagine.”

The Partnership’s network can assist if you lose your job, or must pivot due to changing personal or professional circumstances. To get started, visit: LevelUpAJC.org.

Brava, Melanie, on your hard work and persistence!

Please warmly welcome our two new additions to the Partnership staff!

Ann Brownell, our new Manager of Program Compliance, has experience in education, software development, nonprofit leadership, advocacy and workforce development. .

Celia Luna joins us as Controller and brings a strategic, mission-driven approach to leadership, combining strong financial expertise with a commitment to organizational growth, accountability, and sustainability.

It’s National Hispanic Heritage Month, a time to recognize and honor the rich cultures, histories and achievements of Hispanic and Latinx people — and to commemorate the independence of several Latin American nations.

Throughout the month, we’ll celebrate the people, traditions and contributions that strengthen our communities and our workforce.

Here are two upcoming events you won’t want to miss hosted by Business and Career Services, Inc. (BCS), a member of our network.

1️⃣ Interview Success Secrets — Discover how to fine-tune your responses, enhance your presence, and develop the confidence to stand out.

Wednesday, Sept. 23 from 10 - 11:30 a.m. at the Blue Island Public Library.

2️⃣ Job Fair Secrets — This interactive workshop guides you to successfully prepare, navigate, network and follow-up like a pro.

Wednesday, Sept. 30 from 10 - 11:30 a.m. at the Midlothian Public Library. (Pre-registration required.)

Learn more about both of these events and others at: https://bcsillinois.org/events

Today is a day of remembrance, and also a National Day of Service.

We remember the lives lost on Sept. 11, and the first responders and veterans who showed up for their communities that day.

The Partnership is proud to serve the people of Chicago and suburban Cook County by assisting any and all career seekers who come through our doors.

Deshawn D. was ready for a change. His current job felt like a “dead end,” and he had his sights set on a new career as a truck driver.

Through the CABET group, one of our partners, he enrolled in occupational training and earned industry-recognized credentials.

CABET also helped him with interview practice, resume and cover letter development, and coaching on how to confidently introduce himself and communicate his skills to potential employers. He’s on his way to a new role in transportation.

Deshawn D. is an example of hard work, dedication, and resources all coming together — which is what Workforce Development Month is all about. Bravo, Deshawn.

We’re continuing our Workforce Development Month series by getting to know more about the people supporting our network at The Partnership. Meet three members of our team:

1️⃣ Carrie M., Senior Contract Specialist
First job: delivering the Chicago Tribune and Chicago Sun-Times
After careers in law and state government, she joined The Partnership in 2012 as its first Contract Specialist.

2️⃣ Isabelle S., Interim Senior Financial Analyst
First job: McDonald’s crew member
After studying finance and accounting and building a career in finance, she found her way to The Partnership and hasn’t looked back.

3️⃣ Sergio G., Technology Trainer
First job: altar server at age 10
After eight years at Instituto del Progreso Latino, an email from a former colleague led him to The Partnership, where he now helps others build their technology skills.

Connect with hiring employers and discover your next career opportunity! Join us on Wednesday Sept. 30 for the 2026 Fall Citywide Career Fair featuring employers with opportunities across a variety of in-demand industries.

Learn more about this event at https://chicookworks.org/event/fall-citywide-career-fair-2/.