Building Capacity, Creating Impact: Q1 Highlights
Public and Customized Trainings
Chicago Jobs Council continues to strengthen the capacity of workforce partners through targeted trainings and resources. This quarter, we deepened our partnership with LISC National and All Chicago, delivering a range of customized and public sessions that addressed critical areas of workforce development.
These sessions provided workforce professionals with tools to support young people in career decision-making, strengthen coaching practices, build effective employer relationships, and design workforce programs rooted in the needs of job seekers. Topics included Youth Career Pathways, Career Coaching, Coaching Fundamentals, Employer Engagement, and Designing Impactful, Client-Centered Workforce Programs.
Participant feedback highlighted the value of practical insights and facilitation:
“I appreciated the real-life examples and explanation of the data points.”
“Learning the different LISC resources such as transportation and childcare was very useful.”
“The coaching scenarios were excellent and easy to apply in practice.”
“Understanding that everyone moves at their own pace… encouraging youth where they are makes a real difference.”
E-Learning Hub
In parallel, CJC is preparing for the upcoming launch of Intro to the Workforce Development System, the first course on our new e-learning platform. This foundational course will make training accessible to a wider audience, equipping practitioners with essential knowledge to strengthen their services and advance equitable outcomes in the workforce system.
Through both in-person training and digital learning innovation, CJC is building practitioner capacity and ensuring our partners are prepared to meet the evolving needs of job seekers and communities.
IDHS
This quarter, we hosted a total of 12 virtual trainings to support new and existing providers as they began the new fiscal year. We focused on foundational topics and community building. In response to current needs, we introduced a new digital literacy course to help providers better support participants navigating today’s workforce. We also updated all of the training into the FY26 shorter format and added an additional section to the TANF 101 webinar. Training topics included Conducting Quality Intake Assessments, Documentation of Casenotes, SNAP 101 Basics, Career Coaching, Introduction to Cultural Competency & Cultural Humility, Making Relevant Resource Referrals, Introduction to Digital Literacy in the Workforce, and Trauma and Resilience.
We are pleased with the growing engagement and attendance and look forward to building on this strong start throughout the year. Additionally, we introduced a new feedback option in our post-training surveys inviting participants to share testimonials. Here are a couple highlights:
“Today’s CJC training was both engaging and highly relevant to my work. The facilitator provided clear expectations and real world examples that made the content easy to understand and apply. I especially appreciated the interactive discussions, which allowed participants to share experience and learn from one another. I left the session with practical tools and strategies that I can implement immediately to better serve clients. I would highly recommend this training to others looking to strengthen their skills and enhance professional impact.”
"I must say that this has been the most engaging, informative, realistic, and enjoyable virtual training I have experienced in a long time. My action plan is to continue connecting with your organization for further coaching and support."