The recent Executive Order, Preparing Americans for High-Paying Skilled Trade Jobs of the Future, aims to expand opportunities in skilled trades and streamline federal workforce programs. But will these efforts lead to equitable access for all? Explore CJC’s analysis of key areas to watch, including diverse pipelines, program consolidation, and strategic advocacy to ensure no one is left behind in the evolving workforce landscape.

Our inaugural CRC Train-the-Trainer session was a resounding success! Designed to make the Career Readiness Curriculum more accessible, this session provided actionable strategies for guiding job seekers, overcoming barriers, and inspiring long-term career planning.

CJC is joining other partners March 13th, including Opportunity@Work, to support a city hiring ordinance and advocate for skills based hiring at the city level.

Shared resources to support community organizations and nonprofits that support the workforce sector and beyond. We have to come together to support the work of social good.

Discover how Opportunity@Work's insights on STARs (Skilled Through Alternative Routes) could reshape hiring practices in Chicago. Learn about the economic impact of degree requirements, initiatives to build a skills-based workforce, and next steps for fostering inclusivity and growth. Join the movement to 'Tear the Paper Ceiling' and unlock talent across industries."

As we celebrate Women’s History Month, it is essential to not only honor the achievements of women in the workplace but also to recognize the challenges they continue to face. At Chicago Jobs Council (CJC), we partner with organizations that champion the rights of women in the workforce.

Workforce development isn’t just about jobs—it’s about creating pathways for individuals to achieve stability, dignity, and growth in a rapidly changing economy. It’s also a vital component of building a more equitable society by addressing systemic barriers that prevent many people from accessing meaningful employment.

The potential impacts we could see on the job market due to economic shifts underscores the importance of equipping job seekers with versatile, transferable skills that can weather economic shifts.

Federal actions are jeopardizing the foundation of our workforce development ecosystem, putting both job seekers and service providers at risk. That’s why the Chicago Jobs Council (CJC) has quickly drafted a letter to the Governor’s office. We are advocating for immediate measures to ensure workforce equity and protect opportunities for all Illinois residents.

At the Chicago Jobs Council (CJC), we believe that every organization plays a role in creating an equitable workforce system. Our customized training solutions are designed to empower workforce professionals to better serve job seekers, equipping them with tools to address systemic barriers to employment.

With the start of the Illinois Spring Legislative Session and important state and federal budget decisions approaching, the future of workforce funding remains unclear. In the coming months, workforce development program funding will encounter new challenges and opportunities, particularly as federal lawmakers discuss reconciliation and appropriations bills.

Recent executive actions threaten workforce equity by dismantling programs that support job seekers, employment specialists, and inclusive hiring practices. These changes put essential workforce development initiatives and opportunities for marginalized communities at risk. Learn how Chicago Jobs Council is advocating for equity and fighting to protect access to meaningful employment for all.

In Quarter 2, we launched a Membership Committee to focus on how we nurture and support our members. As a result, we’ve implemented more intentional strategies to improve the onboarding experience for new members.

At CJC we are intentional about Capacity Building to equip the workforce development field.

CJC hosted another CEJA Chicagoland Grantee Convening on December 10th, also referred to as the CEJA Table, with 26 attendees representing 13 grantee recipients for the Energy Transition Navigators, CEJA workforce hubs, and Climate Pre-Apprenticeship programs.

Our member Workforce Convos series continues to spark critical conversations and generate actionable insights that shape the workforce development field. These events provide a platform for diverse voices—including policy experts, workforce leaders, and young adults—to share their perspectives and collaborate on solutions to pressing workforce challenges.

As we observe Poverty in America Awareness Month, it's crucial to recognize the profound impact of poverty in our communities. Nationally, 11.5% of the population—approximately 37.9 million people—live in poverty, facing significant barriers to securing family-supporting jobs and a hopeful future.

The situation mirrors the national landscape in Illinois, with 12.1% of residents living below the federal poverty line. In Chicago, the poverty rate is notably higher at 16.8%, affecting more than 450,000 individuals.