How The Workforce Connection
Is Serving The Community
Data from Program Year 2019
Individuals Served
Employers Served
Dollars Spent
Workforce Services
COVID-19 UPDATE
Our American Job Centers are now available both virtually and in-person – appointments NOT required!
For virtual needs, please call 815-847-7574 or email info@theworkforceconnection.org

Career Seekers
Employment opportunities, hiring events, career coaching, employment training, and specific assistance for in and out of school youth.
Employers
Talent acquisition, on-the-job training, customized training, apprenticeships, work experience, upskilling talent.

Labor Market
Most recent unemployment and labor force information, including employment by industry, updated monthly.
News & Testimonials
National Welding Month: Interview with Greg Harle, UA Local 23
In honor of National Welding Month, we connected with Greg Harle, Training Director of the Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 23, and one of our excellent Board of Directors members, to interview him on the work of welding and why individuals should get connected with this career pathway.
Women’s History Month: Workforce Pay Equity Gaps
The Coronavirus pandemic’s disproportionate economic toll on women, most notably women of color, will have economic ramifications for years— compounding the inequities of the existing gender wage gap. Since the start of the pandemic, more women than men have lost jobs, largely because so many women work in industries that have shrunk in 2020, such as the restaurant, retail, hotel and travel sectors.
Celebrating Women’s History Month
March is National Women’s History Month. Women’s History Month is observed in the US, UK and Australia in March, and in October in Canada. It began with a single day, International Women’s Day, March 8, and it has been observed in some shape or form since 1911.
Employer Success Story: Dairy Farmers of America (Belvidere)
We at DFA reached out to The Workforce Connection team so that we could offer our employees training that they would not have had the opportunity without assistance.
Workforce Development is the People Component of Economic Development
Tiara is a living example of how employers and individuals can support each other, and The Workforce Connection is here to assist them both. Referring to The Workforce Connection, Tiara says “there are people who work hard on your behalf to help you achieve your goals. Never give up, no matter what!”
Employer Success Story: Keep Northern Illinois Beautiful
This past fall, Keep Northern Illinois Beautiful partnered with The Workforce Connection’s Elevate Youth Program for a paid Work Experience opportunity for an Office Assistant position. They were in great need of someone to answer the phones in order for them to utilize their time more efficiently and strategically. They also needed someone to help with data entry with the utmost respect with accuracy and to assist with general office duties.
The Workforce Connection Board
Your Region’s Workforce Board
Serving Boone, Stephenson and Winnebago, IL Counties
Workforce Wisdom Podcast
Calendar
Calendar of Events
Workforce Wisdom
Informing Your Path to Career Success
Get Connected!
View Our Annual Report to See Community Impact
The Workforce Connection– an Illinois WorkNet Center and partner in the American Job Center network. This program is funded by The Workforce Connection, Inc., Il Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity, and the U.S. Department of Labor. The Workforce Connection is an equal opportunity employer/program. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. All voice telephone numbers on this website may be reached by persons using TTY/TDD equipment by calling TTY (800) 526-0844 or 711. Contact the Equal Opportunity Officer at 815-395-6626. This program is subject to the provisions of the “Jobs for Veteran’s Act” Public Law 107-288, which provides priority of services to veterans and spouses of certain veterans.