Workforce Services

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
Reentry Simulation Event
The Workforce Connection's partner, Goodwill Industries of Northern, Illinois is hosting "A Fresh Perspective on Second Chances - Reentry Simulation" for Employers and Community Members. Click here...
Welcome Emily
Please Welcome The Workforce Connection's Newest Staff Member, Emily Welsh! Emily Welsh joins The Workforce Connection as our Grant Compliance Manager. Emily comes to us with a wealth of knowledge...
Eric’s Success Story
Eric enrolled at The Workforce Connection and participated in the On-The-Job Training program to increase his skills. He held a position as a Glazier at Rockford Glass, and through his training, he...
Anthony’s Success Story
Through enrollment in The Workforce Connection's Elevate Program, Anthony began a Work Experience (WEX) to help him expand and build on his communication, multitasking, customer service, team...
Mekiela’s Success Story
Mekiela completed a successful Work Experience at The Workforce Connection Career Center and moved into a full-time position with Goodwill of Northern Illinois. Mekiela will be handling the front...
Clean Energy Job Fair April 17, 2025
Looking for a career in a growing industry? Come see the training and job opportunities available in the clean energy sector at a job fair hosted by the Northern Illinois Climate and Equitable Jobs...
The Workforce Connection Board
Your Region’s Workforce Board
Serving Boone, Stephenson, and Winnebago Counties in Northern Illinois
Calendar
Calendar of Events
Career Assistance Application
Receive Education and/or Training Assistance
Community Impact
View Our Most Recent Annual Report
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 our website www.theworkforceconnection.org may be reached by persons using TTY/TDD equipment by calling TTY (800) 526-0844 or 711. Contact the local Equal Opportunity Officer, Chris Oysti, at 815-395-6676. 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. To view additional information related to the U.S. Department of Labor funding of this program, please visit www.theworkforceconnection.org/USDOLstatement.