Who We Are
Who We Are

The Workforce Connection is a business led board which serves as the regional resource for workforce development in Boone, Stephenson, and Winnebago counties in Northern Illinois.

View our Annual Report
Interested in Education or Training Opportunities to Start or Grow Your Career?

Apply now to receive education and/or training assistance, plus career services, at no-cost.

Looking for a New Career?
Looking for a New Career?

View hundreds of positions from all different industries and locations - ranging from entry-level to C-suite.

Employers
Employers

Looking for new talent or help with retention?
The Workforce Connection's Business Services Team can help!

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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

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...

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Welcome Emily

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...

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Eric’s Success Story

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...

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Anthony’s Success Story

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...

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Mekiela’s Success Story

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...

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Clean Energy Job Fair April 17, 2025

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...

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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.