Illinois Talent & Industry Quarterly 2026

Welcome to Illinois Talent and Industry Quarterly, created by the Illinois Workforce Innovation Board as part of our strategic goal to keep Illinois businesses informed about workforce strategies, programs, and opportunities that support hiring, training, and growth.

This quarterly bulletin delivers timely insights and practical resources designed to help employers strengthen their talent pipelines.

In 3 minutes: funding opportunities, proven talent strategies, and a direct path to local business services support.

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Investing in Youth Talent: Building Illinois’ Workforce Pipeline

Illinois businesses continue to face workforce challenges, making youth workforce development more important than ever. Through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) programs and partner initiatives across the state, young people are gaining the skills, experiences, and confidence needed to become the next generation of employees and leaders.

Illinois success stories demonstrate that when employers invest in youth, the return extends beyond filling positions— it strengthens communities and creates sustainable talent pipelines.

Youth Success Spotlight: From Job Seeker to Community Leader

One inspiring example comes from Lailah, a participant in the DHS Youth Program for Employment & Education. Initially seeking supplemental income, Lailah enrolled in a work-based learning program through Next Move Community Services. Through mentorship, training, and career guidance, she developed valuable professional skills and discovered a passion for community service.

What Does This Mean for Employers?

Youth workforce programs provide businesses with opportunities to:



• Develop future talent aligned with industry needs.
• Introduce young workers to workplace expectations and career pathways.
• Build a stronger, more diverse workforce pipeline.
• Support local economic growth and community development.
• Access motivated individuals eager to learn and contribute.

By partnering with workforce development programs, employers can help shape the skills of future employees while gaining fresh perspectives and emerging talent.

Employer Input Requested

Illinois is building a new postsecondary attainment goal for 2040, and employer input is needed. The Illinois State Attainment Working Group is hosting regional sessions across the state this summer. Educators, employers, and community members are invited to come weigh in. Spots are limited; please RSVP below.

Funding Opportunities

There are several Illinois programs that can help employers offset costs, build talent pipelines, and partner with youth workforce initiatives.

NOFO Listserv

DCEO’s Grant Accountability and Transparency Unit maintains a listserv where organizations can receive notices of new funding opportunities. To subscribe to a weekly mailing list of new funding opportunities, send a blank email message to subscribe-omb-gata-grants@lists.illinois.gov.

Illinois Workforce Summit

The 2026 Illinois Workforce Summit brought together a diverse group of employers, workforce professionals, educators, and providers from key state programs in May. The two-day event was held in East Peoria, and featured sessions on preparing Illinois for AI, Workforce Pell, and Clean Energy. Excellence in Collaboration awards were given to Madison County and St. Clair County for their partner efforts in the first food truck operator apprenticeship and an IDOC reentry virtual job fair.

The Illinois Workforce Innovation Board (IWIB) brings together leaders from government, business, labor, education, and community organizations, all appointed by the Governor, to ensure that Illinois has the talent it needs for both today and the future.