Illinois Talent & Industry Quarterly

Welcome Message from the Illinois Workforce Innovation Board

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.

Only this initial Quarterly will be sent to you. To continue receiving the IWIB Talent & Industry Quarterly please fill out the form linked below.

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Updates from the Illinois Workforce Innovation Board

Funding Opportunities

Employer Training Investment Program (ETIP)-Strategic Sectors Single Company Grant

See if you qualify

Incentive: Up to 50 percent of your training costs reimbursed
Eligibility: Companies with a physical location in IL that have an active Tier II REV, EDGE or MICRO program agreement and meet other criteria.

Employer Training Investment Program (ETIP)-Manufacturing

See if you qualify

Incentive: Up to 50 percent of your training costs reimbursed
Eligibility: Companies with a physical location in IL that wish to provide training to skilled manufacturing workers.

Events and Resources

National Apprenticeship Week starts April 26th!

Apprenticeship provides Illinois employers with a reliable, cost effective talent pipeline that improves retention, builds job ready skills, and reduces long term hiring costs. Learn how apprenticeship is helping IL businesses at one of our National Apprenticeship Week events.

Service Spotlight

On-the-Job Training Funds

Cut the cost of training new hires — get reimbursed for wages while employees learn.

What it is: On the Job Training (OJT) uses federal WIOA funds to reimburse a significant portion of a new hire’s wages while they are trained on the job.

Why it matters: OJT reduces upfront training costs and financial risk while allowing employers to shape talent to their exact needs.

Business impact: Employers see stronger retention and faster productivity from workers trained specifically for their roles.

Email DES.ijoblinkjobs@illinois.gov and tell us where your business is located. An IDES Business Services staff member will reach out.

Success Stories

Richardson Manufacturing Company

Richardson Manufacturing Company saved over $47,000 in training and equipment costs by leveraging local workforce funding. By partnering with their local workforce area and using state supplemental grant and formula funds, Richardson invested in training and upskilling employees while reducing overall business costs.

Read How Richardson Did It

Your Workforce Partners in Action: Elgin Community College

The IWIB Work-Based Learning and Apprenticeship Committee named Elgin Community College its inaugural Work-Based Learning Catalyst, recognizing its employer driven approach to strengthening workforce pipelines across Illinois. ECC helps businesses test and develop talent through short term pre apprenticeships, internships, and registered apprenticeships, supported by a concierge style team that manages coordination and paperwork to reduce hiring barriers.