Illinois offers a wide range of state agencies, community colleges, workforce programs, and apprenticeship resources to support students and job seekers at every stage—from career exploration to training, employment, and advancement. This chapter brings together the most important statewide resources in one place.
These agencies oversee workforce development, training approval, financial aid, and employment services across Illinois.
Illinois workNet – Career exploration, training programs, job search, and workforce services
https://www.illinoisworknet.com
Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) – Employment services, labor market data, and unemployment support
https://ides.illinois.gov
Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) – State and federal financial aid, grants, and college planning
https://www.isac.org
Illinois Community College Board (ICCB) – Oversight of Illinois community colleges and career programs
https://www.iccb.org
Community colleges are a primary pathway to certificates, associate degrees, and workforce-aligned training.
Find an Illinois Community College
https://www.iccb.org/colleges
Illinois Training Providers List (ETPL) – Approved workforce-funded training programs
https://www.illinoisworknet.com/ETPL
Community colleges offer:
Career certificates and short-term programs
Associate degrees
Adult education and workforce training
Transfer and stackable credential options
Workforce programs help reduce the cost of training and connect students to employment.
Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) – Tuition assistance for eligible job seekers
https://www.illinoisworknet.com/WIOA
Local Workforce Innovation Areas (LWIA) – Regional workforce offices and services
https://www.illinoisworknet.com/Regions
Adult Education & Literacy Programs
https://www.iccb.org/adulteducation
Workforce offices can assist with:
Career counseling
Resume and interview preparation
Training funding
Job placement and employer connections
Apprenticeships combine paid work with structured training and are available across many industries.
Apprenticeship Illinois – Illinois-based apprenticeship programs
https://www.apprenticeshipillinois.com
U.S. Department of Labor – Apprenticeship Finder
https://www.apprenticeship.gov/apprenticeship-job-finder
Illinois workNet – Apprenticeships & Work-Based Learning
https://www.illinoisworknet.com/apprenticeship
Apprenticeships may be available in:
Skilled trades and construction
Manufacturing and industrial careers
Healthcare support roles
IT and technology
Transportation and public service
These tools help students research careers, training requirements, and job outlooks.
My Next Move
https://www.mynextmove.org
CareerOneStop
https://www.careeronestop.org
O*NET Online
https://www.onetonline.org
Bureau of Labor Statistics
https://www.bls.gov
Some careers require state licensure or certification.
Illinois Department of Financial & Professional Regulation (IDFPR)
https://idfpr.illinois.gov
Illinois State Police – Background Checks & Fingerprinting
https://isp.illinois.gov
Students should always verify licensing and background requirements before enrolling in training programs.
Start with Illinois workNet for career exploration and planning
Use community colleges and ETPL to compare training programs
Check workforce programs for funding and support
Explore apprenticeships as an earn-while-you-learn option
Confirm licensing requirements early to avoid delays
This Illinois Career & Education Resource Hub includes links to trusted state agencies, industry organizations, training providers, and workforce programs. Some links may briefly open a Google security or redirect page before continuing to the external site. This is normal and helps protect users when leaving this site.