Students who choose the Job Training Pathway must submit an acceptance letter to a job training program or workforce development program as evidence of their plan to meet the Learn.Plan.Succeed. graduation requirement.
Types of Programs
Generally, job training and work development programs can be described as one of the following types:
- Work experience programs offer structured comprehensive supports such as on-the-job experiences, credit, stipend, and mentorship to enhance your career goals.
- Educational institutions provide job-specific coursework, either on site or through distance learning to improve worker employability.
- Government programs are state and federally funded opportunities designed to improve employability for workers re-entering the workforce and individuals who lack access or where a gap in workforce exists.
How to Pursue This Pathway
If you have an industry in mind, begin your research to learn more about the jobs available in that field and what training will be required (if any).
Consider these questions:
- Is the career in demand?
Consider visiting the Department of Labor’s Occupational Outlook Handbook to see if the industry that interests you is growing or not, and to review national and regional wage information by industry. - What duties does the job entail?
A job description can provide you with a summary of the employer’s needs and expectations. - What sort of experience, degree, certification, or licensing is required?
Knowing the type of credentials that an employer requires for your desired role can guide your approach and next steps.
The U.S. Department of Labor Employment and Training Administration (ETA) funds most job training programs. The American Job Center Network lists local opportunities.
Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Opportunities for Youth
WIOA offers programs to help job seekers access employment, education, training, and support services to succeed in the labor market. These programs are specifically available to youths ages 14 to 24:
WIOA eligibility requirements
To be eligible for a WIOA job training program, applicants must provide proof of:
- U.S. Citizen/or Legal Alien
- Social Security Number
- 18 years old or older
- Selective Service Registration (males only, born on or after 1/1/1960)
Additional Workforce Development Opportunities
- Job Corps
- Year Up
- CCC Workforce & Economic Development
- Indian and Native Programs
- Harold Washington College
- Workforce Equity Initiative Grant
- Wright College WIOA Program
- Malcolm X College WIOA Program
- Kennedy-King College WIOA Program
- Truman College WIOA Program
Next Steps
For students who choose the Job Training Program Pathway, here are some next steps to consider:
1. Research industries that are of interest to you.
If you have an industry in mind, begin your research to learn more about the jobs available in that field and the type of training that will be required, if any.
2. Find a job-training program.
Search for an opportunity. Contact the provider or program sponsor for more information.
3. Apply.
Apply directly to the institution or program sponsor.
4. Interview
Be ready for an interview, if one is required. Get help creating a resume and cover letter, and preparing for interviews.
Related Links
Resources to help students explore the Job Training Pathway.
- Explore Programs at City Colleges of Chicago
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Workforce Innovation & Opportunity Act (WIOA)
Landmark workforce legislation designed to help get Americans, including youth and those with significant barriers to employment, into high-quality jobs and careers and help employers hire and retain skilled workers.
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Explore free or low-cost training and certification programs that can lead to rewarding employment.
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Skills for Chicagoland’s Future
A public-private partnership matches businesses with hiring needs to qualified, unemployed and underemployed job seekers.
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Indian & Native American WIOA Programs
Directories managed by the US Department of Labor.
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Serves eligible youth, ages 14-24, who face barriers to education, training, and employment.
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A community-based pre-apprenticeship program that provides job training and educational opportunities for at-risk youth ages 16-24 who have previously dropped out of high school.
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Reentry Employment Opportunities
A program that provides funding for justice-involved youth and young adults and adults who were formerly incarcerated.
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Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA)
TAA provides aid to workers who lose their jobs or whose hours of work and wages are reduced as a result of increased imports. Explore information about filing petitions.
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Explore information and services to help workers who are laid off from their jobs.
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Places thousands of people into intensive service positions where they learn valuable skills, earn money for education, and develop a strong sense of civic responsibility.
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The largest FREE residential education and job training program for your adults ages 16-24.
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Connects young adults who need opportunity with companies who need their talent.
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A Career One Stop tool that helps you find the right certification to boost your qualifications.
- Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) Offices and Contact Information
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A comprehensive job search site administered by Illinois.gov.
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Search for training programs in your local area.
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The Construction Trades are a pathway to good jobs with wages that are on par with occupations that require a Bachelor’s degree but without years of college or the debt.