Workforce Readiness
WORKFORCE READINESS
“Workforce readiness” or “workforce development" differs from workforce training or most other employee-based developmental activities in that it is organized around developing the broader workforce from which future employees may be drawn.
To accomplish this development goal our Chapter has in place several focus areas/initiatives:
1. Support local non-profits in their workforce readiness initiatives.
2. Provide veterans with job search support.
3. Assist local schools with drop-out prevention programs and career counseling.
4. Help long-term unemployed to break back into the job market.
5. Provide pathways for employment for those with criminal records.
6. Assist Youth Councils in the area of career planning and success.
7. Create better workplaces through the When Work Works® Award Program.
8. Support legislation that improves Illinois work life.
9. Serve as an information conduit between the IL Department of Labor, SHRM HQ, and our chapter with regard to workforce readiness recommendations and opportunities.
Military Service Members Resources
GWHRA is dedicated to serving the needs of returning, separating or retiring service members by helping in the transition to their next career. Services include help in writing resumes and pre-interview preparation. Click here to be in contact with our ILSHRM Workforce Readiness Director (statewide) or email beckybrillon@comcast.net if you reside in Grundy or Will Counties. There is no annual fee to become a member of GWHRA for all military service members
Register Now for the FREE Veterans at Work Certificate
Developed for HR professionals, hiring managers, and front-line supervisors, this new multi-faceted program from the SHRM Foundation will enable participants to:
• Learn the value that skilled veterans bring to the civilian workplace
• Demonstrate their commitment to attract, hire and retain these talented professionals
• Earn 10 professional development credits toward SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP recertification
The Veterans at Work Certificate is completely free and open to all and requires the completion of five tasks: two surveys, two learning segments, and a short quiz.
The Veterans at Work Certificate program is made possible due to the generous sponsorship from Comcast NBCUniversal, in partnership with PsychArmor Institute®. To register or learn more, visit shrmfoundation.org/VeteransAtWork or email veteransatwork@shrm.org
Job Search Assistance
Are you between jobs? Download the Grundy Will HR Association Job Search Readiness Guide for advice and assistance with your transition.
Local Organizations Assisting Job Seekers
State of Illinois CareerOneStop Centers:
Grundy County: www.grundyworkforce.com
Will County: www.jobs4people.org
Plainfield Library www.plainfieldpubliclibrary.org/services/resources-for-job-seekers/
The Workforce Investment Board of Will County brings together a myriad of employment, training, and educational services, transforming them into a comprehensive and easily accessed system that supports the development of a world-class workforce. The Board builds the workforce system to develop quality employees for employers and to develop quality opportunities for employees. This system makes it easy for business to make connections with a qualified pool of applicants and to access other workforce development services. This system is also intended to make it easy for people to learn about and access a broad range of employment, education, and related services. http://www.willcountyworkforceboard.com/workforce-system/
Long-Term Unemployed Resources
In addition to the resources given above, together, the Workforce Investment Board and GWHRA have implemented a formal “Best Practices For Recruiting and hiring the Long-Term Unemployed” similar to the National Pledge
that SHRM developed and the White House adopted. This initiative is an ongoing commitment to assist those in job search for 6+ months and help employers identify candidates for hire.
The Workforce Investment Board of Will County plays a key role in the economic development of our County. The Board brings together a myriad of employment, training, and educational services, transforming them into a comprehensive and easily accessed system that supports the development of a world-class workforce. The Board builds the workforce system to develop quality employees for employers and to develop quality opportunities for employees. This system makes it easy for business to make connections with a qualified pool of applicants and to access other workforce development services. This system is also intended to make it easy for people to learn about and access a broad range of employment, education, and related services.
Local Networking Opportunities for Young Professionals
The Joliet Area Young Professionals is a division of the Joliet Region Chamber of Commerce and Industry. It was developed to establish social and professional opportunities. The Mission of the Joliet Area Young Professionals (JAYP) is to identify and satisfy the needs of professionals ages 21-40 in the greater Joliet area. The organization will work to provide networking, educational programs, and community service, while acting in unity with the goals and philosophies of the Joliet Region Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Resources for Workers with a Criminal Record
Getting Talent Back to Work Pledge : Whether an individual has completed a period of incarceration or just has a criminal record, unnecessary barriers persist and create a societal problem where productive citizens are deprived of employment opportunities and organizations are deprived of qualified talent, creating harmful downstream consequences for millions of people’s lives.
Historic commitments to criminal justice reform – particularly with the recent passage of the First Step Act – provide the business community with an opportunity to help people re-enter society by joining the Getting Talent Back to Work movement. By embracing best practices, employers can identify a diverse pool of qualified applicants, improve opportunities for those deserving of second chances, and have a direct positive impact on their communities – strengthening them and keeping them safe. Take the Pledge!
When Work Works Awards
The Awards are part of When Work Works, a research-based initiative to highlight how effective and flexible workplaces can yield positive business results and help employees succeed at work and at home. When Work Works is a joint partnership between Families and Work Institute (FWI) andThe Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). Since 2005, When Work Works (WWW) has been recognizing model employers of all types and sizes across the U.S. for their innovative and effective workplace practices. In addition to the recognition of earning an award by FWI and SHRM in national media, When Work Works’ community partners recognize local winners in their communities by hosting local awards events. All applicants receive a free benchmarking report on workplace effectiveness and flexibility, based on their application, comparing their responses to other award applicants, winners, and nationally representative samples of employers. To learn more or to apply: http://www.whenworkworks.org/about-the-award
WORKFORCE READINESS ONLINE RESOURCES:
http://www.shrm.org/hrdisciplines/staffingmanagement/articles/pages/workforcereadiness.aspx
