CHICAGO & COOK COUNTY

Young Adult Workforce Development Portal

Explore local career opportunities—and get the tools and guidance you need to start building your future in Chicago & Cook County

Made possible by:

Stories and advice to help you find your version of success

How do you find work that aligns with who you are, and helps you support your vision for yourself, your family, and your future? We’ve interviewed people from all walks of life to find the answers.

Through their stories and advice, you’ll see how your unique skills and experiences—combined with the right training and education—can lead you to possibilities right here in Chicago & Cook County.

Vignettes of three different people at work: A chef cooking in a kitchen, a woman in a laboratory, and a smiling delivery worker.

Here's how you can get started:

Explore in-demand local careers and industries

Discover local industries, and explore what your day-to-day work could look like.

Explore In-Demand Careers

Hear stories from people in Chicagoland

See how people from Chicago & Cook County have found their own versions of success.

Hear Career Stories

Take the next step on your career path

Once you know what you want out of your career path, it’s time to find your next opportunity.

Find Training & Job Opportunities

What are you interested in?

We sent local young adults out into the Chicago & Cook County area to learn how following your interests can lead you into growing fields and career paths in our region.

Explore in-demand careers in Chicago & Cook County

Which industries are hiring near you—and what does a typical day look like in these fields? Watch the videos below, then follow the links to get an inside look at local opportunities.

Hear career stories from people in Chicagoland

From getting past obstacles to navigating new opportunities, these career stories from Chicago & Cook County are full of advice to help you plan your own path forward.

I’m responsible for the public health and public safety of Cook County, Illinois.

Toni Preckwinkle, President, Cook County Board of Commissioners

I am the lead chef at Peach's Restaurant in Chicago, Illinois.

Trillis Rollins, Executive Chef, Peach's Restaurant

I assist doctors in performing respiratory therapy at a trauma center.

Jasmine Thornton, Respiratory Therapist, Comer Children's Hospital

I work toward creating sustainable development anchored in manufacturing.

David Robinson, Director of External Affairs, Manufacturing Renaissance

I'm a second-generation owner of my family's chain of supermarkets.

Stephanie Dremonas, Executive Officer, Pete's Fresh Market

I manage operations at a delivery station, from planning to execution.

Kymbria Brown, L6 Operations Manager, Amazon

What’s possible when your path starts in Chicago & Cook County?

Success looks different for everyone—and every successful person has to get their start somewhere. Get inspired by people whose stories started in your hometown.

Take the next step on your career path

You’ve explored your interests, you’ve seen what’s possible—now it’s time to find your next opportunity in Chicago & Cook County.

Find a Career Coach Learn New Skills Apply for a Job

Resources to help you reach the next level

Provided by the Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership, these local resources can help you get the training, education, and support you need to tackle your future.

Learn more about workforce services

chicookworks.org

Upcoming events at Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership

chicookworks.org/events

Find paid internships focused on skills and job training in manufacturing, TDL & IT

chicookworks.org/initiatives/opportunityworks

More ways to discover who you are—and what you want out of your career

The Roadtrip Nation Experience: An online self-discovery course

A five-lesson course for students and young adults, helping you discover your interests, explore career possibilities, and connect with potential mentors. Educators & facilitators: To implement the Roadtrip Nation Experience with your learners, please reach out to support@roadtripnation.org.

Start course

Watch Empowering Documentaries

Our award-winning documentaries will take you on a transformative road trip—and show you why moments of doubt and uncertainty are all normal on the path to building a fulfilling career and life.

To Be Determined

Workforce training that opens up opportunities

Beating the Odds

Overcoming obstacles as a first-generation college student

Skill Powered

Finding rewarding work without a four-year degree

Ready to Rise

Confronting systemic barriers to success

Share Your Road

Share Your Road is a community where anyone can share the steps they've taken to build and grow their career—lending advice to the young people and career seekers on the path behind them.

Learn More

Know exactly what you’re looking for?

Search for specific careers, educational paths, industries, or topics.

Made possible by:

Additional support has been provided by Cook County COVID-19 Recovery Job Training and Placement Program, Fifth Third Chicagoland Foundation, and Verizon. This workforce product was funded in part by a grant awarded by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration. For more information please visit this page: https://chicookworks.org/dol-funding/