Workforce Development

Workforce Development

Workforce Development at JJC is committed to encouraging local economic development by cultivating partnerships to provide comprehensive services to the residents and businesses in Will and Grundy Counties. Programs and services are provided in partnership with local Workforce Systems which focus on the economic needs of each region.

Services include:

ACT WorkKeys Curriculum®

ACT WorkKeys Curriculum® training system helps sharpen the workplace skills of students and employees. The online program is self-paced and can help you prepare for the WorkKeys® Assessment, or assist you in increasing your scores.

Advising

JJC advisors are available to help you explore various career paths and choose classes. They can also provide information on different training programs available at JJC. One-on-one or small group advising is available.

Apprenticeships

Apprenticeships offer structured, hands‑on training that blends job‑related instruction with paid, on‑the‑job experience. Designed in partnership with local employers, apprenticeships help participants build industry‑recognized skills that support long‑term career growth.

Assessments

Multiple career assessments are offered for the purposes of career advancement, employment pre-screening and identifying certifications.  The following assessments are available: CliftonStrengths, Myers-Briggs Type Indicator®, Strong Interest Inventory® and WorkKeys®.

Business Services

Employers can post their open position on the Grundy Workforce Services Job Board, and host hiring events at the Morris Education Center. Employers in the clean energy industry can connect with a CEJA team member to discuss internship opportunities, host hiring events, or post their job openings to the CEJA Job Board.

Career Certified

Career Certified addresses the soft skills, leadership skills and cognitive skills adults need to be successful in the workplace. These life skills include understanding work-related health and safety, work habits and conduct personal leadership at work, communication, teamwork and collaboration, rights and responsibilities of workers and employers and customer service.

Career Scholarships (Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act - WIOA)

This Act provides financial assistance for education and training so individuals can re-enter the workforce in jobs that will allow them to financially support themselves and their families. WIOA funding is designed to train individuals in short-term certificate or associates degree programs that will make them more marketable for high-demand occupations in the local area. (Grundy County residents)

Clean Energy Training (Climate & Equitable Jobs Act Workforce Program - CEJA)

CEJA offers free clean energy job training, certifications, and career support services to help residents prepare for entry-level clean energy careers. It prioritizes removing barriers to employment, such as providing stipends and supportive services and connecting participants with potential employment.

Connect to Your Future/Grundy Workforce Services Youth Program

These programs are open to youth ages 17-24 who meet one or more program eligibility guidelines. They provide occupational training in high-growth, high-demand occupations and/or will assist participants in earning a GED. Services include: FREE occupational skills training, career assessments, one-on-one and small group mentoring, academic advising, work readiness workshops and placement into employment. (Will County residents) (Grundy County residents)

WorkKeys Paraprofessional Certificate

The Illinois State Board of Education requires paraprofessionals/teacher’s aides working in schools receiving Title I funds to meet requirements federally mandated in the No Child Left Behind Act. Individuals looking to meet the state requirements by taking WorkKeys® assessments can become certified through the following assessments: Workplace Documents and Applied Math.

Workshops

A variety of work-readiness workshops are offered to assist you in every stage of your career. Workshops are available for Resume and Cover Letter Development, Job Search, Interview Preparation, Networking and more.