An Illinois workNet Center
Your Region’s Workforce Board
The Workforce Connection is a business led board which serves as the regional resource for workforce development in Boone, Stephenson, and Winnebago counties in Northern Illinois.
Workforce Services
Help for the people looking for work — and the businesses hiring them.
Employment opportunities, hiring events, career coaching, employment training, and specific assistance for in and out of school youth. Talent acquisition, on-the-job training, customized training, apprenticeships, work experience, upskilling talent.
Career seekers
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Career Services Assistance for career seekers are available at the Rockford, Belvidere and Freeport offices of The Workforce Connection Career services
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Connect to Job Training and Gain New Skills The Workforce Connection offers financial assistance to eligible individuals interested in training for high-growth, in-demand occupations Connect to training
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Help for Youth and Young Adults The Workforce Connection provides opportunities for young people to access programs to complete their education, receive training, connect to a job and build a foundation for future employment success. Help for youth
Employers
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Talent Acquisition The Workforce Connection hosts job fairs and hiring events with and for employers, as well as hosting a job portal. Employers can also build an apprenticeship to develop their talent pipeline. Talent acquisition
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Training Services The Workforce Connection offers a Business Services Team made up of representatives from each of its partner agencies. Members of the team can help explain the many talent acquisition strategies and training services provided by The Workforce Connection. What we can do for you
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Apprenticeships Apprenticeships are a common retention strategy, using a work-based learning model. They are commonly referred to as ‘earn and learn’, where mentored on-the-job training is combined with relevant classroom instruction. Apprenticeships
Labor market & career pathways
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Labor Market Most recent unemployment and labor force information, including employment by industry, updated monthly. Latest update
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Launch your Career in Clean Energy Free Training for the next generation of clean energy workers Clean energy training
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Explore In-Demand Career Pathways Learn more about the in-demand career pathways in our region and how you can start or expand your career. Explore career pathways

The Workforce Connection Board
Serving Boone, Stephenson, and Winnebago Counties in Northern Illinois
- Mission
- The Workforce Connection is committed to providing a workforce that meets the needs of the business community now and in the future.
- Vision
- Provide a fully integrated and accessible workforce development system that balances the needs of individuals and businesses to ensure our region has a skilled workforce to effectively compete in the global economy.
The regional workforce system
One board. Three counties. Three offices.
Utilizing Federal, State, and donated funds, TWC provides a system for individuals to get employed and also works with employers to find skilled workers and access other services, including education and training for their current workforce in Boone, Stephenson, and Winnebago Counties.
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22
local workforce boards established by the Governor of Illinois under WIOA — TWC is one
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3
counties served: Boone, Stephenson and Winnebago
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3
American Job Center offices: Rockford, Belvidere and Freeport
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4
Board & CEO meetings a year, open to the public — March, June, September and December
News & Testimonials
Success stories from across the region
- Success Stories A Foundation For The Future: Teba’s Internship Journey We had the pleasure of meeting Teba who shared her thoughts on her internship experience at the Chicago Rockford International Airport.
- Success Stories Setting the Foundation for Success: Jada’s Internship Journey Jada was able to complete a Work Experience Internship at Athletico Physical Therapy.
- Success Stories The Power of Opportunity: Zaria Shared Her Story Zaria spoke at our Board meeting about her journey with The Workforce Connection, Awaken Foundation and Goodwill Industries of Northern Illinois.
- Success Stories Work Experience in Action: Tristan Showcases His Talent at Concentric Tristan is a participant in our Work Experience Program at The Workforce Connection.

Career Assistance Application
Receive Education and/or Training Assistance









