The Illinois Department of Employment Security encourages economic growth and stability in Illinois by providing employment services to Illinois residents and employers including analyzing and disseminating essential Labor Market Information.

Incumbent worker training allows you to train your existing workers for new skills. Training your own workers has many benefits. You can train your workers to work on new equipment or processes and you can move quality workers to new positions within your organization.

Grants may be available for you to provide training to your current employees through Incumbent Worker Training (IWT). To be eligible for an IWT training grant, your company must need to train existing workers in order to avert potential layoffs, or increase your workers' skill level.

Apprenticeship programs that are registered with the Department of Labor are defined programs that encompass the following characteristics: paid employment, on-the-job learning, classroom learning, mentorship and credentialing. Apprenticeships are not limited to only skilled trades and workNet Batavia can assist you in the process to set up an apprenticeship program for your organization.

The On-the-Job Training (OJT) program is designed to allow workers to get hands-on experience in the workplace. OJT programs allow you to close the ‘skills gap’ when hiring workers for skilled positions. OJT programs assist by helping to offset the cost of initial training for new employees, easing your hiring burden and getting more people into the workforce.

We can help your business create a customized training program to fit your needs. We realize your needs are constantly changing and business-driven, so we offer the flexibility to assist you in designing a program to meet your special requirements. The training is conducted with a commitment by the employer to employ (or in the case of incumbent workers, continue to employ) individuals upon the successful completion of training. Although there are grant funds to support these programs, an employer typically contributes at least 50% to the training costs.

In addition to helping you post your positions to the state-wide Illinois Job Link database and other local job boards, we can assist you in marketing your open positions within our network and helping you find qualified applicants.