Hire Frequency

September 2025 is the 20th annual Workforce Development Month. If we hold a mirror up to ourselves, how do we look? Like most of us, we see some areas where we excel and others where we can improve. Throughout September, The Partnership is streaming 4 live podcasts hosted by CEO George Wright, joined by regional and national leaders, funders and partners, to discuss today's the public workforce systems. Whether it is working our way out of silos or focusing on designing our systems around the needs of employers, is it time to 'hit the gym' and get parts of our systems in shape? In episode one of this special series, Where We Are Now and Where We Are Going: A Look at Public Workforce Systems, George discusses these questions and more with Julio Rodriguez, Deputy Director of the Office of Employment and Training, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity; and Brad Turner-Little, president and CEO of the National Association of Workforce Boards.

The Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership's Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA) Workforce Hubs provide two training programs in the Chicago and suburban Cook County region: a Bridge Program and a Job-Specific Training Program. These programs are preparing hundreds of participants for careers as Weatherization and HVAC professionals, Solar Photovoltaic Installers, Electric Vehicle Charging Station Installers, Hybrid Auto Technicians and more. Tune into this podcast to hear how this program is changing lives every day. Hear first hand from a program graduate who is now working in this high-demand, high-growth field: "When we think of clean energy, when we think about the engineers and electricians, I don't think of people that look like me or the people that were in the class with me. So it gave me that confidence, which I think is the first thing that anybody would need to go out and do anything that is foreign or new, because typically hearing about ComEd or construction management, I'm like, 'Oh, well, I'm automatically not qualified because of my background.' And they said, 'No, you're even more qualified because of that.'"-- Isis J. , graduate, Partnership's Network CEJA Workforce Hub Program

Hospitality Hires Chicago, a Partnership production, offers a truly exceptional hiring experience. If you're selecting just one employment event this year, here's why this should be your choice: You'll be matched with the ideal employer for your skills and aspirations. The event's "secret sauce" is that all participating organizations must come with open positions and be ready to hire on the spot! You won't find dead-end jobs here. Instead, discover rewarding career opportunities with competitive wages and comprehensive benefits across diverse sectors including childcare, healthcare, public transportation, and traditional hospitality employers.

In this episode, Chicago's Deputy Mayor of Community Safety Garien Gatewood joins host and CEO of the Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership George Wright to discuss Chicago's innovative approach to violence reduction and its intersection with workforce development. The deputy mayor outlines his office's strategy of empowering neighborhoods to participate in sharing their priorities and thoughts in developing local safety initiatives, working block by block to address unique local needs. The conversation explores the vital link between employment and safety, showcased by a recent hiring fair that drew over 900 residents and more than 1,200 registrants. Deputy Mayor Gatewood reveals how Chicago is moving beyond traditional policing to embrace a holistic approach, uniting government agencies, community organizations, and residents to create sustainable change in the city's most challenged areas.

In recognition of the 10th annual National Apprenticeship Week, this episode explores the transformative power of modern apprenticeship programs through an engaging discussion with employers, apprentices, and workforce development leaders. Led by George Wright, CEO of The Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership, the conversation features insights from Rob Johnson of the Building Owners and Management Association of Chicago, Jennifer Charles of GCJ Hospitality Resources, and apprentices Natalie Guzman and Janira Martinez. The discussion highlights how apprenticeships have evolved beyond traditional trades to create valuable career pathways in commercial property management, hospitality, and other sectors. Panelists explore themes such as employee retention versus acquisition, the importance of mentorship, and how apprenticeships create structured learning environments that benefit both employers and participants. For more information about apprenticeships, reach out to The Partnership at [email protected].

This episode originally aired on WVON-AM radio and explores youth workforce development programs in Cook County. Host George Wright, CEO of the Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership, is joined by Joshua, a program coordinator for the Partnership's Community Innovations and Impact team. The conversation focuses on two key initiatives: Opportunity Works and Opportunity Summer, which connect young people with paid internships and training in high-growth industries. Joshua discusses the programs' origins, their impact on youth, and the various career pathways available. Discover insights into how these initiatives are addressing youth unemployment, providing valuable work experience, and supporting young people's career development.

This episode originally aired on WVON-AM radio and explores the diverse career opportunities within the healthcare industry. Host George Wright, CEO of the Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership, is joined by a community health worker with the South Side Healthy Community Organization and the Deputy Project Director of the Partnership's Healthcare Sector Center. The conversation dispels common myths about healthcare careers, highlighting that the field extends far beyond just doctors and nurses. Discover the importance of preventive care, the need for diversity in healthcare, and how individuals from all backgrounds, including those with justice involvement, can find rewarding careers in the healthcare sector.

This episode originally aired on WVON-AM radio and explores the critical role of construction careers in creating family-sustaining pathways and addressing workforce diversity challenges. Host George Wright, CEO of the Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership, is joined by guest Manny Rodriguez, Executive Director of Revolution Workshop. They discuss how organizations like Revolution Workshop are working to meet the demand for a more diverse and skilled construction workforce. The conversation highlights the misconceptions surrounding careers in construction, the importance of early exposure to trades in schools, and the need for holistic support to help underserved communities access these opportunities.

This episode originally aired on WVON-AM radio and features a discussion about the groundbreaking partnership between Malcolm X College's Westside Learning Center, KRA, and the Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership. Guests David A. Sanders, President of Malcolm X College, Dean Barbara Meschino, and Nieal Ross from KRA Corporation share insights on how this collaboration is transforming lives in Chicago's Austin community by providing accessible education, career training, and job placement services all under one roof. The conversation highlights the $20 million investment in the Westside Learning Center, debunks myths about community college education, and emphasizes the importance of believing in every student's potential.

This episode originally aired on WVON-AM radio and features a discussion about ConstructionWorks, a workforce development program funded by the Illinois Tollway, and administered by The Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership. Host and CEO of the Partnership, George Wright, is joined by Cassaundra Rouse, Executive Director of the Illinois Tollway, and Marlene Vick, Acting Chief of Diversity for the Illinois Tollway. They explore how ConstructionWorks is designed to increase diversity and access to high-paying careers in the construction industry, particularly in heavy highway construction work. The conversation covers the program's mechanics, eligibility requirements, support services, and the importance of preparing candidates for the realities of a career in the construction industry.