Workforce Boards of Metropolitan Chicago > About Us

What We Do

The Workforce Boards' regional activities support two priorities: human capital development and economic development. The types of activities undertaken in support of each priority are identified below.

Human capital development

Connect employers with workforce development and education partners to identify and implement strategies for addressing human capital needs of the region's industries.
Convene regional stakeholders for the purpose of enhancing coordination between and among programs that provide services in support of human capital development and attachment to the labor force.
Provide regional labor market data and analysis that supports the alignment of regional human capital investments with the workforce needs of employers.
Provide support to strategies that address career awareness and educational issues impacting the employability of youth, recognizing that they are the region's future workforce.
Identify gaps between skills and education of the region's labor force and current and future skill needs of employers. Work collaboratively to develop strategies to address the gaps.
Support initiatives that increase the attainment of degrees and certificates for high demand occupations.
Identify new, innovative program approaches to address the region's workforce needs.

Economic development

Engage employers in validating workforce needs and providing advice and guidance on human capital investment strategies; use sector strategies to effectively engage industries that are drivers of the regional economy.
Align workforce development strategies with regional economic development strategies.
Leverage resources to support human capital development strategies that directly address economic development priorities.
Leverage additional resources to support preparation of individual for high growth, high skill occupations and career advancement.
Compile indicator data that promotes the region's economic competitiveness and quality of life.