June 2024

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Forge a Stronger Future for Chicagoland's Manufacturing Sector with Good Jobs Chicagoland

Good Jobs Chicagoland plays a pivotal role in producing invaluable resources for manufacturing employers, in addition to matching skilled individuals with the right opportunities in Chicagoland's thriving manufacturing landscape. The initiative will invest over $2 million to support the development of customized training resources to meet manufacturers' needs, in addition to supporting career growth in advanced manufacturing by offering education opportunities in cutting-edge technologies and providing upskilling for existing workers.

Good Jobs Chicagoland is led by the Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership, with Cook County overseeing program support for the manufacturing sector in partnership with OAI, Inc. and the National Institute of Metalworking Skills (NIMS).

Please contact Lisa Cockerham, Program Manager, Workforce Development, with questions.

Cook County Manufacturing Reinvented Grant

Join over 200 Cook County manufacturers who have utilized Manufacturing Reinvented, a $5 million grant program supporting manufacturers with the implementation of projects to improve a business’s competitiveness and resiliency. Eligible businesses may be reimbursed for up to $25,000 per completed project.

Please contact Jamie Moore, Program Manager, Industry Development, to learn more and apply today.

Cook County Manufacturing Apprenticeship Accelerator

The Cook County Manufacturing Apprenticeship Accelerator, in collaboration with Skills for Chicagoland's Future, will address one of the biggest hurdles manufacturers face today - hiring and retaining talent. Through this program, manufacturers located in Chicago and suburban Cook County will be connected to candidates pre-screened by Skills to fill their open positions, with Skills offering supportive services to new hires/apprentices during their first 90 days of employment. Supportive services may include career counseling, transportation assistance, work uniforms, and/or referrals for childcare. Learn more here.

Cook County BRITE Grant Program

The Businesses Reducing Impact on the Environment (BRITE) program helps suburban Cook County small businesses, including eligible manufacturers, identify their energy efficiency savings through free on-site assessments.

The County will also award $6 million in grant funding to help businesses implement recommendations identified through these assessments, with a maximum award of $300,000 per applicant. For more information about the BRITE program and to review eligibility requirements, click here or email BRITE@cookcountyil.gov.

MxD Cyber Resource Hub

American manufacturers encounter numerous obstacles, with cybersecurity threats emerging as one of the most formidable risks. The Cyber Resource Hub at MxD offers a comprehensive arsenal of the latest cybersecurity updates, training modules, and indispensable insights crucial for manufacturers' daily endeavors. Whether it's mastering CMMC compliance or remaining abreast of industry trends top, learn more here.

The Chicago Innovation Awards: Accepting Nominations

For the 23rd annual year, the Chicago Innovation Awards will celebrate the most innovative new products and services in the Chicago region. Nominees can cut across all industries, from large corporations to new start-ups, for-profit and non-profit, high tech and low tech. The key is innovation.

We encourage all of you who have developed a new product or service in the last 4 years to self-nominate for this year's awards. Nominating is free and can be submitted via an online form here. The deadline to be considered is July 31, 2024.

The Calumet Area Industrial Commission is hosting a Cook County Career Connector Manufacturing Job Fair in partnership with the Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership, Cook County Government, and Moraine Valley Community College.

Both manufacturing employers and job seekers are encouraged to participate in this event. To register, visit the links below. For more information, please contact Pat Moore, Business Relations Specialist for the Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership.