Employment/Job Training

● Teen Employment Services ●
Workforce Connection Youth Programs
View brochure. -
Youthbuild
Provides job training and educational opportunities for at-risk youth, ages 17-24 who are Rockford, IL residents.
  • 917 S. Main Street
    Rockford, IL 61101
  • Phone: 815-963-6236
- http://www.youthbuildrockford.org
● Special Needs Employment ●
The Barbara Olson Center of Hope (BOCH)
Vocation opportunities and employment for teens and adults with developmental disabilities. BOCH has a number of agency-owned businesses which provide employment opportunities where clients can earn a wage and have the benefit of more intensive staff assistance. The vocational program includes development of individuals service plans that may prescribe a wide range of options such as training, recreation, sensory therapy and paid employment. Community employment includes training classes, job shadowing and job coaching. Through the Volunteer Center, clients have an opportunity to increase their citizenship skills by giving back to the community. Some transportation, transitional and behavioral management services are also available.
  • 3206 N. Central Avenue
    Rockford, IL 61101
  • Phone: 815-964-9607
- http://www.b-olsoncenterofhope.org
The Center of Sight&Hearing (CSH)
Provides job search and on-the-job training for individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing, blind or low vision. CSH has a Simple Solution store with assistive technology devices for sale. Staff can help with computer and typing skills and assist with scheduling sign language interpreters and captionists for interviews, job training, meetings, classes, and other appointments.
  • 8038 MacIntosh Lane
    Rockford, IL 61107
  • Phone: 815-332-6800
  • TTY: 815-332-6820
  • Fax: 815-332-6810
- http://www.rockfordcenter.org
Disability Works
Provides employment and training services to individuals with disabilities. Assists with need assessment, resume development, job readiness workshops, job search, on-the-job training, and information and referral. Also holds a National Disability Mentoring Day event each year in October where students are matched with employers of their career choice to job shadow for a few hours, and then take advantage of job readiness workshops.
  • 303 N Main Street
    Rockford, IL 61101
  • Phone: 815-395-0401
  • Fax: 815-966-2433
- http://www.disabilityworks.org
Illinois Growth Enterprises
Assists adults ages 18 and above to obtain and maintain employment in the community. Our services include: vocational evaluation, resume development, training on how to complete employment applications and how to interview for employment, job search assistance, job coaching, and follow-up support to ensure successful, permanent employment.
  • 7200 Clinton Road
    Loves Park, IL 61111
  • 815-962-8333
  • Fax 815-964-3553
- http://www.illinoisgrowth.org
IL Dept of Human Services - Division of Rehabilitation Services (DRS)
The Secondary Transitional Experience Program (STEP) is a training/placement program that helps students with disabilities prepare to transition to employment and community participation during and after high school. Students learn to become productive, self-sufficient adults through a variety of STEP experiences. Assist students in developing desirable work habits and realistic career goals; provide opportunities for students to explore careers; offer meaningful work experiences through on-the-job placement; encourage students to develop the social and personal skills needed to maintain successful employment.
  • 107 N. 3rd Street
    Rockford, IL 61107
  • Phone: 815-967-3725
  • Fax: 815-967-3722
● Government Services ●
Illinois Department of Employment Security
Job placement and referrals, unemployment insurance, employment and training programs, career and labor market information, and payroll tax filing. Individuals can file claims for unemployment insurance benefits online or in person at this address. Other services include job fairs, special employment events, and resume/job hunting worksops, PCs with internet access, fax machines, other career resources, specialized job search assistance for veterans and Re-entry Employment Services Program. Located at the Workforce Connection.
  • 303 North Main Street
    Rockford, IL 61101
  • Phone: 815-395-6600
- http://www.ides.state.il.us
Federal Job Information Center
Complete listing of current Federal job opportunities on the web. - http://www.usajobs.opm.gov
The Workforce Connection
A partnership of state and federally funded employment and training programs, economic development agencies and educational entities committed to providing a workforce that meets the needs of our business community. Includes Rock River Training Corporation and the Rock Valley College Dislocated Worker Program, provides one contact for employers to find workers and for job-seekers to receive training, education, and employment services.
  • Job Hotline: 815-395-6608

  • 303 N Main Street
    Rockford, IL 61101
  • Phone: 815-395-6600

  • 998 Belvidere Road
    Belvidere, IL 61008
  • Phone: 815-547-9616
- http://www.theworkforceconnection.org
Illinois workNet
Illinois workNet is a free service offered by the State of Illinois. Through its web portal, users are able to learn about career opportunities, especially in key sectors such as healthcare, information technology, transportation and manufacturing. - http://www.illinoisworknet.com
● Local Employment Resources ●
Careers, Etc.
Job readiness training and job search services, overcoming barriers and securing employment. Free of charge to those who qualify, including adult individuals who are homeless or economicaly disadvantaged parents. Individuals must call in advance for determination of eligibility for services and program schedule. M-Th 8:00 am to 4:00 pm
  • 5301 E. State Street, Suite 207
    Rockford, IL 61108
  • 815-964-3491
- http://www.careersetc.org/index.php
Goodwill Industries of Northern Illinois
Works with individuals and family to help develop skills to find and maintain employment. We work with individuals with barriers to employment. Our training classes include retail skills training and clerical skills training and we offer placement services and an open computer lab for individuals to use for job search purposes. there are no fee for services. Goodwill's Dress for Success program gives individuals free clothing for interviews and employment. Goodwill also provides free tax preparation and e-filing at our VITA Sites, located at 1907 Kishwaukee Street and 8010 North Second Street. Also offers a free 12-hour financial literacy course to teach individuals about personal finance and how to make the most of the money they have.
  • Main Office:
    315 N Main Street
    Rockford, IL 61103


  • Store and VITA Site:
    8010 North Second Street
    Rockford, IL 61115


  • Store:
    4618 East State Street
    Rockford, IL 61108
  • Phone: 815-965-3795
- http://www.goodwillni.org
La Voz Latina
Non-profit resource center serving Latino clients of all ages. Most services are provides at no charge. Offers many services, including classes to help individuals achieve their education and employment goals. M-F 8:30-Noon, 1:00-5:30. Also in the following categories: After School Programs/Camps, Child Abuse, Childcare, Domestic Violence, Education, Legal Services, Parenting Resources, Pregnancy Resources and Infants, Special Needs, Teen Resources.
  • 412 Market Street
    Rockford, IL 61107
  • 815-965-5784
  • Fax 815-965-5935
- http://lavozlatina-rkfd.org
Northwest Community Center
Offers a wide range of services for adults, youth and families, including job placement programs and free computer classes. Also listed under After-School Programs/Camps and Teen Resources.
  • 1324 N. Johnston Avenue
    Rockford, IL 61101
  • 815-964-6885
- http://www.northwestrockford.org
Northwestern Illinois Agency on Aging (NIAAA)
The Senior Community Service Employment Program is a government subsidized training/employment program for economically disadvantaged people 55 years old and above who are unemployed. We try to place eligible individuals to work in non-profit organizations for 20 hours per week at minimum wage. The participant continues to look for employment with the goal of finding permanent unsubsidized employment. Additionally, we provide employment resources for people 55 years and above, i.e. help with resume writing, workshops, and employment support groups. NIAAA's business hours are 8-4. Calling for an appointment is necessary.
  • Janet Williams, Employment Specialist
    2567 Charles Street
    Rockford, IL 61108
  • Phone: 815-226-4901
  • Toll Free: 800-542-8402
  • Fax: 815-226-8984
  • E-mail: jwilliams@nwilaaa.org
- http://www.nwilaaa.org
Rock Valley College Dislocated Worker Program
Serves residents of Boone and Winnebago County who have been laid off or terminated from their positions, who have worked for a company that has recently moved out of state or the country. Some services include: career counseling, resume assistance, basic skills classes, certificate programs, on-the-job training and more.
  • 3301 N. Mulford Road
    Rockford, IL 61114
  • Phone: 815-921-7821
  • Toll Free (800)973-7821
- http://www.rockvalleycollege.edu/dwp
Rockford Housing Authority
Provides job training, technical training, job search/placement, post employment follow-up, and job/opportunity fairs to residents of public housing, Concord, and Housing Choice Voucher holders.
  • 223 S. Winnebago
    Rockford, IL 61102
  • Phone: 815-987-3830
- http://www.rockfordha.org
Rockford Park District Summer Jobs
Provides part-time and seasonal job opportunities at park district facilities and venues.
  • 401 S. Main Street
    Rockford, IL 61101
  • 815-987-1593
- http://www.rockfordparkdistrict.org
● Employment Web Sites ●
Rockford Local Jobs
Post your resume for local companies to read and additional resources. - http://www.rockfordlink.com/jobs2.htm
Career Builder.com
- http://www.careerbuilder.com
Idealist.org
- http://www.idealist.org
Monster.com Jobs
- http://www.monster.com
Indeed.com
- http://www.indeed.com