SBA Helpful Resources

Get Hired Illinois 

DCEO in conjunction with IDES launched the Get Hired Illinois. This is a new portal designed to connect workers with available job and career training opportunities across the state. Governor Pritzker also announced that beginning in June, Illinois residents will have free access to online workforce development courses via a partnership with Coursera. Residents and employers may access Get Hired at www.illinois.gov/gethired . This portal blends IDES and DCEO resources to provide a one-stop-shop for both job seekers and employers – providing information on job opportunities as well as unemployment resources. The portal is designed to be user-friendly for job seekers of all levels and backgrounds and allows employers to upload jobs, virtual career fairs and training opportunities. Please check this out whether you are a job seeker or an employer. 

Illinois WorkNet 

Meet job seekers through a Virtual Job Fair online at Illinois WorkNet! With Illinois WorkNet, employers can set up virtual booths to provide information regarding current job openings, utilize free promotional tools to help advertise available jobs, and meet with prospective applicants through Virtual Job Fair events. Contact me for more information. 

Alternative Digital Credentials in the Metro-East 

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville has launched an innovative series of Alternative Digital Credentials (ADCs) leading to credentials in Chemical Technician, Lab Technician, and Food Science Technician. This project is funded through a grant from Madison County Employment and Training Department (MCETD) offered through the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) as part of the U.S. Dept. of Labor Employment Recovery funds. SIUE and workforce partners will support 100 dislocated workers and others seeking employment in these high-demand industries using a combination of online learning and individualized laboratory instruction. ADCs create an opportunity to enhance individual’s employment competitiveness by highlighting and defining their competencies relative to in-demand skills in their field, contributing to overall employability and demonstrating an individual’s ability to thrive and adapt in a changing workplace. Laboratory, Food Science and Chemical Technicians commonly work in industries such as petrochemical refining, pet foods, food and beverage, biofuels, and more. 

Eligible dislocated workers will receive tuition and fee support, as well as financial assistance for supportive services. These candidates may complete the training with no out-of-pocket costs. Participants must successfully demonstrate the required competencies to earn the ADC. Interested businesses or individuals can contact Madison County Employment & Training for more information, 618-296-4301.