Driving Workforce Development Policy and Practice: Chicago Jobs Council's Impact on Connection and Systems Change
We Convene
Convening around topics that concern our work the most, discussing solutions on how to forge ahead. This photo was taken at our last Community of Practice.
In today’s complex workforce landscape, creating equitable access to meaningful employment requires the alignment of many moving parts—job seekers, training providers, employers, policymakers, funders, and support organizations. At the Chicago Jobs Council (CJC), we play a pivotal role as an intermediary, working at the intersection of these systems to promote fairness, innovation, and responsiveness in workforce development.
Our position as an intermediary allows us to provide crucial support to the workforce development ecosystem. We focus on reducing racial inequities, removing systemic barriers, and humanizing job seekers’ experiences. This role empowers us to amplify voices, bridge gaps, and create lasting change within the broader system.
The Role We Play: Convening, Capacity Building, Advocating
1. Amplifying Workforce Development Field Needs
By closely collaborating with local workforce development organizations, practitioners, and community stakeholders, we stay attuned to job seekers' evolving needs. We ensure that their voices are heard by policymakers and training providers, advocating for changes that directly address their realities.
2. Supporting Workforce Training Providers
Through initiatives like our Career Readiness Curriculum, we equip frontline staff with tools and training to work more effectively with job seekers. We understand that providers need resources that address the unique challenges and aspirations of the individuals they serve. We aim to make this process as empowering and effective as possible.
3. Advocating for Policy Change
Our advocacy efforts focus on breaking down systemic barriers that prevent equitable access to employment. Through our work in the Illinois General Assembly and our emphasis on an anti-racist workforce development and implementation framework, we push for policies that promote long-term employment stability, job quality, and career advancement opportunities.
“Partnership is the foundation of workforce development,” says Jacob Sitati, Director of Policy & Advocacy at Chicago Jobs Council. “As an intermediary, we are at the heart of these collaborations, acting not just as a connector but as a catalyst for systemic change. Our work brings together grantees, partners, and policymakers to build a truly equitable system. Beyond facilitating connections, we advocate for policies that create opportunities for job seekers. At CJC, we know that real change happens when we all work together.”
This photo was taken at our “Trauma Informed Care” training.
As we continue to evolve our role as an intermediary, our training initiatives are designed to address the ever-changing needs of workforce professionals and the communities they serve.
“At CJC, capacity building and training are about more than just skill development—they’re about empowering workforce professionals to create meaningful and lasting change,” says Valerie Charles, Director of Capacity Building & Training. “By equipping practitioners with innovative tools, like our Career Readiness Curriculum, and fostering collaboration across the workforce ecosystem, we help bridge gaps, address systemic barriers, and promote equitable opportunities for all job seekers. Our mission is to support those on the frontlines in delivering impactful, human-centered solutions that lead to sustainable employment outcomes.”
Together, We Can Do More
At CJC, meaningful change happens when we work collectively. Every success—creating pathways for job seekers, equipping training providers, or influencing policies—results from collaborative efforts across our community.
With your support, we can go further. Your contributions to our "More Together" fundraising campaign will strengthen our role as a convener, advocate, and capacity builder within the workforce development system. Together, we can create more equitable opportunities for all people.
Join us in doing more together. Visit www.cjc.net/donate to give a gift and help us continue this critical work.
