Proudly Serving the Job Seekers and Employers of DuPage County
LOCATED IN LISLE, ILLINOIS
WHO WE ARE
WE ARE workNet DuPage, the Workforce Development office of DuPage County, Illinois.
Our primary objective is to connect job seekers with the resources, job search strategies, and job skills needed for employment in high-demand areas of our local economy. By accomplishing this, we strengthen the local workforce and business communities while simultaneously empowering residents — including young adults and those with significant obstacles to employment — in their search for meaningful careers and economic stability.
HOW WE HELP
We assist job seekers in a variety of ways.
Many of our services are open and available to the public, while others are available only to eligible individuals. The primary services we provide for job seekers are as follows:
Free, Open-to-the-Public Workshops and Events We conduct monthly information sessions and workshops on a variety of job-search topics such as resume writing, interviewing, job application technologies, workers’ rights, and more. We also host employer-led events and hiring sessions.
Intensive Job Search Sessions and Career Counseling for Eligible Individuals* We offer in-depth job search information sessions, along with one-on-one career guidance, for eligible individuals.
Funding for Training and Education for Eligible Individuals* Individuals who lack the necessary skills, certification, or education for a high-quality job may qualify to receive funding to become employable in these areas. Our office assists eligible individuals throughout this process, which includes an assessment, employment & training planning, monthly progress reports, and regular follow up after successful employment. Eligible individuals may be approved for up to $10,000 to cover the cost of approved training programs.
*Eligibility
workNet DuPage is funded primarily by the Workforce Innovation & Opportunity Act (WIOA). WIOA policy dictates which services we are able to provide to individuals based on eligibility criteria.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
Job Seeker Services
Is there a cost for our services?
Because we are federally funded, all of our services are free of charge.
Who is eligible for training grants?
workNet DuPage has different grants with different eligibility criteria. There are many factors that could make you eligible including (but not limited to):
Have lost your job and have received or are receiving unemployment benefits, OR
Meeting household income requirements or receiving public assistance such as food stamps or cash assistance OR
A number of other factors that would be determined once you connect with our team.
Because it can be complicated and everyone’s situation is different, you need to schedule an appointment to find out if you are eligible. Please complete this form to get started.
Is workNet DuPage the same as the Unemployment Office (IDES)?
No, the workNet DuPage Career Center is not the Unemployment Office. For information about IDES and unemployment benefits, please visit the IDES website.
How is workNet DuPage Career Center funded?
We are federally funded through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), and the funds are administered locally by the DuPage County Workforce Development Division.
To apply for a WIOA training grant you must first be determined eligible. Please fill out this form to get started.
Does having an Intake Appointment or an Assessment Appointment mean that I will receive a WIOA training grant?
Not necessarily. After your Intake appointment, if you are determined to be eligible, you will meet with a Career Counselor who will work with you to develop the best employment and career options for your situation. This may or may not include money for training.
How much money may I get for training?
If you are eligible for a training grant, we will pay for the cost of your training up to a cap of $10,000.
What if the cost of my training is more than the cap?
If the cost of your training program is more than the cap, you will be required to cover the additional cost with another source of funding or financial aid. If you plan to use your own money for this, you will need to provide evidence that you have such funds. If you need to apply for further financial aid, you should fill out a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid).
Are WIOA and FAFSA the same program?
No. WIOA is a particular federal program which serves job seekers and businesses in order to develop the local workforce.
If I start taking classes, will that cancel my unemployment benefits?
If you are receiving unemployment benefits, you will continue receiving them while you are in school.
Do you give me a check for the training?
We pay the training institution directly, and this is the only way we are able make payment.
Do I have to pay back the training grant?
This is a federal grant program, therefore you do not have to pay it back.
Can I start my classes before I am approved for WIOA funding?
If you pay for classes out of your own pocket, we will not be able to reimburse you, since we can only pay the training institution directly. Do not begin classes if you need a WIOA training grant to pay for your training – please wait to speak with your Career Counselor to see if you are eligible for the training grant. Again, we cannot reimburse you for any payments you make to any training institution.
Training Programs
Does workNet DuPage provide the training? / Would I be going to class in the Career Center?
workNet DuPage provides funding for occupational training, but we do not directly provide such training. If you are approved for a WIOA training grant, you will attend classes at an approved training institution
You can begin attending training classes at the earliest start date after you have been approved for a training grant. You should wait to speak with your Career Counselor before registering for any classes.
FOR EMPLOYERS
We provide DuPage County businesses with no-cost services to recruit, train and retain the skilled workforce needed to thrive. Learn more here.
VISIT US
workNet DuPage Career Center
2525 Cabot Drive, Suite 302
Lisle, IL 60532
Ph: 630.955.2030 TTY: 630.955.2098
Skill Up, DuPage! July 24
Let's Talk Job Search – July 12
Let's Talk Job Search – July 26
Skill Up, DuPage! June 26
Let's Talk Job Search – June 14
Let's Talk Job Search – June 28
Register for the May 8 Career Conversation & Hiring Event
Career Conversation & Hiring Event May 8
Skill Up, DuPage! April 24
Skill Up, DuPage! May22
Let's Talk Job Search – May 10
Let's Talk Job Search – May 31
Make Your Career Comeback: Parent Digital Confidence Training May 28, 29, 30
Let's Talk Job Search – April 26
Let's Talk Job Search – April 12
Make Your Career Comeback: Parent Digital Confidence Training April 8, 10, 12
Make Your Career Comeback: Parent Digital Confidence Training (NOTIFY ME)
Let's Talk Job Search – March 8
Let's Talk Job Search – March 22
Make Your Career Comeback: Parent Digital Confidence Training March 4, 6, 8
Register for the February 14 Career Conversation & Hiring Event
Let's Talk Job Search – February 23
Let's Talk Job Search – February 9
Let's Talk Job Search – January 12
Let's Talk Job Search – January 26
Let's Talk Job Search – December 20
Let's Talk Job Search – December 8
Form Testing
Adrienne Form
Let's Talk Job Search
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Register for the September 22 Let's Talk Job Search here
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Contact Us
Register for the August 25 Let's Talk Job Search here
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Let's Talk Job Search Kickoff
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Skill Up DuPage June 15 (In-Person)
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Skill Up DuPage May 18 (In-Person)
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Skill Up DuPage April 20 (In-Person)
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Make Your Way
How can we help you?
Welcome to workNet DuPage!
Get Started with workNet DuPage
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Peek Inside: At this location, we offer our customers a wide range of manufacturing capabilities, from CNC machining all the way to complete product assembly and fulfillment.
Fun fact about our company: a robot works right alongside our machinists to produce parts with quality and efficiency!
You would like to work at our company if
you are interested in the wide range of evolving technologies, processes and creativity that go into the world of modern manufacturing.
<p style="text-align: center;"><img class="aligncenter wp-image-5837 size-medium" src="https://worknetdupage.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/machine-shop-200x300.jpg" alt="" width="200" height="300" /></p>
<ul class="stats">
<li class="vbox centered">In the next year, we expect to hire <strong>CNC machinists</strong></li>
<li class="vbox centered">To get that job, you typically need <strong>a high school diploma and vocational or technical training in machining.</strong> We offer additional on-the-job training once a new machinist with the foundational skills and experience joins the team so they can continue to master their craft.</li>
<li class="vbox centered">Our best machinists have: a<strong> passion about the art and science that goes into taking a raw piece of metal or plastic and forming it into a high-precision design. </strong></li>
</ul>
<div class="vbox centered">
<div class="tree">
<ul>
<li><span class="vbox centered"><span class="career"> CNC Machinists<br />
</span><span class="p">From this position, you could grow into</span></span>
<ul>
<li><span class="path">Master Machinist</span></li>
<li><span class="path">Machining Business Manager</span></li>
<li><span class="path">Owner of your own machining business</span></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
</div>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img class="aligncenter wp-image-5835 size-full" src="https://worknetdupage.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/download.jpeg" alt="" width="275" height="183" /></p>
<ul class="stats">
<li class="vbox centered">In the next year, we expect to hire <strong>Assembly Operators</strong></li>
<li class="vbox centered">To get that job, you typically need <strong>a high school diploma, a mechanical aptitude and a willingness to learn and closely follow processes and work instructions.</strong></li>
<li class="vbox centered">Our best assembly operators are <strong>eager learners and pay attention to details. They enjoy working on different types of mechanical work every day. </strong></li>
</ul>
<div class="vbox centered">
<div class="tree">
<ul>
<li><span class="vbox centered"><span class="career">Assembly Operators<br />
</span><span class="p">From this position, you could grow into</span></span>
<ul>
<li><span class="path">lead operator</span></li>
<li><span class="path">supervisor</span></li>
<li><span class="path">manufacturing manager</span></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
</div>
FEATURED ORGANIZATION:
Company Name: The Jel Sert Company
DuPage Location: West Chicago, IL
Total number of employees in DuPage: 900 during peak season
Peek Inside
The Jel Sert Company is a leading manufacturer of food and beverage products. For the past 20 years, our team has been dedicated to establishing an exemplary manufacturing infrastructure that supports the needs of some of the world’s largest Consumer Packaged Goods and pharmaceutical companies.
Jel Sert is committed to providing employees with development opportunities as we are invested in their long term success and advancement within the organization. An individual development plan assists employees in career and personal development and allows employees to reach short and long term career goals.
You would like to work at our company because
We are committed to attracting the best talent and developing our employees to exceed their potential. Our employees take pride in their work and are always looking for ways to contribute their ideas, skills, experience, and passion. We reward and value creativity, professionalism, teamwork, honesty, and longevity.
<p style="text-align: center;"><img class="alignnone wp-image-6187 size-medium" src="https://worknetdupage.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Screen-Shot-2019-02-05-at-9.48.43-PM-300x154.png" alt="" width="300" height="154" /></p>
<ul class="stats">
<li class="vbox centered">In the next year, we expect to hire <strong>2-3 technicians</strong></li>
<li class="vbox centered">To get this job, you typically need a <strong>Minimum of 3 years’ experience working with electrical, hydraulics, programming, and mechanical PLCs is required.</strong></li>
<li class="vbox centered">We pay <strong>$2.00 per hour shift differential for all time worked on 3rd shift.</strong> *Rate of pay depends on one’s experience, education, and skills.</li>
<li class="vbox centered">Our best technicians have: <strong>Strong mechanical and electrical skills </strong>Additionally, someone that takes pride in their work, is honest, creative in their ideas, and works as a professional in a team environment.</li>
</ul>
All Technicians are sent to College of DuPage for classes. Technicians are scheduled for a series of six mechanical and six electrical classes. Classes are during work hours, so Technicians are paid for their time in class. We adjust their hours to spend half their shift on the floor and the balance in the class. Jel Sert pays for this training which includes classroom and lab work. All Technicians are involved in this training despite their experience level.
<div class="vbox centered">
<div class="tree">
<ul>
<li><span class="vbox centered"><span class="career"> TECHNICIAN
</span><span class="p">From this position, you could grow into</span></span>
<ul>
<li><span class="path">A Lead Technician role</span></li>
<li><span class="path">Potentially up to a Maintenance Supervisor role</span></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
</div>
