
Opening Doors and Overcoming Barriers to Jobs

Workforce Readiness
Attire to Hire
Goodwill knows that interview and employment clothing can be costly. Our Attire to Hire program can help provide vouchers for clothing suitable for work.
To be eligible for this program, you must have a referral from an organization or case manager. Organizations or case managers can contact Goodwill to obtain the referral form for this program. Individuals may only receive one voucher.
For more information, call (815) 965-3795 or email Programs@goodwillni.org.
Employer Resources
Helping Connect Businesses with Pre-Screened Job Candidates
For local and area businesses searching for qualified candidates to fill openings, the process can be slow, costly and end with mixed results – particularly in a tight labor market. Goodwill takes much of the effort, and guesswork, out of the typical search process by providing prospective employers with a diverse pool of qualified, and pre-screened, candidates.
For many businesses, Goodwill makes more ‘dollars and sense’ too: we streamline the hiring process by matching the right candidate to the job; the prospective employer saves time, money and potentially qualifies for tax credits and incentives. Best of all – Goodwill Employer Resources are free!
For more information, call (815) 965-3795 or email Programs@goodwillni.org.
Veterans Career Resource Program
Helping US Military Veterans use their skills to secure long-term, meaningful employment.
Have you served in the US military and want to use your skills toward a new career? Goodwill can help!
Goodwill’s Employment Specialists will work with you one-on-one based on your goals to secure long-term, meaningful employment.
We offer:
- Employability training sessions
- Assistance in returning to school or training programs
- Navigating through available resources
- Connection with employers
For find out if you’re eligible, call (815) 632-3908 or email VeteransProgram@goodwillni.org.
The Veterans Career Resource Program is currently operating in Goodwill’s Sterling store: 2216 E. 4th Street, Sterling, IL
Hours of Operation: M-F, 8:00am to 4:30pm
Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA) Program
Start a career in clean energy!
Clean energy jobs not only make our communities stronger and healthier and help combat climate change, they are growing fast and pay well too!
Learn about Goodwill’s no-cost clean energy training and job opportunities in:
- Energy efficiency
- Electric vehicles
- Manufacturing
- CNC Machining
- Weatherization and Construction
- Pre-Apprenticeship
- Solar
Attend one of our free information sessions!
Every Wednesday (3:00PM to 4:00PM)
The Workforce Connection – 303 N. Main Street, Rockford, IL
WALK-INS WELCOME!
For more information or to apply to this program, call (779) 256-2607 or fill out and submit our Clean Energy Program Interest Form.
Thank you to Goodwill’s Clean Energy Grant Partners:
Enroll in Goodwill’s Climate Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program!
Chart a path to a clean energy career in construction and the building trades!
Why participate?
The Climate Works FREE Pre-Apprenticeship Program will prepare you for a well-paying clean energy career in construction and the building trades. Upon completion, you’ll be prepared for an apprenticeship in the trades.
What does the program include?
- Hands-on instruction in the construction basics
- Industry-recognized certifications
- Wrap-around and student support services
- Participant stipends
Who can participate?
- Must be 17 years of age or older.
- Must live in an eligible community, or be formerly incarcerated, or be a current or former member of the foster care system.
- Must have a high school diploma or GED/HiSET or be in a program where you are working towards one.
- Must have an interest in construction and the building trades.
For more information about Goodwill’s Pre-Apprenticeship Program, call (815) 965-3795 or fill out and submit our Pre-Apprenticeship Program Information Form.
Thank you to the partners of Goodwill’s Pre-Apprenticeship Program:
• • •
For more information about enrolling in a Climate Works or Clean Energy Training Program, call (815) 965-3795 or email Programs@goodwillni.org.
The Workforce Connection
Goodwill is a proud partner of The Workforce Connection, our area’s workforce system.
The Workforce Connection serves Winnebago, Boone, and Stephenson Counties with services such as:
- Job Training
- Services for Young Adults – Elevate Youth Program
- Computer and Internet Access
- Job Search and Resume Assistance
- Help with On-Line Job Applications
- Career Information
- Assistance for Veterans and Workers with Disabilities
- Refugee and Immigrant Services
- Assistive Technology–Services available to Individuals with Disabilities
- Assistance in Identifying and Integrating Community Programs for Basic Needs
- Virtual Services Available
More resources are available at www.TheWorkforceConnection.org such as:
- Calendar of Events
- Virtual Workshops
- Career Readiness Training Videos
- Weekly Hot Job Listing
- Connect with us on Facebook to learn about exciting opportunities and happenings in your area!
Questions? Call us at (815) 847-7574
Career Center Locations:
- Rockford
303 N Main St, Rockford, IL 61101
(815) 847-7574 - Freeport
307 W. Main St, Freeport, IL 61032
(815) 315-1830 - Belvidere
600 S State St, 2nd floor, Belvidere, IL 61008
(815) 547-9616