Organization Name
Organization
Introductory Conversations and Assessment
How organizations conduct initial needs assessment with employers, introduce workforce development in general as well as their own organization’s programs, and gauge whether an employer could benefit from workforce development programs.
Learning About Employers' Needs
- Cara partners with organizations like Skills for Chicagoland’s Future and multiple community partners on initiatives, such as training academies with ComEd, to address hiring needs and expand placement opportunities.
- Employers are referred to other workforce development organizations when Cara cannot meet specific hiring requirements, with partnerships often involving shared placements or sponsorship opportunities.
This content is based on interviews or email correspondence with Tim Loeffler in 2025. This content was approved by the organization in March 2025.
Introducing Workforce Development Opportunities
- The Cook County Bureau of Economic Development partners with organizations like Skills for Chicagoland’s Future and NIMS to conduct joint outreach efforts, including roadshows and trade association meetings.
This content is based on interviews or email correspondence with Michael Thompson in 2024. This draft content has NOT yet been signed off by the organization.
Introducing Your Organization
When an employer profile is created in Career Connect a check is performed to determine whether the employer already exists in the system. If they do and their account shows activity within the prior six months, E&ES will connect with the organization to align efforts. Collaborating with other organizations may result in a shared placement, where both organizations will be credited with the placement.
Evaluating Employer Suitability
Establishing Employer Relationships
Ways that organizations follow up or otherwise build relationships with potential employer partners. How do organizations keep employers’ interest and stay top of mind, despite how busy they may be?
Following Up via Phone and/or Email
Employer Visits to Service Provider Locations
Service Provider Visits to Employer Workplace
Job Fairs and Hiring Events
Metrics and Financial Factors
How organizations collect and share information about expected outcomes and potential financial rewards and incentives.
Sharing Metrics and Return on Investment with Employers
Explaining Subsidies and Tax Credits
Gathering Data to Track Employer Metrics
Organizational Level Considerations
How organizations are set up to build partnerships with employers, and how they leverage relationships with other organizations for better outcomes.
Organizational Structure, Resourcing, and Staffing
Collaborating with Other Organizations
Challenges
Common challenges and how organizations typically respond to them.
