National Able Network
National Able Network is a nonprofit organization. Learn more at www.nationalable.org.
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
- National Able Network collects basic information from employers such as company name, size, and contact information using the Business Sign-Up Form on the organization’s website.
- During a discovery discussion, Business Services Representatives begin collecting pertinent information from employers.
- Collecting the FEIN allows National Able Network to register employers in funder systems and is necessary if the employer will be using programs like OJE and OJT.
- Employers complete a needs assessment collecting the following information:
- Company Information:
- Company name
- Industry sector
- Number of employees
- Current Workforce Needs:
- Most pressing workforce challenges
- Skills most needed for open roles today
- Future Workforce Planning:
- Anticipated skills needed in the next 2-5 years
- Planned expansions or changes affecting workforce needs
- Training and Development:
- Most beneficial types of training programs and/or certifications/licenses
- Specific areas needing workforce development help (i.e., classroom training, on-the-job training, training reimbursement/funding, etc)
- Recruitment:
- Most difficult positions to fill and why
- Desired qualities or qualifications in candidates for these roles
- Frequency of open entry-level positions
- Partnerships:
- Desire to utilize OJT, or IWT for filling roles
- Interest in internship or apprenticeship programs to build talent
- Feedback:
- Past experience with workforce development programs
- Suggestions for improving services
- Company Information:
This content is based on interviews and/or email correspondence with Matt Weiss in 2024 and 2025. This content has NOT yet been signed off by the organization.
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.
Evaluating Employer Suitability
- Employers are evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Representatives examine the employer’s size, sector, and location to make initial recommendations. Some employers are referred to other organizations, such as the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, to access additional grants or funding opportunities.
This content is based on interviews and/or email correspondence with Matt Weiss in 2024 and 2025. This content has NOT yet been signed off by the organization.
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
National Able Network employs a structured, balanced approach to follow-up communications, combining scheduled monthly updates with flexible, as-needed support. This approach ensures that employers are consistently informed about program outcomes, while also having direct access to account managers for timely assistance.
- Monthly Email Updates on Key Metrics: Each month, National Able Network sends employers a summary email that highlights important metrics, such as candidate performance, retention rates, and ongoing development. This regular update provides employers with a snapshot of how program participants are contributing to their organization and reinforces the value of the workforce partnership. These emails are brief but informative, designed to keep employers engaged without overwhelming them with information.
- Quarterly Phone Calls with Account Managers: In addition to monthly updates, National Able schedules quarterly phone calls with each employer partner. During these calls, account managers discuss employer satisfaction, gather detailed feedback on program outcomes, and address any questions or concerns. This regular phone-based follow-up builds rapport, deepens understanding, and gives employers a dedicated time to connect with National Able staff about specific needs or issues.
- As-Needed Support for Immediate Concerns: National Able Network provides employers with direct contact information for their account managers, encouraging employers to reach out as soon as issues arise. This as-needed support allows employers to connect directly with a representative when they have urgent questions or concerns, ensuring that any potential problems are addressed promptly. This approach enhances trust and responsiveness, demonstrating National Able’s commitment to employer success.
- Proactive Outreach for Employer Satisfaction: Beyond scheduled follow-ups, National Able conducts periodic satisfaction surveys to proactively gauge employer experience with the workforce program. Account managers review survey responses and follow up with any employers who indicate areas for improvement. This proactive approach helps National Able refine its services based on real-time feedback, fostering a continuously improving partnership experience.
Employer Visits to Service Provider Locations
- Employers are encouraged to participate in on-site events at service provider locations, including meeting with frontline and Business Services team members.
This content is based on interviews and/or email correspondence with Matt Weiss in 2024 and 2025. This content has NOT yet been signed off by the organization.
Service Provider Visits to Employer Workplace
- National Able Network conducts required site visits for all subsidized projects with employers. Here is a checklist that is used to gather pertinent information during the visit.
This content is based on interviews and/or email correspondence with Matt Weiss in 2024 and 2025. This content has NOT yet been signed off by the organization.
Metrics and Financial Factors
How organizations collect and share information about expected outcomes and potential financial rewards and incentives.
Explaining Subsidies and Tax Credits
National Able provides employers with a Business Solutions flyer detailing various subsidies and tax credits that employers may be eligible for.
This content is based on interviews and/or email correspondence with Matt Weiss in 2024 and 2025. This content has NOT yet been signed off by the organization.
Gathering Data to Track Employer Metrics
- 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.
Organizational Level Considerations
How organizations are set up to build partnerships with employers, and how they leverage relationships with other organizations for better outcomes.
Collaborating with Other Organizations
- National Able collaborates with workforce providers throughout Illinois. If an employer has a need that National Able is not able to meet, they regularly connect employers with organizations within the workforce ecosystem through informal and formal means.
- National Able utilizes Career Connect to facilitate employer referrals to other providers.
This content is based on interviews and/or email correspondence with Matt Weiss in 2024 and 2025. This content has NOT yet been signed off by the organization.
Organizational Structure, Resources, and Staffing
- The Director of Business Services in Chicago leads a team of 7 Business Service Representatives, who are responsible for administering several workforce programs, including SCSEP, WIOA, SNAP, JTED, and ARPA.
This content is based on interviews and/or email correspondence with Matt Weiss in 2024 and 2025. This content has NOT yet been signed off by the organization.
Challenges
Common challenges and how organizations typically respond to them.
Handling Objections from Employers
- Many small to medium-sized employers need help with completing the paperwork associated with receiving tax credits and subsidies. National Able works with employers to simplify the process by providing pre-filled forms and hands-on processing assistance.
This content is based on interviews and/or email correspondence with Matt Weiss in 2024 and 2025. This content has NOT yet been signed off by the organization.
