Business Career Services Illinois
Business Career Services Illinois is a nonprofit organization. Learn more at www.bcsillinois.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
- Employers typically reach out through a “Get Started” form on the organization’s dedicated website.
- The team conducts research on employers before initial contact, such as checking their websites, press releases, and job postings.
- During intake meetings, the team asks targeted questions about employer needs, such as hiring plans, job descriptions, and any unique challenges.
This content is based on interviews or email correspondence with Deb Lawrence in 2024. This draft content has NOT yet been signed off by the organization.
Introducing Workforce Development Opportunities
- Workforce development is explained in the context of the larger ecosystem, including partnerships with other agencies and community-based organizations.
- Employers are introduced to available resources, such as American Job Centers, funding streams, and collaborative opportunities.
- Presentations and discussions highlight how various ecosystem components work together to meet employer needs.
This content is based on interviews or email correspondence with Deb Lawrence in 2024. This draft content has NOT yet been signed off by the organization.
Introducing Your Organization
- Services are introduced at a high level during initial discussions to avoid overwhelming employers.
- Examples of BCS services shared include on-the-job training, incumbent worker training, and internships.
- Follow-up discussions allow deeper dives into programs based on employer interest.
This content is based on interviews or email correspondence with Deb Lawrence in 2024. This draft content has NOT yet been signed off by the organization.
Evaluating Employer Suitability
- Employers are assessed based on responsiveness, compliance with program rules, and commitment to partnerships.
This content is based on interviews or email correspondence with Deb Lawrence in 2024. This draft 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
- Follow-ups are tailored to the employer’s preferences (email, phone, or text).
- The organization emphasizes prompt and reliable follow-up to build trust.
- Personal cell phone numbers are shared with employers for convenience when necessary.
This content is based on interviews or email correspondence with Deb Lawrence in 2024. This draft content has NOT yet been signed off by the organization.
Employer Visits to Service Provider Locations
- Quarterly workshops for employers are held at the BCS facility, covering topics like employment law updates and hiring strategies.
- Employers can also use the organization’s facilities for hiring events or skills assessments.
This content is based on interviews or email correspondence with Deb Lawrence in 2024. This draft content has NOT yet been signed off by the organization.
Service Provider Visits to Employer Workplace
- The BCS team visits employers’ sites to observe operations, understand their unique needs, and develop tailored solutions to address specific challenges.
This content is based on interviews or email correspondence with Deb Lawrence in 2024. This draft content has NOT yet been signed off by the organization.
Job Fairs and Hiring Events
- Job fairs are organized by BCS, and employers can participate in either general or industry-specific events.
- Customized hiring events are also offered for individual employers.
- When companies are closing operations, BCS organizes on-site hiring events to connect displaced workers with new job opportunities, helping to reduce layoffs and support employees in transitioning to new roles.
This content is based on interviews or email correspondence with Deb Lawrence in 2024. This draft 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.
Sharing Metrics and Return on Investment with Employers
- Metrics are recorded in Career Connect, a platform used to create employer profiles, track interactions, and document services provided, and shared with employers to highlight the impact of workforce development partnerships.
- BCS shares success stories, such as hires and training completions, to illustrate Return of Investment (ROI).
This content is based on interviews or email correspondence with Deb Lawrence in 2024. This draft content has NOT yet been signed off by the organization.
Explaining Subsidies and Tax Credits
- The BCS team explains the Workforce Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) and other subsidies, often involving subject matter experts from partner agencies like the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES).
- The team clarifies the differences between financial incentives like tax credits and direct funding.
This content is based on interviews or email correspondence with Deb Lawrence in 2024. This draft content has NOT yet been signed off by the organization.
Gathering Data to Track Employer Metrics
- Career Connect is the primary tool for tracking employer interactions, services, and outcomes.
This content is based on interviews or email correspondence with Deb Lawrence in 2024. This draft content has NOT yet been signed off by the organization.
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
- The business services team includes:
- Director of Business Services and Community Outreach.
- Manager of the Manufacturing Careers Internship Program.
- Two Business Account Executives.
- The team operates from multiple offices in Cook County and neighboring counties.
This content is based on interviews or email correspondence with Deb Lawrence in 2024. This draft content has NOT yet been signed off by the organization.
Collaborating with Other Organizations
- Collaboration with other workforce agencies and community-based organizations is common.
- Shared resources, such as job seeker databases, make it easier for BCS and its partners to work together, share information, and quickly connect the right candidates with the right jobs.
This content is based on interviews or email correspondence with Deb Lawrence in 2024. This draft content has NOT yet been signed off by the organization.
Challenges
Common challenges and how organizations typically respond to them.
Workforce Development Jargon
- Terminology is adapted to be more approachable for employers by simplifying program descriptions and using less intimidating terms, such as referring to “monitoring visits” as “check-ins.”
- BCS avoids “government speak” and positions itself as a “red tape cutter,” focusing on simplifying processes and minimizing bureaucratic hurdles for employers.
This content is based on interviews or email correspondence with Deb Lawrence in 2024. This draft content has NOT yet been signed off by the organization.
Ensuring Compliance with Progammatic and Funding Requirements
- The team closely monitors employer adherence to program requirements, such as proper pay rates and reporting.
- Systems like Career Connect, a platform used to create employer profiles, track interactions, and document services provided, are used to ensure compliance and maintain accurate records.
This content is based on interviews or email correspondence with Deb Lawrence in 2024. This draft content has NOT yet been signed off by the organization.
Handling Objections from Employers
- The team proactively addresses common objections by explaining program benefits and requirements.
- Challenges, such as employers misunderstanding funding rules, are handled through clear communication and education.
This content is based on interviews or email correspondence with Deb Lawrence in 2024. This draft content has NOT yet been signed off by the organization.
Handling Challenges
- Marketing limitations due to lack of budget are a significant challenge for BCS in reaching more employers.
- The complexity of Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) enrollment is a barrier for job seekers.
This content is based on interviews or email correspondence with Deb Lawrence in 2024. This draft content has NOT yet been signed off by the organization.
