About Us

To expand economic opportunity, the Illinois workNet® Portal and Program utilizes partnerships and technology to expand seamless and real-time access to workforce development resources aimed at individuals, employers, and workforce/education partners.

Innovative partnerships span state economic development, workforce development, education agencies, and local workforce innovation boards along with their public and private partners, including local governments, community colleges, and non-profit organizations.

Through partnerships that leverage technology, it realizes a common vision to plan for the economic futures of communities and provide a seamless array of services.

The Illinois workNet Portal System was launched in June 2005 by the Governor’s Illinois Workforce Innovation Board (IWIB) as the state’s workforce development portal. Since then, Illinois workNet has evolved to not only continue as the online source for local and statewide resources and tools to help individuals, employers, and workforce/education partners achieve their training and employment goals but also as the source for facilitating statewide programs. Some of the most recent examples of statewide programs include the EPIC Program, Youth Career Pathways, and many others. The IWIB continues to remain involved and provide leadership as Illinois workNet expands to meet the needs of individuals, employers, and workforce/education partners. The IWIB is co-chaired by Andrew Warrington, CEO of UCC Environmental, and Kristin A. Richards, Director of the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity.

Illinois workNet is sponsored by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity and made possible through state, local, and private sector partnerships.​​​


State-Level Partner Agencies and Organizations