Illinois Ranked #1 in Region for Workforce Development

Image credit to Chan Zuckerberg Initiative; Educating on using AI To Accelerate Biomedical Research.

Illinois has been named the top location in the region for workplace development by Site Selection Magazine, underscoring the state’s overall employment climate, deep pool of skilled talent and robust investment in education and training.

The rankings are based on components that include the workforce and education sub-ranking in CNBC’s Top States for Business, U.S. News’ Best States for Education, and several others, Site Selection said in its January 2024 issue. Illinois beat out Michigan, Indiana, Wisconsin, and Ohio in the magazine’s “East North Central” grouping of states.

“Since day one, my administration has been committed to making Illinois the best place to live. That’s why we’ve made transformative investments in workforce development, education, and our businesses—ensuring that every Illinoisan has an opportunity to thrive,” Governor JB Pritzker said in a statement.

Image credit to Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity.

Illinois invests heavily in worker development programs, including multiple grants to local colleges to bolster the workforce in areas like electric vehicles and semiconductors. The state also has 400 registered apprenticeship programs with more than 20,000 active participants. This includes the Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program, which has awarded more than $40 million to 36 organizations across Illinois since 2021, propelling 4,100 people into jobs and opportunities in the construction and trades industries.

To learn more about how Illinois provides the talent needed for company growth, reach out to Intersect Illinois.