It is increasingly clear that reskilling, especially in the age of AI, will be a critical factor in the economic outcomes of every individual and region. Chicago must confront how to ensure its residents are equipped with the skills required to participate in a rapidly changing workforce and to earn family-sustaining wages. Chicago has a golden opportunity to lead. But this opportunity can easily be squandered if employers, academic institutions, non-profit partners, and business and civic leaders do not meet the moment.
A year ago, we shared the exciting news that Chicago had been selected as 1 of 32 recipients of the Economic Development Agency’s (EDA) Good Jobs Challenge to enhance U.S. competitiveness in industries of national significance and place Chicagoans into good, quality jobs. Over the last year, we have been working shoulder-to-shoulder with a group of 40+ large, deeply committed Chicago-based employers to implement the grant. This paper is the first in a series of papers to share what we have learned in this process.
Our sincere hope is that what is shared can catapult Chicago to international leadership of skills-based hiring that sees our regional economy continue to grow the pie and ensure all of our residents realize the economic benefits.
Questions or want to get involved? Contact us here.
