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Make Opportunities Available to Traditionally Overlooked Talent

At the heart of our mission is the commitment to helping employers tap into a diverse pool of overlooked talent from communities they may not traditionally engage with.  We believe that by joining forces we can create inclusive talent partnerships that go beyond conventional boundaries.

This joint effort is not just about connecting employers with untapped talent.  It’s about co-creating a positive ecosystem that provides sustainable wages, fosters a sense of belonging and empowers individuals with control over their career paths.

Together, we can make a significant impact on workplace diversity and contribute to the prosperity of the communities.

Our team helps connect you to a diverse pool of overlooked talent. Let's have a conversation about your business and hiring needs. Our mission can help your organization meet Diversity, Equity & Inclusion and Corporate Social Responsibility goals. Impact economic mobility and the quality of life of our communities—partner with us to get Chicagoans back to work!

76%

of applicants from the South & West Sides

87%

of applicants are BIPOC

64%

of applicants identify as female

$278.1M

total wage impact

Start Hiring

Do you have sustainable job opportunities to fill? Are you looking for ways to be more intentional with inclusive hiring? We’ll work with your Human Resources department to understand your hiring needs, build a relationship, and enact a synergetic, long-term recruitment strategy.

Contact us to get started

 

12,150+

Candidates placed into jobs

130+

Employer Partners

60%

of 2023 placements identify as female

88%

of 2023 placements are BIPOC

Develop Talent Long-Term

Offer local candidates more than a job and build a long-term workforce. Through our Career Access programs, you can hire for today and the future by combining education, certifications, support services, and training. Contact our team to develop a career pathway program today.

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Candidates ages 18-26 progress from entry-level jobs through education and mentorship.

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Recent college graduates can leverage Skills' professional network to launch their career

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Invest Locally

Are you looking to expand or relocate your operations? Learn about the growth opportunities in Chicago’s South & West Side. These historically disinvested neighborhoods are full of talent and ready for businesses eager to make a direct investment in our local communities.

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Opened a Blue Door Neighborhood Center in Morgan Park in 2018, a multipurpose facility featuring  community health & wellness outreach and employee workspace.

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Opened their first new Customer Care center in 20 years in Chatham in 2021, with over 80% of applicants living within a five-mile radius of the facility.

Proof that Equity Works

We were able to move really quickly from idea to commitment to open. None of that would’ve been possible without access to Skills’ counsel, network, data, and their challenges to us. Not to move faster, but to keep us moving smartly.”
Andy Eichfeld Formerly Chief of Human Resources and Chief Administrative Officer discover logo testimonial quote-1
During college, I was working in maintenance but was laid off when the pandemic hit. I have kids, so I had to make sure I was employed. I was worried about not having a job when I graduated, and then I learned about the College to Career program. I thought it would be a long process, but it was so quick! Terry interviewed me for the role at GoHealth, and I liked the ability to work from home. This has been a very supportive environment at GoHealth, and they have great training. They are a great company to work for. I feel more invested in, and they’re very inclusive. They don’t leave anyone behind.”
Jelnachea J. Member Services Representative, GoHealth Placed by Skills College to Career Program, Summer 2021
 

Companies Recently Hiring Diverse Talent through Skills

Frequently Asked Questions

How can we meet your hiring needs?