GPEDC | Regional Workforce Solutions
Jobseeker Resources
Greater Peoria has a robust support network to ensure employment & career success for everyone - with training, upskilling, and wraparound services to help you find, and keep, the work you want.
If you're looking for a job or wanting to change careers - you will be more successful by making the right connections and using a strong support system rather than trying to go it alone.
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Greater Peoria is home to various partners driven to help job seekers at every stage of their search. We understand that each of us has unique skills, experiences, and knowledge that differentiate us from the next person. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to a job search, so we have carefully curated some of the best sources of information and links to some of the best organizations in our region who are equipped to help you in your unique search.
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Our region is home to some of the top employers in the world - from industry leaders in manufacturing and logistics to consistently recognized healthcare providers; whatever work you're looking for - you are bound to find an opportunity here.
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If you are seeking the right path to expand your skills or to find work you love, keep scrolling and explore any of the resources listed on this site. If you are seeking immediate one-on-one support, we encourage you to visit your local Goodwill or CareerLink office for urgent assistance. ​
Upgrade Your Skills, Grow Your Career
The Greater Peoria Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) offers a variety of programs aimed at enhancing individuals' skills and training to meet the demands of the modern workforce.
Illinois Central College (ICC) contributes to workforce development through its Workforce Empowerment Initiative, which provides participants with credentials and prepares them for high-demand careers. Additionally, ICC offers a range of vocational and technical training programs to equip individuals with the necessary skills for various industries.
CareerLink, operating through the Illinois workNet Center of Peoria, offers job search and education assistance, training, and additional resources to residents and employers in Central Illinois. They provide support to individuals seeking employment and help businesses find and retain capable employees with the right skills.
Goodwill of Central Illinois offers a variety of training programs designed to help individuals enhance their skills and secure employment.
Midwest Technical Institute (MTI) offers a diverse array of hands-on training programs designed to equip individuals with the skills needed for various in-demand careers.
Entrepreneurship & Starting A Business
Greater Peoria has a robust, thriving ecosystem for startups and entrepreneurs. Tap into the network to get connected and learn the basics of entrepreneurial thinking, organize your thoughts, accelerate your startup, connect with other founders, access equipment and resources to help grow your business, and navigate financing, credit, and grant opportunities—all of this and much, much more! With Illinois' FIRST opened Innovation Hub, Distillery Labs, and other great organizations such as the Women's Business Development Center and the Minority Business Development Center, no matter your life experiences, there are clear pathways to business success for you and your startup.
Hiring Support for Veterans in Greater Peoria
Illinois JobLink & IDES: Veterans can register with Illinois JobLink, a free job search and employment resource platform. Veteran status is flagged (with an American flag icon) to give priority to employers reviewing resumes.
Goodwill Veterans Employment Program (GW-VEP): In the Peoria area, Goodwill runs a veterans’ employment program that provides job training, support services, and referral to employer partners.
Through its Career Services department, ICC provides services applicable to veterans, such as resume and cover letter help, job search assistance, mock interviews, and career exploration tools. The college acts as a bridge between education and industry, including programs and internal partnerships that help connect students (including veterans) to employment and internships.
The Peoria County Veterans Assistance Commission is operated by and for U.S. veterans. VAC officers work with veterans and dependents to determine their entitled benefits and file claims with the United States Department of Veterans Affairs. The officers guide applicants through the entire process and fight to ensure a fair review of all claims.
State-Based Resources for Job Seekers
CareerLink operates through the Illinois workNet Center to link diverse talent to businesses in need of recruiting, hiring, and training assistance. The workforce system functions under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), which offers essential tools to meet the changing demands of the modern economy and help companies remain competitive within their industry. They offer Incumbent Worker Training, On-the-Job Training, Apprenticeship Assistance, and Hiring Events for employers across every industry.
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Staffing Agencies & Gig Work in Greater Peoria
Greater Peoria is known for its collaboration and support of one another - businesses are no exception to this. With incredible regional strengths in HR from leading multi-industry, global Fortune 50 organizations and experience leading World Class institutions in Health Care, Manufacturing, Engineering, Agriculture, and more - the network of HR professionals and shared knowledge of HR consultants and staffing experts can help you find the right opportunity that is perfectly suited for your unique combination of skills, knowledge, experiences, and professional interests.
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Where to Find Open Jobs & Career Opportunities
The jobs.peoria.org website is a regional job board dedicated to connecting job seekers with employment opportunities across the Greater Peoria area. It offers a searchable database of local job listings spanning a wide range of industries and career levels, from entry-level positions to professional and executive roles. Users can filter openings by company, job type, location, salary range, or remote options, and even set up job alerts for new postings.
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Locate the job board here:
Removing Barriers to Employment Success
Goodwill of Central Illinois' Beyond Barriers program is a specialized employment initiative designed to support neurodivergent young adults, including those with autism and other developmental differences, in achieving meaningful employment. This program offers a range of services tailored to the unique needs of each participant.
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Key Components of the Beyond Barriers Program:
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Personalized Career Coaching: Participants receive one-on-one coaching to develop job readiness skills, explore career interests, and identify suitable employment opportunities.
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Job Placement Assistance: The program assists individuals in securing employment by connecting them with potential employers and providing support throughout the hiring process.
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On-the-Job Support: Beyond Barriers offers ongoing support to both employees and employers to ensure successful job retention and workplace integration.
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Workplace Readiness Training: Participants engage in training sessions that focus on essential workplace skills such as communication, time management, and teamwork.
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Employer Education: The program provides resources and training for employers to create inclusive and supportive work environments for neurodivergent employees.
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Beyond Barriers is committed to breaking down employment barriers and fostering an inclusive workforce where neurodivergent individuals can thrive.
Tools To Improve Resumes & Interviewing Skills
Goodwill of Central Illinois offers comprehensive career services to assist individuals in enhancing their employability skills.
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Key Services:
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Resume and Cover Letter Assistance: Goodwill provides guidance on crafting professional resumes and cover letters tailored to specific job opportunities.
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Interview Coaching: Individuals receive training on effective interview techniques, including mock interviews to build confidence and improve performance.
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Job Skills Workshops: Workshops cover essential topics like online applications, business communications, social media, and soft skills development.
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Job Fairs and Hiring Events: Goodwill organizes events where participants can meet potential employers, submit resumes, and engage in on-the-spot interviews.