Community kiosks help job seekers find openings, resources

A network of job kiosks placed throughout Kane, Kendall and DeKalb counties is helping connect residents with employment opportunities and workforce services.

The kiosks are designed to remove barriers for residents who may not otherwise have easy access to workforce resources.

Over the last six months since installation, the 15 kiosks have logged 1,112 user sessions. The highest usage has occurred at Hesed House and the Santori Library in Aurora, along with the Gail Borden Public Library and the West Branch Library in Elgin, according to Kane County.

Each kiosk provides direct access to job listings, career coaching, training opportunities and other support services through workNet Batavia, Illinois JobLink and Illinois workNet, helping jobseekers quickly find available positions and workforce programs.

Local workforce leaders are working with area employers to expand the number of job opportunities listed through the kiosks. An example is the Aurora Packing Company, which is expanding operations in North Aurora and plans to add 15 positions that will be posted through the kiosk network.

Officials say the goal is to build a direct pipeline with employers so the kiosks become one of the fastest and most up-to-date ways for residents to see who is hiring locally.

In addition to libraries, kiosks have been installed at several community locations, including the Kane County Sheriff’s Office, which recorded 48 user sessions in a single month.

Other locations include the Illinois Department of Employment Security offices in Elgin and DeKalb, the Quad County Urban League, Sandwich Public Library, Genoa Public Library, Yorkville Public Library, DeKalb Public Library and Plano Community Library. An additional kiosk located at the workNet Batavia office will be relocated if requested.

The project is funded by a $167,000 grant from the Illinois Department of Commerce secured by Kane County.

WorkNet Batavia serves as a one-stop career resource center supporting jobseekers and employers through coaching, job search assistance, training referrals and other services designed to strengthen the region’s workforce. For more information, visit worknetbatavia.com.