Economic Deveoplment
A Deep Supply of Regional Talent
The Greater Rockford Region is powered by a talented and diverse workforce, particularly in the manufacturing and advanced industries. With a rich legacy of innovation and a forward-looking approach to workforce development, Rockford is uniquely positioned to support businesses seeking skilled talent.
Aggressive hiring competition is supported by a deep supply of regional talent, driven by a collaborative effort between education institutions and the collective business community - Making the Greater Rockford Region an attractive location for growing businesses.
The Workforce Connection, the region’s WIOA provider, works closely with companies to meet their talent and labor needs, as well as deploy WIOA funding used to increase skill attainment & retention of a company’s current workforce, while offsetting costs of training through a directed, community focused funding model.
Regional Workforce Overview:
- 168,000+ workforce within the Rockford MSA
- 173,012+ workforce within a 30-minute commute
- 241,000+ workforce within a 45-minute commute
- ~1.1M workforce within a 60-minute commute
Approximately, 45,459 workers are employed in the manufacturing sector, accounting for ~19% of total employment in the region
Occupations with the highest location quotient (LQ) in Rockford MSA:
- Heat Treating Equipment Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic – LQ 11.83
- Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators - LQ 8.11
- Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic - LQ 7.74
- Tool and Die Makers - LQ 6.58
- Machinists - LQ 6.49
- Plating Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic - LQ 5.77
- Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic - LQ 5.29
- Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians - LQ 5.19
- Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers - LQ 3.60
- Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders - LQ 3.12
Training and Education
Rockford’s workforce pipeline is supported by a robust network of higher education institutions and training programs designed to meet the needs of local industries. True collaboration between businesses, schools, and workforce development programs ensures that employers have access to the talent they need, and educators are developing curricula that align with the evolving skill needs of employers.
Colleges & Universities Enrollment:
- Northern Illinois University: 10,473 students
- Rock Valley College: 5,762 students
- Kishwaukee College: 1,811 students
- Highland Community College: 1,730 students
- Rasmussen College: 1,049 students
- Rockford University: 1,204 students
Educational Attainment of the Region’s Workforce:
- 33% hold a high school diploma or equivalent
- 34% have completed an associate degree or some college
- 55% hold a bachelor’s degree or higher
- 4% have undergone apprenticeship training
Talent Attraction
Recruiting talent remains a top issue for our region’s employers, which is why companies and community organizations have banded together under the leadership of GoRockford, our region’s destination marketing organization to create Made for Rockford.
Made for Rockford is a regional talent attraction program with a primary goal to attract new residents to our area by amplifying positive stories, delivering digital messages to targeted prospects, and partnering with local recruiters to enhance their hiring efforts. In addition, the initiative works to improve the perceptions of current residents and to encourage them to invite friends and family to come home to Rockford.
The program taps the ingenuity and practicality that are inherent in the Rockford region. Employers and civic leaders work together to promote the richness of Rockford with a single voice. We work together to heighten awareness of available jobs, while selling the many features that make our region one of the most livable communities in the country. We collaborate in creating a safe community where new residents feel that they belong.
To put is simply, Made for Rockford markets our communities, so that our employers can market their jobs.
Rockford Promise
Rockford Promise aims to increase educational attainment in the Rockford Area, while providing a powerful economic incentive for residents and businesses to locate in the Rockford region.
Rockford Promise is a non-profit organization that believes education should be accessible to all. Through donations and civic partnerships, this location-based program offers full-tuition scholarships to Rock Valley College, Rockford University, and Northern Illinois University to qualifying graduates of Rockford Public Schools District 205.
Workforce Development Incentives:
WIOA (Workforce Innovation Opportunities Act): The Workforce Connection is able to assist companies and businesses ease the burden of onboarding, training new employees, and upskilling current employees though various WIOA funding programs.
- On the Job Training: Your Business Hires and Trains a new employee, and the Workforce Connection will reimburse the business 50% to 75% of the employee’s wages for up to 6 months. They work at the hours designated by you, the employer, with TWC supporting the creation of training plan.
- Incumbent Worker training: Incumbent worker training provides funding assistance to employers to upgrade the skills of their current employees in order to make their businesses more competitive. Incumbent Worker Training (IWT) available through The Workforce Connection focuses on industry-recognized credentials in Manufacturing, Information Technology (IT), Health Care, Transportation, Logistics and Distribution to ensure the growth and success of your company and its employees. Employers must contribute to the overall cost of the Incumbent Worker Training project. The Workforce Connection will reimburse upon available funding:
- 90% of the cost, for employers with not more than 50 employees.
- 75% of the cost, for employers with 51-100 employees; and
- 50% of the cost, for employers with more than 100 employees