WorkforceChicago was created in 2000 to position the Chicagoland region as the leading talent pool in the country and build a regional commitment to employee
learning and development.

WorkforceChicago was developed by The Council for Adult and Experiential Learning (CAEL) in collaboration with the Human Resources Management Association of Chicago (HRMAC) and World Business Chicago. Its objective is to recognize, share and promote exemplary learning strategies.

John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation provided the initial support for WorkforceChicago. WorkforceChicago has been endorsed by the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus, the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce, the Chicago Workforce Board, and the Mayor’s Office of Workforce Development.

WorkforceChicago grew out of CAEL’s long-standing research, consulting, and learner services within the corporate sector. CAEL found that companies with progressive learning and development practices are more likely to retain and attract talented employees. Additionally, alliances between employers, educational institutions, labor unions, and government fosters a unilateral commitment to workforce development.

WorkforceChicago is guided and supported by the Business Leadership Group (BLG). The Business Leadership Group consists of Chicago-area CEO's and senior business leaders committed to learning and development in the workplace.

Five Goals of WorkforceChicago:

1. Recognize and disseminate leading learning and development strategies among Chicagoland employers;
   

2. Demonstrate the value of company-sponsored learning and development initiatives;
   

3. Build a regional commitment to expanding employee learning and development;
   

4. Create a ‘voice’ for the private sector to communicate the importance of lifelong learning;
   

5. Strengthen relationships between industry, education and the public sector.