Frequently Asked Questions

About workNet DuPage Career Center and it's Services

Who can use the services offered at our Career Center?

We offer two levels of service:  Basic Services and Advanced Services.

Basic Services: These services are open to the public. Basic Services include our Resource Room and library, basic computer workshops, our Friday Job Club, and our Friday Job Fairs. To use our Basic Services you need to get a Service Card. When you come in to the Career Center for the first time, you will be asked to fill out a short Service Card form.

Advanced Services: These services are available to eligible individuals, and your eligibility is determined during an Intake appointment. Intake requires that you complete an Intake Information form. Our Advanced Services include career assessment, advanced job seeker workshops, the possibility of getting a training grant, and if so, case management with your career counselor.

Click Here to Get Started.

What is the difference between Intake and an Assessment?

Intake: An Intake Specialist will work with you to determine your eligibility for our Advanced Services.

Assessment: If you are eligible for Advanced Services, you will meet with an Assessment Counselor to discuss various employment and career options for you, which may include funding for occupational training.

Who is eligible for the Advanced Services (including training grants)?

There are several criteria for determining eligibility, but the main criterion is that you are a DuPage County resident, or your last job was in DuPage County.

Your eligibility will be determined during an Intake appointment, which will examine additional criteria.

For an Intake appointment, Click Here to Get Started.

How long does it take to get an Intake Appointment?

The time varies, but currently the wait time is about 2-3 weeks to get your Intake appointment. If you are determined to be eligible for our services, you will be contacted within another 2-3 weeks about available services.

How can I be "over income" when I am unemployed?

The criterion for Low Income eligibility is your 6-month household income, with household defined as people related by blood or marriage. If your 6-month household income is over the low income threshold, you will not be eligible by that criterion.

Is workNet DuPage the same as the Unemployment Office (IDES)?

No, the Unemployment Office is not located within the workNet DuPage Career Center. You can access the IDES website (http://www.ides.state.il.us/) in our Resource Room to acquire information about unemployment benefits. Or, you can call or visit your local IDES office for anything related to your unemployment benefits. Click Here to find your local IDES office.

How is workNet DuPage Career Center funded?

We are federally funded through the Workforce Investment Act (WIA), and the funds are administered locally by the DuPage County Workforce Development Division.

Where is your career center located?

Click Here for directions and a map.

About Getting a Training Grant

How do I apply for a WIA training grant?

To apply for a WIA training grant you must first be determined eligible by having an Intake appointment (see above).  This requires that you submit both a Service Card application and an Intake Information form. Click Here to Get Started.

Does having an Intake appointment mean that I will receive a WIA training grant?

Not necessarily.  After your Intake appointment, if you are determined to be eligible, you will be assigned a Counselor who will work with you to develop the best employment and career options for your situation (your Assessment).  This may include money for training.  Being eligible for our Advanced Services does not automatically mean you will receive a training grant.  The Intake appointment determines your eligibility for Advanced Services.  The Assessment appointment determines your eligibility for a training grant.

How much money may I get for training?

If you are eligible for a training grant, we will pay for the cost of your training up to a cap of $7,000.

What if the cost of my training is more than the cap?

If the cost of your training program is more than the cap, you will be required to cover the additional cost with another source of funding or financial aid.  If you plan to use your own money for this, you will need to provide evidence that you have such funds.  If you need to apply for further financial aid, Click Here to fill out a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid).

Are WIA and FAFSA the same program?

No. WIA is a particular federal program which serves job seekers and businesses in order to develop the local workforce.

Do you give me a check for the training?

No.  We pay the training institution directly, and this is the only way we are able make payment.

Do I have to pay back the training grant?

No, you do not have to pay it back.

Can I start my classes before I am approved for WIA funding?

If you pay for classes out of your own pocket, we will not be able to reimburse you, since we can only pay the training institution directly.  Do not begin classes if you need a WIA training grant to pay for your training – please wait to speak with your Counselor to see if you are eligible for the training grant.  Again, we cannot reimburse you for any payments you make to any training institution.

About Training Programs

Does workNet DuPage provide the training? / Would I be going to class in the Career Center?

workNet DuPage provides funding for occupational training, but does not directly provide such training. If you are approved for a WIA training grant, you will attend classes at an approved training institution.

What types of training can I go into?

The State of Illinois provides a list of in-demand occupations for the DuPage County area.  We cannot approve funding for training in an occupation that is not on this list.  Click Here to view the Demand Occupation Training List.

Can I go to any training institution I choose?

We can only fund training at institutions who have been approved as WIA training providers.  Click Here to search for approved training providers.

When can I begin my training?

You can begin attending training classes at the earliest start date after you have been approved for a training grant. You should wait to speak with your Counselor before registering for any classes.