RETIRED Inspired
Joliet Junior College realizes that learning is lifelong and many people in our community want to attend classes or programs in order to begin a new career or obtain a degree. We offer courses in a variety of formats in order to fit into your busy lives. Please see our web site: www.jjc.edu to view our programs, catalogue, and class schedule that lists our day, evening, weekend, and online courses.
The center offers career programs and services geared specially to the adult learner having the opportunities and challenges of choosing a new career after age 50.
$100 Tuition Voucher
Individuals aged 50+ can utilize a onetime FREE $100 voucher to be applied towards Joliet Junior College credit and non-credit classes in high growth industries. Availability based on grant funding. Customers are required to visit JJC Workforce Development at City Center Campus to complete the Mature Worker Intake Form.
Career Assessment
Knowing what you do well is essential to understanding your strengths. Your interest and values will determine a major portion of how and where you focus your job search. It is important to identify your strongest work-related and personal interest areas since this information can help you decide what kinds of jobs and careers you will want to explore.
Refresh and Review, JJC City Center Campus, Career Resource Center, Room 101
A "brush up" class for adults planning to return to the classroom after many years or those looking to re-enter the workforce. Individuals work at their own pace to review math and reading concepts that they once knew but have since forgotten.
Now What Was I Saying?
This free workshop, by the Alzheimer's Association, is designed for individuals Plus 50 who are interested in brain health and want to keep their memories sharp for as long as possible. It is a fun, informative and interactive program that focuses on how our memory works, normal age-related changes vs. serious memory problems and tricks and techniques to stimulate and challenge the brain.
Mature Workforce Center Resource Room
Open Monday – Friday, 8am – 4:30pm in Room 515 at Joliet Junior College’s City Center Campus, on a walk in basis, Mature Workforce customers can utilize a variety of resources to aid in their career and life planning. Materials include literature on career exploration, job search, resume writing and interviewing techniques. The resource room is also equipped with computers, printers, a fax and telephone to help with job search research and correspondence. Customers are encouraged to work at their own pace and network with fellow customers.
Entrepreneurial Counseling
Mature Workers interested in using their experience, qualifications and dedication to start their own business are encouraged to meet with Joliet Junior College’s Small Business Development Center (SBDC). Free management assistance and advice is available to assist emerging and existing small businesses as they develop.
Mentor Program
The Plus 50 Workforce Center works closely with local community based organizations to establish mentorship opportunities between the mature workers and students. Learn all the benefits of being a mentor in your community.
Volunteer Program
The Plus 50 Workforce Center has established several partnerships with local community-based organizations to establish volunteer opportunities. Learn how to use your past experience and gain insight into the needs of your community.
College Credit for Life Experience
Do you have knowledge from life experiences that may relate to specific courses offered at Joliet Junior College? Joliet Junior College has developed processes for awarding college credit without attending formal classes. These processes give student an opportunity to demonstrate that their experiential learning is similar to that which is taught in a structured college course. For more information please call (815) 280-2671 or email Carol at cgordon@jjc.edu
RETIRED Hired
The Joliet Junior College Plus 50 Workforce Center helps the mature worker face the challenges of obtaining employment after the age of 50.
Resume Writing Workshop
A professional resume is crucial to a successful job search. Your resume is your chance to make a strong first impression with an employer – one that will secure an interview. In this workshop you will learn techniques for effective resume and cover letter writing.
Interviewing Skills Workshop
The job interview is your opportunity to market your skills to a potential employer, and is a key to receiving a job offer. This workshop will help you to prepare for the job interview so you will be confident and ready to make an impression.
Internet Job Search Workshop
The Internet can be a great resource for job searching and getting resume exposure. During this workshop you will visit various job search websites, post your resume in several databases and visit company websites to review and apply for current postings.
Networking 101 Workshop
Effective networking will greatly increase your job search success. 80% of jobs are found through this method of job search alone. Learn what networking is and how to go about using this valuable tool in your quest for employment.
Career Research Workshop
Before you make a career change, it is vital to do thorough exploration and be well informed about your career choice. This session will assist you in exploring various occupations to find critical information such as projected job growth, average earnings and education and training levels needed.
Job Fair
The Plus 50 Workforce Center in collaboration with the Will County Workforce System Partnership will co-host a job fair aimed at employers interested in taping into the resources and skills a mature worker can provide.
RETIRED Wired
Get the computer training you need, at any level. Community colleges offer courses that can bring you up to speed with a full range of computer skills, from basic word processing and Internet use to courses that prepare students for high-tech industries.
The center is now offering a computer course for individuals age 50 and better seeking additional computer skills for employment.
CIS 110 - Overview of Microsoft Office
1 Credit Hour
JJC City Center Campus
This course covers the basic concepts of Microsoft Office which includes: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Access, beginning level.
Will County Career Resource Center
Room 101 at the City Center Campus
Open computer labs are available to assist customers in learning basic computer skills. Work at your own pace with the aid of an experienced lab assistant.