Skokie, Ill. (July 22, 2026) - Oakton College partnered with Illinois Sen. Ram Villivalam (D-8) and Illinois Reps. Kevin Olickal (D-16) and Michael Kelly (D-15) to host a Volunteer and Job fair connecting job seekers with local employers, nonprofit organizations and workforce training programs. Held on July 16 at the College's Ray Hartstein campus, 7701 Lincoln Ave., Skokie, the free event allowed attendees to explore career and volunteer opportunities, receive employment assistance and learn about training programs designed to prepare individuals for in-demand careers.
Throughout the event, more than 300 job seekers met with employers to learn about available full- and part-time positions, job responsibilities and the qualifications required for specific roles. Attendees spoke with training providers about programs that prepare individuals for in-demand careers and help them develop the skills and credentials employers value. Nonprofit organizations also connected with community members interested in volunteer opportunities.
At the event, Oakton College’s Adult and Continuing Education department shared information about short-term training programs that prepare residents for well-paying, in-demand careers. Programs highlighted included CDL-A truck driver training, manufacturing, landscape technician training and real estate broker preparation. Oakton’s Human Resources team also shared information about career opportunities available at the College.
Oakton President Joianne L. Smith, Ph.D., joined Sen. Villivalam and Reps. Kelly and Olickal to welcome community members and participating organizations to the event.
"Oakton's Vision 2030 strategic plan calls on us to help build just and thriving communities," said Smith. "One of the most meaningful ways we can do that is by expanding access to education, workforce training and career opportunities.
“These events bring employers, training resources and job seekers together in one place,” said Senator Villivalam. “They also introduce people to careers and opportunities they may not have considered before.”
“It is not enough to allocate resources if people do not know they are available,” said Representative Olickal. “Events like this help connect those resources with the communities that need them.”
“Bringing employers and job seekers together in one space allows us to meet people where they are,” said Representative Kelly. “Even if someone does not get hired that day, they can make connections, gain experience and discover opportunities they may not have known existed.”
State agencies provided additional support at the fair, with representatives from the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) and Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) offering employment assistance, workforce resources and information about state employment services.
The fair also offered resources for individuals affected by recent changes to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. With updated eligibility rules and employment requirements affecting more recipients, attendees could explore job opportunities and training programs that could help them meet applicable work requirements.
Oakton offers career-focused programs, certificates and workforce training designed to prepare individuals for employment in a range of fields. Whether preparing to enter the workforce or pursuing additional training, Oakton provides options designed to support a variety of professional goals. To learn more about Oakton’s career and workforce programs, visit our Workforce Empowerment Initiative webpage.
More than 300 community members attended the Job and Volunteer Fair at Oakton College’s Ray Hartstein Campus on July 16.