Mussman Promotes Free Job Training Resources for Laid Off Workers

SCHAUMBURG, Ill. – As many workers throughout the state have been laid off or furloughed in recent months, state Rep. Michelle Mussman, D-Schaumburg, is highlighting new job training resources for Illinoisans that are out of work due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Unemployment rates in our state skyrocketed and have continually risen as many workers have been laid off due to temporary closures caused by the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Mussman. “Through no fault of their own, many Illinoisans are out of work and many families face uncertainty, so it is critical that leaders continue working to find solutions to help create jobs and  train workers for new opportunities in the workforce.”

The State of Illinois is partnering with the online higher education platform Coursera to offer unemployed Illinoisans free courses in various topics including information technology and job readiness skills like business writing and persuasive communication. Illinois is one of the first states in the nation to provide free online job training courses to its residents. Registration for the online courses is available now through September by visiting the Coursera website at https://www.coursera.org/government/workforce-recovery. All courses must be completed by December 31, 2020. Participants may earn industry-recognized credentials as well as building their information base and can continue their education at local community colleges.

To support Illinoisans that are out of work due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Mussman helped pass Senate Bill 471, which would expand eligibility for unemployment resources by allowing laid off and furloughed workers to receive a larger percentage of their previous income through unemployment.

“Now more than ever, our workforce is shifting and evolving, so this resource provides a great opportunity for workers to use this time to expand their skillset and adapt to the post-COVID economy,” continued Mussman. “Rebuilding our economy, creating new high-wage jobs and helping laid off workers return to work are some of my top priorities, so I encourage residents with questions regarding unemployment or other issues related to COVID-19 to reach out to my office at 847-923-9104.”