Workforce Preparation and Employment Outcomes
Employment Outcomes: Illinois
What Is Measured?
Employment rates in the first or second quarter following program completion
Who Is Counted?
Illinois Community College students who completed programs in 1995-2005
What It Tells Us
The percentage of Illinois Community College program completers employed in the first or second quarter following program completion has declined from 77 percent in 1995 to 69 percent in 2005.
Why It's Important
Labor force participation is consistently associated with higher levels of education, even among those who do not complete a degree or certificate. While a number of states report employment outcomes for students who have enrolled in a community college or completed a community college degree or certificate, the way in which these outcomes are reported and the populations on which outcome measures are based vary widely, making it difficult to compare these measures across states.
About the Data
Program completers: students who completed at least one credit hour program.
Employment data comes from the Unemployment Insurance (UI) wage record data reported by Illinois employers. This data source is estimated to cover 96 percent of total wage and salary civilian jobs. However, it does not include certain types of employment, including self-employment and some agricultural and domestic work. UI wage records also do not indicate the number of hours worked or the position held.