What is BILT?

In today’s fast-moving business world, talent isn’t just an asset – it’s your competitive edge. But are graduates truly ready for the roles you need to fill?

At the Center of Excellence in Business (COEB) at City Colleges of Chicago (CCC), we go beyond teaching business – we co-create talent pipelines with industry leaders like you.

Through our Business & Industry Leadership Teams (BILTs)—high-impact advisory councils—we invite executives, hiring managers, industry professionals, technicians, and innovators to shape the curriculum, validate skills, and ensure programs align with real-world demands.

  • You don’t just advise—you lead.
  • You don’t just hire—you build.
  • You don’t just support education—you transform it.

BILT empowers businesses like yours to ensure City Colleges graduates are not only prepared for today’s workforce but equipped for the future of business.

What Makes BILT Different?

BILT is not a passive advisory board. It’s a strategic leadership council where employers take the lead in shaping business education.

How?

  • You define the critical Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) needed in your industry.
  • Our faculty align curriculum to meet those priorities.
  • You gain early access to top business talent before they enter the workforce.

We don’t just react to industry shifts—we anticipate them.

BILT’s annual KSA validation process ensures business programs stay ahead of industry trends by aligning curriculum with future workforce needs (12–36 months out).

That means when you hire CCC graduates, you know they’re already trained in emerging technologies, market trends, and real-world business strategies.

Your time is valuable. That’s why BILT is structured for maximum impact with minimal meetings.

  • 5–6 hours per year is all it takes to future-proof your talent pipeline and make a multi-generational impact on Chicago’s workforce.
  • Meetings are hybrid (in-person & virtual) for flexibility.
  • Structured sessions ensure productivity and actionable takeaways.
  • Networking opportunities connect you with other business leaders shaping Chicago’s workforce.

Why Join the BILT?

Your expertise directly influences what students learn in business programs—so when they enter the workforce, they’re already equipped with the skills your company needs.

Internships, apprenticeships, and real-world business challenges give you early access to top CCC business students before they graduate.

  • Identify & mentor high-potential hires early
  • Reduce hiring & onboarding costs
  • Close the business skills gap in your industry

Position your company as a workforce innovation leader in Chicago’s business community.

  • Be recognized as a top employer in your industry
  • Strengthen your corporate social impact by investing in education
  • Gain exclusive networking access to top business & education leaders

How does the BILT work?

Annual KSA Meeting

Industry leaders validate & prioritize knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs), or workforce competencies, looking 12-36 months into the future.

Industry Trend & Networking Meetings (2x per year)

Employers, faculty, and students discuss emerging industry trends and workforce innovations.

KSA Feedback Session

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Faculty report back on how employer-validated priorities have been integrated into curriculum.

Total Time Commitment: 5–6 Hours Per Year.

Business is Changing.

Let’s Build the Workforce to Match.

Contact: Dr. Susanne Brock, Associate Vice Chancellor, Business Sector Strategy at sbrock13@ccc.edu

Learn More About Work-Based Learning Opportunities here.