Spring 2027 SWFT Application

Welcome to the SWFT Application Form. This is the first step in the SWFT Application. By completing this form and the SWFT Checklist, we will be able to determine if you meet the eligibility requirements for the SWFT Program. Once you complete this application, you will be emailed the SWFT Checklist with next steps.

IMPORTANT: This is not the Parkland College Application for admission into the college. SWFT does not host any Parkland Academic Programs - it is a supportive scholarship program. SWFT cannot enroll students in a Parkland program nor register students for courses. Students must go through the registration process with the college. SWFT staff are happy to share information about Parkland programs and the requirements to get into those programs, but SWFT, ultimately, cannot register any students.

Please note:
Completing the SWFT Application and meeting with SWFT Staff does not guarantee that you will be accepted to the SWFT program. A student is not fully enrolled in SWFT until they have been determined to be eligible, complete the SWFT Checklist, register for their desired, SWFT-approved academic program, attend orientation, and sign a Learning Contract. It is important that you answer all questions to the best of your ability, as you will be asked to provide verification of your answers if you are accepted to the SWFT program.

If you are interested in our SWFT + CDL Scholarship Program, training is still on pause. Please do not submit this application if you are interested in CDL. SWFT will open a separate application once that training resumes.

If you have questions about the application process you can visit www.parkland.edu/swft or please contact the Support for Workforce Training Office at swft@parkland.edu or 217/353-2150.

Are you a Current Parkland Student?

Yes

No

If you are a current or former Parkland College student, please provide your Parkland College ID number

Do you have a high school diploma? (this includes GED and HiSET)

Yes

No

Do you need any accomodations to complete this prescreening or application (e.g. translation services, audio/visual accomodations, etc.)

Yes

No

Name and Contact Information

First Name

Middle Name

Last Name

Chosen Name

Cell Phone

Email Address

Birthdate

Economic Information

Residential Address

Country

Street

City

Region

Postal Code

What is your current housing situation?

If you have school age children, do they receive free/reduced price lunch at school?

Yes

No

Does not apply to me

Are you a SNAP recipient?

Yes

No

Have you ever been convicted of a felony? (Please note that a felony conviction does not exclude you from the SWFT program. SWFT provides training opportunities for formerly incarcerated individuals. Please be aware that certain felony convictions may impact the ability to be hired in certain fields.)

Yes

No

Are you a veteran?

Yes

No

Do you have a valid driver's license?

Yes

No

What is your primary mode of transportation?

Are there any barriers that you are currently dealing with that you will need to address before you can start a program at Parkland College?

Yes

No

If yes, please describe those barriers.

Education Information

If you completed a certificate or degree, what career field is it in? (Please answer N/A if this does not apply to you.)

What inspired you to choose the field of study/career in which you earned your degree or certificate? (Please answer N/A if this does not apply to you.)

In what year did you complete this education? (Please answer N/A if this does not apply to you.)

Employment Information

Are you eligible to work in the United States?

Yes, I am a US Citizen

Yes, I have a work visa or green card

No, I am not eligible to work in the US

What is your current employment status?

Full-time (40 or more hours per week)

Part-time (up to 39 hours per week, including overtime)

Season/Temporary Work

Unemployed- looking for work

Unemployed- not looking for work

Do you currently work in the field you are applying for training in?

Yes

No

Previously Employed

Please state the name of the company where you are currently employed. (Please list all full-time and part-time work. If you are not currently employed, please answer N/A.)

What is your current position title? (Please list all full-time and part-time jobs you have. If you are not currently employed, please answer N/A)

What is your currently hourly rate of pay or your annual salary? (ie $13.50 per hour or $26,000 per year If you are not currently working, please answer $0. Please list all full-time and part-time jobs you hold.)

What careers have you worked in the past, and for approximately how long were you employed in those careers? (ex. Fast food 3 years)

If you are currently employed, will obtaining the certificate you are interested in completing provide opportunity for advancement at your company? And if so, how? (If you are not currently employed, please answer N/A)

What is your immediate career goal?

What is your long term career goal?

SWFT Certificate Program Preference

Apprenticeships are training program that combines paid on-the-job training with classroom instruction to prepare people for careers in a specific trade or profession.
Are you interested in applying for an apprenticeship program?

Yes

No

Have you submitted application materials for your program of interest or met with an academic advisor at Parkland?

Yes I have submitted materials

Yes I have submitted materials and met with an academic advisor

No I have not

What challenges or obstacles do you anticipate potentially impacting your success in this program?

Please submit a 150 word essay for each question below.

Answer the questions with as much detail and information that you can provide in 150 words.

Please note: It is recommended that you use a computer to complete this essay so that you can use proper capitalization and punctuation, easily format the questions, and edit your content. It is also recommended that you type your answer in a document and then copy and paste your answer into the text box.

If you have questions about the essay or need assistance in typing it, please contact the SWFT office at swft@parkland.edu or at 217/353-2150. We are here to help you, please call for any reason at all.

We have computers you can use in the SWFT + Adult Education Center at Parkland College located in D120. The Center is open Monday–Friday 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.

Essay Question #1:

Why have you selected this particular training program (the certificate you indicated on this form) and why is it a career goal of yours?

Essay Question #2:

How will participating in the SWFT program make a difference in your life?

Please type your name in the box acknowledging that you have accurately answered the questions on the application

Please put today's date.

Adult Education Information

Thank you again for your interest in the SWFT Scholarship Program! Since you have indicated that you do not currently have a high school diploma, we recommend that you explore Adult Education Programming. Adult Education provides free classes for students working towards obtaining their high school diploma through the GED exam. Adult Education also offers ICAPS programs, which allows students to work on GED attainment while also attending an academic program at Parkland College. There are opportunities for students to be both Adult Education students and SWFT Scholars; you have to start with Adult Education to explore these options.

Please complete the following interest form in order to connect with Adult Education and explore your options!

Adult Education Interest Form

Title

Spring 2027 SWFT Application