Trade Skills in Demand in Cook County’s Tourism Economy

Working in food service, whether that’s behind the bar, at the host stand or taking care of tables, means being in the heart of the action. These are fast-paced jobs that require strong people skills, quick thinking and plenty of energy. If you like connecting with others, serving and bartending roles are great ways to strengthen your communication abilities — skills that translate well to many careers. You can often get certified in bartending or food safety through quick, affordable courses.

Front-desk jobs are more than just answering phones — they’re about making guests feel welcome, keeping reservations organized and often handling tech systems for check-ins. Whether it’s at a hotel, spa, museum or tour company, these roles are great for people who are friendly, organized and enjoy solving problems. Most employers offer training on their booking systems and internal processes, and there are sometimes short certificate programs available if you want to go further.

Whether it’s a cozy cafe, a resort restaurant or a busy commercial kitchen, skilled cooks are always needed. Being comfortable with food safety, prep work and kitchen tools can open up all kinds of opportunities. If you’ve ever loved working with food (or want to learn) this is a great place to start. Many cooks start with basic food preparation and learn how to work the rest of the kitchen on the job. You’ll have to do a food-safety certification (typically provided through your employer). Some people choose to attend short-term culinary education programs or culinary school for an edge in the workforce.

Nearly every lodge, restaurant and shop in Cook County needs someone who can keep things running and handle basic repairs. If you enjoy figuring out how things function and addressing mechanical issues, this kind of work is always in demand. There are trade schools that offer education in HVAC, electrical and plumbing — but many larger businesses also train people with a solid work ethic and willingness to learn.

Clean, welcoming spaces are a huge part of what makes a visitor’s stay enjoyable. Housekeeping isn’t just about cleaning — it’s about doing it efficiently, safely and with attention to detail. These roles often have flexible hours and can be a good fit for people who take pride in staying organized and keeping spaces tidy. Skills can be learned quickly, often with in-house training.

Behind every great wedding, festival or community gathering, there’s a team making it all come together. Setting up tents, stages, tables and AV equipment takes coordination and hands-on effort — and knowledgeable people who enjoy working on a team, tackling challenges and bringing plans to life. Experience helps, but you can get started by assisting with events and learning from the crew.

Technology is a big part of the visitor experience, both behind the scenes and on the ground. Hotels need working Wi-Fi, event venues need microphones and projectors, and businesses need basic tech support. If you’re the person friends call when they can’t get their router to work, this might be right up your alley. Many entry-level AV or IT-support jobs start with a solid foundation in tech troubleshooting, and there are lots of quick online courses to help build your skills.

Whether it’s a hotel shuttle, a tour van or group transportation, Cook County always needs safe, reliable drivers. If you have a clean driving record and enjoy helping people get where they need to go, this is a great way to get involved in the local economy. Depending on the vehicle, you may need a commercial driver’s license (CDL) — which you can earn through a short educational program.