What Are “Reskilling Programs” for Injured Chicago Workers?

Many injured workers worry about the futures of their careers. Even a relatively minor injury can completely alter your career trajectory, especially if you rely on your body for physical or delicate tasks. “Reskilling programs” may help you retrain and recertify for alternative career paths, and this opportunity could be available through workers’ compensation in Chicago. Speak with a lawyer to learn more about this potential benefit.

Chicago Booth Review Highlights the Benefits of Reskilling Programs

In December of 2025, the Chicago Booth Review (the official publication of the University of Chicago Booth School of Business) published an article highlighting the benefits of “reskilling programs” for injured workers. One of the most notable insights of this article was the psychological benefits of returning to work. Booth Review claims that returning to work with help from reskilling programs can help workers reduce the chances of depression and even opioid abuse.

Another obvious benefit is increased income. While workers’ comp represents much-needed financial security for injured workers, it only goes so far. Specifically, these benefits only cover two-thirds of lost income. By engaging in vocational rehabilitation, workers can return their income back to pre-injury levels and improve their standards of living. This could be particularly important for workers living paycheck to paycheck.

Education Can Be Stimulating

The process of work-related education can be highly stimulating for workers, potentially distracting them from the negative aspects of their injuries. When one focuses on earning new qualifications and certifications, they might be less likely to develop depression and other psychological issues caused by their injuries. For example, a worker with an amputated leg might benefit from reskilling programs rather than sitting alone in their residence all day, thinking about how their life will never be the same.

Reskilling Programs Can Also Improve Relationship Stability

One of the most surprising insights from this article was the effect of reskilling programs on relationship stability. These programs can potentially improve relationship stability for workers, and this may have something to do with the mental health benefits of continued education.

How Does Vocational Rehabilitation Work in Chicago? 

Many people focus entirely on covering medical bills and lost income via workers’ comp claims in Chicago. However, workers’ comp in Chicago can also cover “vocational rehabilitation,” an often-overlooked third benefit. With this benefit, you may be able to retrain and recertify free of charge. This might be something worth discussing with your lawyer, especially if you want to get back to work as soon as possible.

Can a Chicago Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Help Me Access Reskilling Programs? 

Whether you call it vocational rehabilitation, recertification, or “reskilling,” injured workers have the right to consider alternative career pathways. In many cases, a workers’ compensation claim in Chicago can help cover the cost of these reskilling programs. This may be something worth discussing with a lawyer, especially if you’re serious about continuing your career in the face of a major injury. Contact the Chicago workers’ compensation lawyers at Connolly Injury Law today to continue this discussion.

Source: 

chicagobooth.edu/review/reskilling-programs-help-injured-workers-their-partners