July 26, 2004

Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley's Office of Workforce Development (MOWD) announced July 7 its latest employment and training service site, the new Garfield Workforce Center, located at 10 South Kedzie Avenue, on the City's west side.

"The new Garfield Workforce Center is another example of the city's commitment to helping people find and keep good jobs, while at the same time meeting Chicago's broad workplace needs," said Daley. "Job seekers can come to the Garfield Workforce Center and find a wide variety of job locating services. Local employers can use workforce centers too, and be assured they are getting the qualified workers they need."

Daley's Work Net Chicago, the citywide system of employment and training service providers, includes 5 additional workforce centers, and 30 affiliate agencies that help both business and job'seeking customers achieve mutual goals of job placement, job retention, and career advancement.

"In developing this new center, we have included features that directly benefit users," explained MOWD Managing Deputy Commissioner Gustavo Giraldo. "For instance, the Garfield site contains brand new computers with high'speed internet access — this maximizes accessibility and streamlines customer flow."

As with most Work Net Chicago locations, the Garfield Workforce Center features a walk-in resource room, where professional staff help customers access job listings, resume and interview preparation materials, and information on available education and training opportunities. Job seekers can use phones and fax machines for job-related inquires, utilize computers to electronically send resumes and cover letters, and even update skills with digital tutorials.

Job developers are also available to provide career and skills assessments and offer one-on-one employment counseling to those needing more intensive services. And individuals who qualify can receive a voucher for one of 600 vocational training classes offered by more than 200 state-certified training organizations in Chicago.

"Local employees can take advantage of the workforce center to access labor market information, pre'screen job applicants, and conduct on'site recruitments, among other industry-focused business services," said Giraldo.

Other area employment and training services locations convenient to west side residents and businesses include the West Side Workforce Center, 3500 West Grand Avenue, and the offices of the Polish American Association, 3834 North Cicero Avenue. All services are available free of charge to Chicago residents.