With the statewide unemployment rate lingering in the double digits, state Rep. La Shawn K. Ford (D-Chicago) has teamed up with the Chicago Urban League, The City Colleges and the Illinois Department of Central Management Services (CMS) to hold a job fair.
“We are aggressively working to ensure that the government and private sector businesses are on-site to bring jobs and encouragement to all,” Ford said in a statement. “It is important for people to know that even during this long recession, there are opportunities for the most qualified, best prepared, and the most eager and aggressive job hunters.”
The job fair will be held today from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Malcolm X College, 1900 W. Van Buren St. Area residents who are out of work are encouraged to dress in business attire and be prepared to distribute resumes.
Employers that serve as vendors may be able to hire employees at no payroll cost to the employer. This is made possible through the Put Illinois to Work program.
For up to six months, qualifying individuals may work with local businesses, non-profit organizations and governments at $10 per hour. The program is subsidized through government funds to help small businesses create jobs. More than 80 vendors seeking employees have registered to participate.
“Historically, there is a correlation between high unemployment levels and crime. With the unemployment rate in the double digits, programs like Put Illinois to Work will help give the local business community a boost and add people to the skilled workforce on the Westside,” Ford said. “Jobs and careers obtained will undoubtedly help to reduce the number of unemployed, and hopefully will help to increase community safety.”
For more information, call 773-378-5902.
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