Employment and Training

Workforce Investment Act (WIA) Program

Designed to help youth, adult and dislocated workers learn new skills and find employment.

The Workforce Investment Act (WIA) enables CEDA to successfully assist youth, adults and dislocated workers throughout suburban Cook County, learn new job skills and secure gainful employment. It is our commitment to provide every community, district and municipality in our service area, with the proper resources and service that will help make a difference in the lives of our clients.

WIA establishes three basic levels of employment and training services to eligible individuals. All adults, age 18 or older, are eligible to receive "core services". Additional "intensive services" are available to unemployed individuals who have been unable to obtain jobs through core services and those who are employed but need additional training services to reach self-sufficiency. "Training services" are also available for those who meet intensive services eligibility but were unable to find employment through those services.

Core Services (available to all adults age 18 years or older):

• Job search and placement assistance (including career counseling)
• Labor market information (which identifies job vacancies; skills needed for in-demand jobs; and local,
  regional, and national employment trends)
• Initial assessment of skills and needs
• Information about and costs for local training providers
• Follow-up services to help customers keep their jobs once they are placed
  

Intensive Services (available to eligible adults who have been unable to find work through core services, or need additional training to reach self-sufficiency):

• Comprehensive assessments
• Development of individual employment plans
• Group and individual counseling
• Case management
• Short-term pre-vocational services
• Out-of-area job search assistance, or relocation assistance
• Internships, literacy activities
  

Training Services (for those who have received "intensive services" but are still unable to find employment):

• Occupational skills training
• On-the-job training
• Cooperative education programs, and private sector training programs
• Job readiness training
• Adult education and literacy activities
• Customized employer training

Entrepreneurial Self-Employment Training Program (ESETP)

CEDA's Entrepreneurial Self-Employment Training Program enables income-eligible participants to create independent businesses and additional new job opportunities by developing management, marketing and financial skills and providing the motivation needed to start a new business. CEDA can assist and/or solely provide: recruitment and assessment profiles, specialized business counseling, access to non-traditional capital sources, and first year follow-up assistance. ESETP, which has won several awards and is nationally recognized, is designed to assist its clients to become successful entrepreneurs by developing their acumen in operational planning, customer development, marketing strategies, and sales promotion and site selection.

Eligibility Requirements: Clients must be income-eligible, demonstrate a sincere desire to start a business venture, reside in suburban Cook County and provide proof of income for 90 days prior to application.