Workforce Development

ECDC works with local residents who may not be employed to seek gainful employment. ECDC refers residents to a number of service providers, works with individuals one on one, and encourages local businesses to hire locally. Part of our effort is to increase the employability of current residents. Through the development of a community computer center, ECDC provides access to computers to be used to 1. improve computer literacy and 2. for local job searches and on-line job applications. For more detailed information on ECDC’s computer center, please click on the link above for the computer center. All services are currently free.

Over the past few years, ECDC has been instrumental in helping to build the capacity of Community Builders of Evanston, LLC, a local not-for-profit which hires youth from the neighborhood and trains them in the construction trades. These young men learn numerous skills on the job and receive group, and one-on-one, on the job training. The possibility of advancement within the company is only limited to the motivation of each individual. Community Builders currently employs 10 youth from the neighborhood and the team most recently completed the construction of Boocoo, a new cultural center on the Westside. Employees were involved in every step of construction from the bottom up. ECDC will continue to work with Community Builders in business development, securing training dollars and supporting their continual efforts.

• Supports organizations such as Community Builders of Evanston, LLC, which hires directly from the Church Dodge area
  
• Partner with Youth Job Center
  
• Ensure local workforce is hired on projects where General Contractor has made such indication to the City
  
• Work with FIVE businesses and the Chamber of Commerce on local hiring
  
• Create a Community Computer Center