Latest news with #Hire360
Yahoo
14-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Central Illinois receives $2M for pre-apprenticeship programs
CENTRAL ILLINOIS (WCIA) — Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) awarded more than $2 million to four pre-apprenticeship programs in Central Illinois on Monday. The Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program began in 2021. Its goal is to increase diversity in apprenticeship programs, as well as making the programs more accessible. Around the state, Illinois Works helps participants gain admission to apprenticeship programs, which then helps participants obtain employment. Pritzker invited to testify to Congress about sanctuary state policy In Vermilion County, the Danville Area Community College's pre-apprenticeship program was renewed and given $572,000 in funding. The Richland Community College program in Decatur was also renewed, and awarded $495,000. In Sangamon and Christian counties the IL Foundation of SkillsUSA – Central's new program was granted $550,000. And, Sangamon-Menard Regional Office of Education's new program received $440,000. 'The greatest resource we have is the hardworking people of Illinois, and the greatest return on investment we have is training and educating them,' Governor JB Pritzker said. 'That's why workforce development has been a centerpiece of Illinois' economic agenda for the last six years and why we're constantly attracting high-quality jobs to Illinois—because we have the skilled workers to fill them.' Hire360 Pre-Apprenticeship program has first ever graduation in Savoy The program was also designed to increase access to well-paying jobs for populations that have been historically underrepresented. 'We go farther when we open doors to grow together. The expansion of the Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program supports economic opportunities for diverse workers in the trades,' Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton said. 'This program puts historically underrepresented Illinoisans on a path to provide for their families, contribute to their communities and drive our state forward.' This program also provides recruitment opportunities, skills training, and the chance to transition from a pre-apprenticeship program to a full apprenticeship. Tuition is free for participants and a stipend and other support services are offered. Bill to ban carbon sequestration projects around the Mahomet Aquifer passes out of Senate 'The continued success of the Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program is a testament to Illinois' dedication to investing in all individuals' ability to access quality career opportunities in the trades,' DCEO Director Kristin Richards said. 'Illinois Works is an example of how together, we can advance equitable economic development opportunities for all Illinoisans.' Across the state, more than $19 million in funding was awarded to 38 program recipients. For a full list of 2025 Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program recipients, click here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
12-03-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Coach by day, tradesman by night: Meet the Urbana dad balancing it all while inspiring the next generation
SAVOY, Ill. (WCIA) — It's not always easy to balance schoolwork with extracurriculars, but one Urbana man is proving it's possible with hard work and determination. Now, he hopes to inspire the next generation of young athletes, while also chasing new career dreams of his own. Traeton Woods, one of the youth wrestling coaches in Urbana, has always been passionate about the sport. His mom introduced it to him when he was a young boy. 'Growing up wasn't the worst. My mom was there for me, she took care of me and did her part,' he said while describing his childhood. It has kept him motivated during more difficult times and played an important role while adjusting to new chapters of life. Woods had his first son as a teenager. Meet the traveling plumber representing Central Illinois in a national competition Now, his son, Semaj Woods, is five years old and keeps wrestling in the family. He's part of the Urbana team, alongside other family members and friends. 'It's real special for me,' Woods said. From building and creating bonds on the wrestling mats, to strengthening relationships at Local 149 in Savoy, Woods is also a student in the brand new, statewide program, Hire 360. Through it, he is one of many students learning about the trades in a hands-on environment. Between spending time in the classroom, breaking down equations on computers, and spending time in a workshop, he's developed a new passion he plans to turn into a career after graduation. Central Illinois pipefitter launches labor union chapter for women 'I'm stuck between three; the ironworkers, sheet workers, and the plumbers,' Woods said. Whether it's taking measurements or teaching kids, he is dedicated to bettering the community, chasing his dreams and showing young athletes that anything is possible. 'At the end of the day, you have your own life and what you do with it is yours,' Woods said. He is set to graduate at the end of March alongside his classmates. Many of them hope to get into a trade union so they can start the next chapter of their careers. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Chicago Tribune
21-02-2025
- Business
- Chicago Tribune
CPS skilled trades recruitment event sparks interest in career pathways for high school juniors, seniors
Over a thousand Chicago Public Schools students gathered at Hire360's center on the Near South Side Thursday to attend a skilled trades recruitment event, exposing them to postsecondary pathways other than traditional four-year colleges and universities. As part of an ongoing collaborative effort with city agencies, City Colleges of Chicago and labor and corporate partners, the district has been working to connect students with trades career paths, allowing them to explore potential career opportunities following graduation. 'This important collaboration between the District and our many partners helps bring to life various fields of study and how they can be applied in college and career opportunities,' CPS CEO Pedro Martinez said in a news release. 'Their success benefits not only themselves and their families but our workforce and city.' When crafting this event, CPS Chief of College and Career Success Megan Hougard said they wanted to provide students who are interested in pursuing a career in trades after graduation the equivalent of a college visit. This is the fourth year the skilled trades event has been held, Hougard said, and the previously larger event is now broken down into four events over the course of a month allowing students the chance to explore career paths in a smaller, more personal setting. Hosted by Hire360 Thursday morning, the first of the four events focused on renewable energy and solar jobs. The remaining three events will touch on plumbing and carpentry, as well as one event titled 'Putting Chicago to Work' that will cover several career paths. 'HIRE360 is thrilled to host the first of these skilled trades recruitment events at our new Training and Business Development Center,' Jay Rowell, the organization's executive director, said in a news release. 'This partnership is about more than just one event — it's about creating lasting opportunities for students to explore rewarding careers in the trades.' The event, open to high school juniors and seniors interested in the trades, introduced students to career opportunities at Peoples Gas, ComEd and a lab where students can submit a One Summer Chicago application to explore other employment opportunities throughout Hire360. Hands-on demonstrations where students repaired gas pipes and learned about solar panels helped them get a better grasp of the work that employees perform in the field. Adriel Castillo, a junior at Roosevelt High School in Albany Park, said he's begun exploring pathways following graduation and is weighing several options such as college, the Army and possibly a career in trades. Thankful for the opportunity to learn about different opportunities available to him in the city, Castillo said his interest has been sparked by some of the programs at the event. '(The event) shows more opportunities, as my parents don't have that,' Castillo said. 'They want me to explore different options. My counselors want me to look into different options as well as different pathways, and here I was able to learn.' For other students, the ability to attend events like these has allowed them to solidify their paths following graduation. Senebia Hodges, a senior at Simeon Career Academy in Chatham, is planning to pursue carpentry in a couple of months, following graduation. While she was previously considering attending a four-year college, she realized she wanted to do something more hands-on. 'My carpentry teacher, Mr. Rowsey, he really inspired me,' Hodges said. 'He really drove me to want to do this. He's introduced us to so many trade skills fairs like this, and this is what motivates me to go into carpentry.' Going to school, Hodges said the idea of college is primarily pushed on students, leaving her and others who'd like to pursue trades feeling excluded. By being able to attend these events, Hodges said it opens up the possibilities of what students can pursue after high school and doesn't limit them to 'stay in one box.' Attending the event Thursday, Hodges said it's empowering to see the various career paths and adults in attendance educating students on what's available to them. 'It makes me want to do (carpentry) more, especially with more people of color that are in the trade,' Hodges said. 'I love that, and I love how they put this together.'
