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A screening application for participation in Chicago Career Tech is now available ->
What
The innovative Chicago Career Tech program creates a new corps of technology professionals by providing technology training for displaced white-collar workers. Supported by the business community, the program strengthens Chicago’s position as a technology center, while providing a path into technology jobs for displaced workers.
How
The program recruits qualified, unemployed Chicagoans and strategically integrates training with work experience to prepare them for new technology careers. Trainees receive a weekly stipend and training voucher for participating in the 6-day/week program, which offers on-the-job experience and placement assistance while incorporating community service. Training is provided by local educational institutions. Participants who require childcare have the option to work with the YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago to meet their needs. Funded by grants, foundation support, and private sector donations, the 6-month program provides participants with skill sets and marketability for new technology positions. Additionally, the program builds a nucleus of new technology workers for Chicago.
Currently operated out of the nonprofit World Business Chicago, Chicago Career Tech is supported by government and corporate donors.
Who Benefits
- Businesses: Receive access to a new pool of skilled employees who have been highly trained at no cost to the business, with the possibility of company-specific training.
- The City: Builds a pipeline of human talent to help grow the technology sector, an industry with a pervasive, long-lasting and sustaining affect on Chicago’s economy.
- Employees: Educated, unemployed workers receive income while being trained to make them more marketable for highly-skilled, in demand jobs.
Why
Middle income, laid-off workers make up half of the unemployed population, yet are largely left out of public programs aimed at supporting and retraining dislocated workers. Chicago Career Tech trainees must have recently been laid off from white collar professions, hold at least a high school diploma, have had a previous income of $25K – 75K and be Chicago residents. By investing in these workers, and partnering with the private sector on training and workforce opportunities, the program aims to make Chicago more attractive to prospective employers, by developing a more technologically competent workforce.
Win-Win-Win
With Chicago Career Tech, companies receive the talented and trained employees they need to prosper, employees receive the training they need to be marketable for coveted technology positions, and the city escalates its position as a global leader in technology talent.
When
Recruitment for the first CCT pilot class is targeted for the end of February. Assessment for placement, training, and community service matches are targeted for March and April, with the first program running from April though September.
Contact Us
If you have questions please see our Frequently Asked Questions or send an email to: info@chicagocareertech.com
If you're a business looking to become involved in the program please contact: biz@chicagocareertech.com
Advisory Board
An exceptional cross-section of leaders have been selected as an Advisory Board to guide Chicago Career Tech. Their expertise is essential to the success of the program. See who's on the board…
Partners
