Chicago Public Schools Honors Class of 2023 Chicago Builds Graduates

 

Chicago Public Schools Honors Class of 2023 Chicago Builds Graduates

CPS Students Graduate with Industry-Recognized Certifications

CHICAGO – Chicago Public Schools (CPS) CEO Pedro Martinez honored  Chicago Builds graduates today during a celebration with students, families and community members at the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 134. Chicago Builds is an industry-recognized pre-apprenticeship training program where students explore multiple career pathways in the construction industry. In addition to earning their high school diploma, approximately 66 Class of 2023 Chicago Builds graduates earned industry-recognized certifications in electrical, carpentry, heating and cooling (HVAC) and welding. These graduates are among an estimated 14,000 CPS students enrolled in Career and Technical Education (CTE) classes, including 1,000 scholars who explored the District’s Model Pathways Programming in addition to about 7,000 students in Early College STEM High Schools.

“Chicago Builds offers students interested in the trades skills a pathway into their chosen field and a link to specialized union training programs that often seem out of reach to our young people,” said CPS CEO Pedro Martinez. “Partnerships with IBEW Local 134 and COMEd are essential to providing every student with the resources and tools they need that will propel them toward a successful future.”

Chicago Builds was established in 2016 to provide students with a clear pathway to a career in the building trades after high school. Through Chicago Builds, CPS students can earn up to five credits over their junior and senior years. They begin with a 10-week rotation that covers the basic skills in electrical, carpentry, HVAC and welding. Students can then move on to advanced training in these fields.

All Builds participants can also work towards certifications in Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) 10 Construction Safety Construction, a program designed by the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) Core for entry-level construction workers that introduces students to basic construction skills and prepares them for entry-level positions on project sites and medical training in CPR and First Aid.

Chicago Builds students learn from industry leaders and develop technical skills that can lead to gainful employment while still in high school as well as help them start a career after graduation. Builds training integrates construction, math, and literacy skills, and helps students develop entrepreneurship skills, and prepares them for union entrance exams and certifications. Students also participate in internships, visit union training facilities, complete a capstone project, and prepare for pre-apprenticeship entrance exams.

Through a partnership with the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, approximately 34 Class of 2023 graduates received a grant to continue advancing their skills through the Illinois Works Construction Pre-apprenticeship Program. The state-recognized pre-apprenticeship program provides skills training through a network of non-profit, community-based organizations, including community colleges, faith-based organizations and business associations in the construction industry and building trades. Participants attend tuition-free and receive a stipend and other supportive services to help overcome systemic barriers to entering the construction industry.

Eighteen Class of 2023 graduates will begin their journey towards an electrical career through IBEW Local 134’s Trainee Program, a post-secondary employment opportunity available to qualified Builds graduates. Students from the Chicago Builds Program who fulfill the eligibility requirements are provided with industry training for a period of one week after their CPS graduation. Upon successful completion of the training week, students begin to work for an electrical contractor in Cook County for a year. This year, the trainee receives guidance and support for necessary applications and assessments through the IBEW Local 134’s Apprenticeship Program. Trainees learn on the job and earn a steady paycheck while developing their skills toward becoming fully-licensed electricians.

In addition to Chicago Builds, CPS offers at least 35 Career and Technical Education (CTE) pathways at over 80 high schools across the city, including 12 construction trades programs, five carpentry, three in electricity, three in welding, and one HVAC program. The District’s CTE programs allow students to gain work experience for in-demand careers as well as provide opportunities to earn early college credit and industry-recognized certifications and skills training at 12 CPS high schools.

CPS has developed a strong partnership with the City Colleges of Chicago (CCC) through the Chicago Roadmap, which aims to support students along a seamless path to and through post-secondary training on their way to their chosen careers. This alignment between CCC and CPS works to address achievement gaps and to improve communication across systems to better prepare students for success in high school and beyond. Chicago Builds highlights this network of supportive and aligned government and community partner services that allow students to explore careers and connect them to opportunities that will make them competitive for high-demand occupations.

Together with CCC, the District is also working to establish a talent pipeline with support from the Blum-Kovler Foundation through the Master Builder Construction Trade Program. The Master Builder Program allows students to earn Dual Credits from CCC as high school students focused on construction and skilled trades.

Chicago Builds is part of the District’s commitment to equitable, student-centered education that prepares students socially, emotionally and academically to enter the workplace, a training program, or higher education.

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