VEHICLES FOR CHANGE AWARDS CARS TO HIRE360 WORKFORCE TRAINEES ENTERING THE TRADES

VEHICLES FOR CHANGE AWARDS CARS TO HIRE360 WORKFORCE TRAINEES ENTERING THE TRADES

Work Continues to Expand Access to Careers with Reliable Transportation for Illinois Workers


LIBERTYVILLE, IL — Workforce trainees pursuing careers in the trades received critical support on May 8 as Vehicles for Change, with donations from Constellation, awarded low cost vehicles to trades trainees identified through HIRE360, and other workforce development programs across Illinois. The event, held at Liberty Auto City in Libertyville, addressed a major barrier to employment by providing low-cost vehicles to trainees entering the trades, making it easier to access job sites and apprenticeship opportunities.


The vehicle recipients include Nico Reaves and Valana Dale, who were identified through HIRE360. Reaves, a South Side Chicago resident and carpentry apprentice, participated in HIRE360’s pre-apprenticeship programs. In those programs, in which he received transportation support through Lyft ride codes, he earned key certifications and developed the skills needed to obtain employment with Diverzify, a commercial flooring installer.


“For more than two decades, we’ve seen how access to a reliable vehicle can change the trajectory of someone’s life,” said Martin Schwartz, President of Vehicles for Change. “Programs like this show what’s possible when workforce partners come together to deliver practical solutions that help people move into long-term employment.”


“This is about making sure people can actually get to the opportunities they’ve worked for,” said Jay Rowell, Executive Director of HIRE360. “Our trainees are ready to step into careers in the trades, and reliable transportation can be the difference between being in the driver’s seat or getting passed by. Partnerships like this help turn their dreams into  something real and reachable.”


The event featured remarks from leaders across participating organizations, including HIRE360 Board Member Jonathan Jones, and concluded with the presentation of keys to recipients by Joel Pogose, President of the Mid-America Carpenters Union. Attendees highlighted the role transportation plays in reaching job sites, apprenticeships, and training programs, particularly for those navigating early start times and traveling between job sites. The event highlighted how partnerships across workforce development, industry, and philanthropy can support entry into careers in the trades.

“Constellation is proud to support efforts that connect people to careers in the trades,” said Bryan Hanson, Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Generation Officer of Constellation. “As demand for skilled workers continues to grow, access to reliable transportation helps ensure more individuals can enter the workforce and stay on the job.”


To learn more about HIRE360, visit: https://hire360chicago.com.


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