Skills for Chicago is a job placement organization committed to creating pathways to success through equitable employment opportunities.  They do this by connecting underrepresented job seekers to employers with opportunities across industries.  To apply for one of the current job they post weekly on their Job Board, simply create an account and submit your resume.

Jane Addams Resource Corp (JARC) offers FREE Career Training in CNC, Welding, Mechanical Assembly and more!  JARC offers training at two locations in Chicago -- Austin (4501 W Augusta Blvd) and Ravenswood (4222 N Ravenswood Ave).  JARC generally enrolls trainees on a rolling basis, so visit their website to get started!  

Growing Home is a USDA-Certified Organic urban farm, workforce development center and non-profit social enterprise in the Englewood neighborhood of Chicago.  Growing Home offers two workforce development programs:  12-week paid training program in urban agriculture  and 12-week paid Information Technology (IT) Essentials Training Program.

The Greater Opportunities Pharmacy Technician Training Program is an accelerated 4-week program with 40 hours of instruction and hands on learning.  There is the option to participate fully in person or a hybrid model.  This program prepares students for national certification and entry-level employment.  Interested candidates should complete this Interest Form.  

STEMWorks guides you step-by-step through industry certification and job placement, providing ongoing help for career success. Training locations near you are the South Loop at 1132 S. Wabash Ave., Suite 400 in Chicago, and the western suburbs held in Maywood, Illinois. 

If you live in the Chicagoland area, are between the ages of 17 and 24, and are seeking a well-paying career, join STEMWorks to launch your career in STEM! Contact STEMWorks Outreach & Recruitment at (312) 372-4872 or fill out this Interest Form.

Impact Culinary is a 12-week, no-cost training program for young adults ages 18-24 ​on Chicago's West Side. 

The Career Pathways website allows you to explore high growth career fields in tech, healthcare, retail, culinary and many others through hands-on training.  All programs are 2 years or less – often much less! Many programs are reduced cost, free, or even offer paid training.

Rebuilding Exchange offers construction workforce training programs for career readiness.  They offer paid transitional employment and hands-on experience to foster skills.

Accelerate U is a job-first higher education model offering affordable short-term certification programs in 4 high demand careers:  Medical Assistant, Registered Behavior Technician, CISCO Certified Network Associate, and IT Support Specialist.  

Paul Simon Job Corps offers an on-the-job experience designed to get you workforce-ready in one of 8 careers:  Bricklayer, Carpentry, Painting, Nurse Assistant, Pharmacy Tech, Security, Computer Technician, and Distributions.  Job Corps FAQ.

Southwest Airlines is frequently hiring numerous entry-level positions, particularly for their Airport Operations team -- like Ramp Agents, Customer Service Agents, Operations Agents, and other positions.  Click here to receive important updates and notifications about future application openings. If you are offered an interview, it's strongly recommended that you reach out to your Alumni Coordinator or AfterGraduationHelp@cps.edu for support preparing for your interview.