Founded by tradeswomen in 1981, Chicago Women in Trades (CWIT) exists to improve women’s economic equity by increasing their participation in high-skill, blue-collar occupations. Originally established as a support network, CWIT addresses the barriers that prohibit women and girls from entering and succeeding in male-dominated industries by creating opportunities and promoting equitable workplaces and conditions. Chicago Women in Trades provides women the opportunity to learn about, prepare for, enter, and advance in construction and other high wage, non-traditional careers.

The Red and Purple Modernization (RPM) Phase One Project will create construction and other project-related jobs, as well as opportunities for Chicago small businesses to participate in this historic transit modernization project. This page provides updates on upcoming and past events, and ways to stay in touch with us.

O'Hare and Midway International Airports are the prime drivers of economic development in the area. The Chicago Department of Aviation website provides easy access to job opportunities with businesses and organizations that operate at and around O'Hare and Midway International Airports. The department regularly hosts Community Career and Vendor Fairs for more information about careers at Chicago’s airport.

The Construction Industry Service Corporation (CISCO) is a non-profit labor management association. CISCO was founded in 1988 in an effort to bring union construction labor and management representatives together to work cooperatively in order to better the construction industry as a whole. It is the primary mission of CISCO to strengthen the unionized construction market in the greater Chicago Metropolitan area. Build Your Future with a Career in Construction provides an overview of over 24 unionized apprenticeship programs, basic requirements for entry and contact information.

Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership (The Partnership) funds a variety of workforce agencies serving as a comprehensive employment and training resource for employers, jobseekers of all ages, TANF recipients, veterans, and youth throughout the Chicagoland region. Through The Partnership’s network of more than 50 workforce agencies, we are connecting jobseekers with skills needed to secure sustainable employment, and we are connecting employers with a trained and ready workforce.

Through localized mentorship, direct investment and specialized services, HIRE360 will strengthen the participation of underrepresented populations in the Chicago area — with a special focus on engaging youth to consider the trades as a viable and inspiring career path, mentoring and growing Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) and Women Business Enterprise (WBE) firms and creating a supply chain of partners that are accountable to higher participation standards.

Federal approved apprenticeship training programs come at no cost to the veteran.

No prior experience required. The three to five year apprenticeship programs teaches you everything you need to work in a specialized skilled craft. Because these are federally approved programs, you can use your Montgomery G.I. Bill benefits to supplement your income.

In 2019, HACIA launched HACIA University (HACIA U), which provides training for construction industry professionals to broaden their skills, earn certifications, build their networks and increase their career opportunities. Construction professionals can browse through a catalog of available courses or training programs that fit their needs. Though HACIA U, we have helped open doors of opportunity for thousands of professionals and we continue to expand educational offerings. We strive to reach more people and create a real sustainable change in our industry.

Business, Employment & Training (B.E.T.) Initiative Our B.E.T. initiative creates a work force that is experienced and prepared. This is achieved by developing personality-based strengths into job-specific skills. We target the following core skillsets and traits: Trades and Skills, with a focus on detail while being able to follow directives. Organizational Skills, including excellent listening skills, with the ability to properly manage constructive criticism. Kind Character and Enthusiasm, supporting an earnest desire to be helpful in a team environment.