Mayor Brandon Johnson stood together with the Department of Streets and Sanitation (DSS), Chicago Public Schools (CPS), and Laborers’ Local 1001 to mark a milestone for 70 recent CPS graduates. These students are now finishing their inaugural training in the DSS Laborers Trainee Program, as detailed in a press release on the City of Chicago's official website. This initiative aligns with Johnson's efforts to boost employment among the city's youth.
"Creating opportunities for young people to gain meaningful employment is at the center of my administration’s commitment to create an environment where every young Chicagoan can grow and thrive," Mayor Johnson was quoted saying. The program is designed not only to provide immediate training but also to seamlessly integrate these young adults into city employment, should they choose to bid on positions after completing the program.
Spanning two weeks, the training is conducted at the Laborers’ Training Center located in the Austin neighborhood. Upon completion, participants are given the chance to work with DSS, picking up essential on-the-job skills and experiences. Jim Connolly, Business Manager of LIUNA Chicago Laborers’ District Council, expressed his gratitude towards Mayor Johnson for backing city workers and unions, emphasizing the importance of aiding young residents in finding public sector careers.
Linking educational settings to the working world, CPS CEO Pedro Martinez underscored the program's practical learning approach for the students: "We know that most students learn by doing and this is another opportunity for students to learn important job skills and contribute to our City." The program's success is not only gauged by the skills imparted but also by its potential to welcome trainees as union members, thereby opening doors to full-time positions at Streets and Sanitation, DSS Commissioner Cole Stallard told the public.
Finally, this initiative is part of a larger picture, the Mayor’s Youth Employment Initiative, which targets the integration of more young Chicagoans into the workforce. This particular program reinforces Mayor Johnson’s commitment to developing sustainable, well-paying union jobs. In conjunction with the upcoming “Chicago Workers’ Rights Week,” this event highlights the administration's broader aim to keep the public informed about labor laws and workers' rights, as new policies are set to take effect at the beginning of July. For more information on these changes and for resources, the City of Chicago encourages visits to the Labor Standards webpage.
