Another Successful CISCO Trades Fair Allows Hundreds of Individuals to See College Isn’t the Only Choice
July, 26 2024
See more photos from CISCO’s Trades Fair HERE
When Roberto Garcia worked for a traffic control company, he enjoyed his work, but was unhappy when he found himself stuck in the same position. “I wanted to do something different but the company I was working for, they kept you in the same place,” he explained.
After eight years, Garcia decided he needed to move on and find a better career path, which led him to Lewis University in Romeoville where he is currently enrolled in its General Construction Pre-Apprenticeship Program. It’s a tuition-free opportunity for Illinois residents, which prioritize women, people of color and veterans – funded by a state grant and collaborates with various community organizations to provide comprehensive pre-Apprenticeship training.
He’ll soon start CDL classes, which prompted a conversation with representatives of Teamsters Joint Council 25, which greeted participants outside as they come to CISCO’s 3rd Annual Union Construction Trades Fair on July 19, held at the Chicago-based IBEW 134.
“I was most interested in talking with the Teamsters because I know their drivers need CDL’s,” Garcia said.
He was also grateful for the backpack CISCO gave away, which was filled with school supplies. “There’s a lot of stuff in here, thank you so much!” he said. He immediately used it to hold all the literature he’d received from various vendors. His current book bag, which he wore around his shoulder, was small and beat up. Garcia gets around on a motorcycle. His bag is strapped to the back of his bike. “A few days ago, the strap broke and I dropped the bag in the street. It got all dirty and scuffed up, so I really needed his new one,” he said with a smile.
Garcia was part of a large group of Lewis University students enrolled in General Construction Pre-Apprenticeship classes who traveled from Will County by bus to participate in CISCO’S 3rd Annual Union Construction Trades Fair. The Fair gave participants the opportunity to talk with Union representatives about their various Apprenticeship programs and the benefits of a career in the Union construction trades. As its done in the past, CISCO gave away backpacks filled with school supplies.
Before boarding the bus to return to Will county, the large group of Lewis University took a group photo in front of the Ozinga concrete truck with CISCO Executive Director Dan Allen and Education-to-Careers Director Jamillah Muhammad, who both encouraged the students to continue their Union construction path.
With about 27 different Union building trades to choose from, Muhammad advised the students to find out the work required for each one – as a way to gauge what they like, and more importantly – what they DON’T like.
“Some of you may find you don’t like heights, or working with electricity, or confined spaces. That’s alright. It’s better to find that out now and pick a Trade that suites you,” she explained. Allen added Unions are about being part of a team. “We’re about building a Brotherhood and Sisterhood, and having a career for life, and a pension and health insurance,” he said.
The Lewis University group was one of many groups that attended the 3rd Annual Union Construction Trades Fair to learn more about Unions and Apprenticeship requirements.
Metropolitan Family Services Financial Coach Hannah Fernandez had a small group of participants she brought with her so they could learn about alternatives to college.
“The kids are really excited to be here,” Fernandez said, explaining that one of her participants really liked IUOE Local 150‘s Vortex simulator. “We had no idea they are using these to teach students. It’s a great idea and taps into what holds kids’ attention,” she added.
Local 150’s Vortex simulator allows teaching on various Earth-moving machines, like an excavator. These Simulators give new operators more confidence because they can concentrate on mastering a new skill without the fear of getting hurt or damaging equipment.
Local 150 was one of many Unions at the Trades Fair that had hands-on booths, giving participants an opportunity to actually perform the work of a Union member. Other hands-on Unions were IBEW Local 134, BAC ADC 1, Cement Masons Local 501 and Painters District Council 14.
Mary Crayton came to CISCO’s Trades Fair after learning about it at her church – Trinity United Church of Christ. Even though she was in the Labor movement for 38 years, she had never been to a Union Trades Fair and was impressed with what she witnessed. “This has exceeded my expectations. There are so many young people here to learn about the Unions. I’ve had a wonderful career in the Labor movement and hope this can inspire our next generation,” Crayton added.
She retired from the national AFL-CIO in 2008, but has also worked for the Communications Workers of America (CWA) and Service Employees International Union (SEIU). A chance encounter with Muhammad inspired Crayton to invite her to speak to Crayton’s pastor. “It took a while for everyone to connect, but the meeting was so productive and prompted some of our congregation to be here today,” Crayton explained.
As a school counselor at the Robbins-based Thomas J. Keller Middle School, Taryn Giddings has been keeping her students aware of career paths they may not have heard of. “The students are used to knowing what a Dr. is, or a lawyer, but there are so many successful careers out there, I want the students to be aware that there are MANY things they can aspire to be,” Giddings said. In the past, she’s had an IBEW worker talk to students, along with a stenographer, an American Sign Language interpreter and a representative from the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago.
With a love for learning and career advancement, Giddings would love to see parents getting involved and educated on options available to their children. “These Union Trade jobs are a great option for many of our parents and they need to know about it – just as much as our students do,” she explained.
CISCO thanks ALL our sponsors and vendors who are as passionate as we are about education our young people about the endless possibilities in the Union building construction trades!
