360-Degree Vision For HIRE360’s New Training and Business Development Center
October 1, 2024
Groundbreaking facility opens doors to careers and business opportunities for underrepresented communities in the Union Trades, clean energy, more
CHICAGO — Edgar Vallejo had a plan for higher education after graduating high school — to study aviation maintenance at Lewis University. With discipline and hard work, he graduated with his Bachelor’s degree and was excited to start his career. Unfortunately, like so many of us, the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted his future. Unable to find work in the aviation maintenance field, he spent a little over a year at FedEx, but never lost sight of wanting more for himself.
An advertisement from HIRE360 stirred his interest. It offers Pre-Apprenticeship programs to equip participants with the skills needed for high-demand careers in the Union construction trades, and clean energy. It’s also home to more than 190 diverse contractors, offering essential workspace, storage solutions and business development support to help them thrive in a competitive industry.
With HIRE360’s support, Vallejo is now a proud 4th year Apprentice at the Lisle-based Carpenters Local 1889.
As a successful participant of HIRE360’s Pre-Apprenticeship program, Vallejo was invited to speak at the Sept. 26 groundbreaking Training and Business Development Center, 2540 S. State St., Chicago, which is designed to reshape workforce diversity in Chicago’s Union construction and Trades industries.
The groundbreaking event also featured remarks by Gov. JB Pritzker, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton, along with other lawmakers.
“Coming to HIRE360 changed everything for me,” Vallejo told guests at the groundbreaking. HIRE360 evolved from an initiative piloted by United Way of Metro Chicago, the Chicago Federation of Labor, the Chicago & Cook County Building & Construction Trades Council, and CISCO to create career pathways in construction, hospitality, and other industries.
Gov. JB Pritzker said HIRE360 is giving Illinois workers and businesses the opportunities they need to compete in the economy of tomorrow. “HIRE360 is doing so with a focus on underrepresented populations who have been left behind for far, far too long. For our workers, this means a path to good-paying Union jobs, that offer them a better life.” Pritzker added that Illinois’ future is being built within HIRE360’s walls.
The governor stressed that since he took office, the state has been moving towards a shared vision for “an inclusive future for Illinois’ economy,” and where growth and development aren’t leaving people behind, but instead, are launching people ahead. The investment in this shared vision is coming from Pre-Apprentice and Apprenticeship programs, advance manufacturing training academies, community colleges, city colleges and technical schools across the state. Because of these investments, Illinois grew to No. 1 in the Midwest for workforce development and Illinois’ inclusive business development ecosystem is breaking down systemic barriers to entry and providing growth for minority and women-owned small businesses.
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson said HIRE360 is a part of the ongoing struggle for true liberation for Chicago workers, which includes black and brown folks. “HIRE360 fulfills the critical need in our community by increasing participation in underserved communities in both entrepreneurship and Union careers,” Johnson said.
HIRE360 Executive Director Jay Rowell pointed out this new Training Center will do more than train individuals for the Union trades workforce, it will also provide free warehouse space to diverse supply firms HIRE360 is creating. “We are scaling up to house the nearly 200 diverse contractors with unique supports tailored to each business – like working capital, bonding, insurance and more,” Rowell explained. “This is all a direct pathway for underserved communities to access stable, good-paying careers where workers have a voice.”
Inside HIRE360’s new Training Center will also be Illinois’ IBEW Renewable Energy Fund, preparing workers for Chicago’s expanding solar sector through its community-based solar training program. The Chicago Federation of Labor Workforce and Community Initiative will provide access to the federal workforce system and specific incentives from the state of Illinois to encourage contractors to help hire new Apprentices. HIRE360 is also looking to expand its partnership with SEIU Local 73 and its childcare Apprenticeship programs, and to build on its existing recruitment efforts with UniteHere Local 1 by housing its culinary programs.
“Partnerships are at the heart of our work, as evidenced by this amazing training facility and how it came to life,” Rowell explained.
