News and Events2022-11-04T20:04:34+00:00

CCDI Chicago Saturday Academy

We closed out February with the launch of our first Construction Career Development Initiative (CCDI) Saturday Academy. We discussed construction careers and what it takes to enter and be successful in the industry. Alderwoman Mitts and guest speaker Herman Pride of Complete Mechanical addressed the group as well. Big thanks to all those who helped organize the event!

March 2nd, 2020|

Chicago CRED Lunch

CCDI Chicago had the opportunity to meet with several young men from the Chicago CRED organization. CRED is a multifaceted program with the mission of reducing gun violence. To create lasting change they work directly with individuals and with the communities where gun violence is most concentrated. Through Street Outreach, Coaching & Counseling, Workforce Development, and Advocacy & Prevention they lift young men and women, and rally neighborhoods to dramatically rewrite the story of gun violence in Chicago. CCDI Chicago was happy to talk with them about the career opportunities the construction industry for their workforce development.
February 20th, 2020|

CCDI Chicago partners with HIRE360

CCDI Chicago is excited to be working with HIRE360 Chicago. HIRE360’s mission is to strengthen the workforce participation of underrepresented populations in the Chicago area — with a special focus on engaging youth and mentoring and growing (MBE) and (WBE) firms. CCDI Chicago is partnering with their initiative by using our program’s mentorship to help guide the individuals they introduce into the construction industry. #buildthefoundationforchange #community #inclusion

January 30th, 2020|

CCDI Chicago Mentor Appreciation

CCDI Chicago kicked off the new year with a mentor appreciation event and basketball game outing! We hosted a pre-game reception to acknowledge the work of staff and students helping at risk youth learn about careers in construction before attending the Wednesday night Bulls game.

January 15th, 2020|

Pride Roc Laborers Training Center Tour

Pride Roc, a community based organization, was hosted by the Laborers Union, Kori Jamison, and myself to discuss duties of a Laborer, requirements for joining the union, and toured the Laborers training center. Pride ROC was founded in direct response to the violence, poverty, and despair turning some of the city’s communities into war zones. They brought a group of 5 young men ranging in age from 19-25 who were excited about all the construction industry has to offer after our tour. The group was focused on immediate employment.

August 14th, 2019|

Pride Roc Center Visit

Kori Jamison and I visited the Pride Roc Center located at 69th and Halsted. Their facility had work out spaces, meditation, multimedia, music production, and a dining space. We met at length with group leadership to discuss a variety of ideas that would help their participants enter into the construction workforce, everything from establishing a construction company, material supply company, renovating local homes and businesses, entering a union apprentice or pre-apprentice program.

Kori Jamison and I visited the program run by Harold Davis which renovates school auditoriums (with students) through contracts with Chicago Public Schools. The group contained sophomores, juniors, seniors, and graduates. We spoke at length about the opportunities in construction, the various trade groups and their apprentice programs. Several students were interested in pursuing a career in the trade

August 8th, 2019|