3rd Breaking Boundaries Event Set For Wednesday , October 3, 2018

The third in a series of events called Breaking Boundaries, that explores the personal and financial benefits of women moving into nontraditional fields, will be held from 6 – 8 p.m. on Wednesday, October 3, at Lake Park High School’s West Campus – 500 W. Bryn Mawr Ave. in Roselle, Illinois.

This installment will feature keynote speaker Kayleen McCabe of the DIY Network’s Rescue Renovation followed by an Employer & Career Path Showcase.  To register for this event, click here, or call 630.955.2030

CISCO and Building Trades Attend St. Leonard’s Career Fair

St. Leonard’s Ministries, located in Chicago’s West Side, held a Construction Skills Training Program & Career Fair recently that enabled residents to gain information about careers in the union building trades.

Apprenticeship Coordinators and instructors from the Bricklayers, Carpenters, Electricians, Laborers, Painters and Decorators, and Roofers provided information to residents on what is required, and how to be successful when applying into one of these apprenticeship programs.

The Career Fair was a helpful supplement to St. Leonard’s Construction Skills Program, which goes beyond career readiness and includes basic and advanced training skills in carpentry, plumbing, and electrical areas, as well as math curriculum.  For more pictures, click here.

CISCO Enjoys Another Successful Outing – Raises Nearly $3,000 for Charity

CISCO’s Annual Golf Outing was another big hit as the previous week’s rain moved out and delivered perfect weather, and the icing on the cake was a full house of golfers, who not only had fun, but generously contributed nearly $3,000 to the designated charity – Gateway to Learning – a special education and training center that provides services for individuals with intellectual disabilities.

As the photos above show, there was plenty of fun on the course, and numerous raffle prizes after lunch.  To view more outing pictures, just click here.

ACE Amandla Charter High School Seeking To Fill Two Positions

CAREER PATHWAY LIAISON

ACE Amandla Charter High School is seeking a dedicated leader to serve as the Career Pathway Liaison in the College and Career Department.  This position requires a professional who understands and sees the benefits of a career in architecture, engineering, construction management and the apprenticeable trades.  ACE is seeking an individual that collaborates well with others and can manage both details and relationships.

To read the job description, qualifications required and other details about the position, click here.

BUILDING TRADES TEACHER

ACE Amandla Charter High School is also looking fill the position of Building Trades Teacher. ACE Amandla is a new school on the south side of Chicago that invites energetic and committed educators to apply to the position of Founding Teacher.  ACE is looking for individuals who possess outstanding instructional and analytical skills and who are collaborative, creative and willing to give 100% to co-create a school that is truly unique and transformational for students.

To read the job description, qualifications required and other details about the position, click here.

More Than 100 Residents Attend Hazel Crest Skilled Career Fair

More than 100 Hazel Crest residents flocked to its Municipal Center to meet apprenticeship coordinators and instructors at an informational career fair jointly conducted by CISCO and the Village of Hazel Crest.

In the photo above, CISCO’s Director of Education-to-Careers Johnetta Ryan greets Hazel Crest Mayor Vernard Alsberry Jr. (left) and Police Chief Mitchell Davis.

The following photos are a small sample that demonstrate how residents met with building trades representatives to learn more about the trades.   To view a video produced of the event, click here.

To view more photos, click here.

Hands-On Expo With CHA Residents Draws Two Days of Big Turnout

Back-to-back days with CHA residents drew about 250 participants as CISCO, the Chicago & Cook County Building Trades and the Chicago Housing Authority recently held its third overall Hands-On Expo at the Chicago Regional Council of Carpenters satellite Apprenticeship & Training Center in Chicago; as part of a unique Project Labor Agreement designed to recruit CHA residents into the building trades’ apprenticeship programs.

Last year, the three organizations partnered with two separate events last summer and saw a total of 400 residents come through the doors.  Last week’s two-day event saw 12 trade representatives set up to show residents some of their common everyday tools and tasks and let residents get a feel for the work.

The following photos are just a small sample of how the residents interacted and learned about the various trades.

To view more pictures from both days, click here.

DuPage County Apprenticeship Expo – Huge Success

More than 200 participants attended the recent Hands On Fair coordinated by PowerForward DuPage and CISCO and hosted by the DuPage County Building Trades at the IBEW Local 701 Hall in Warrenville.

Sixteen (16) different building trades were on hand to educate students, parents and adults about a career in the union construction industry.  A parent who participated wrote in a post-event survey: “I enjoyed learning about the different trades, but mostly appreciated the real life advice given by people who do each trade for a living. My son left with a few really good ideas of what he wants to pursue for his future.”

Two videos were produced to capture the event: 1) Naperville Community Television (NCTV) – to view, click here. 2) Western DuPage Chamber of Commerce – to view, click here. In addition to the photos below, more pictures from the event can be viewed by clicking here.

CISCO presents at Illinois State Apprenticeship Committee Conference

CISCO’s Executive Director Dan Allen and Director of Education-To-Careers Johnetta Ryan (photo above) attended and both presented at the recent ISAC Conference in Peoria.  With CISCO celebrating it’s 30th anniversary, the presentation highlighted much of what has meant to the union construction industry, as well as one of its primary focal points – making students and young adults aware of a career in the union construction industry by promoting the apprenticeship programs offered by the building trades.

In addition, several break-out sessions were offered to participants at the conference.  Pictured here is University of Illinois Professor Bob Bruno speaking to attendees about prevailing wage and collective bargaining.

CISCO Scholarship Recipients Receive Awards at Annual Luncheon

The winners of CISCO’s 2018 Scholarship Program were recently honored during CISCO’s Annual Luncheon on May 4, 2018.  Pictured above (from left) are: CISCO Board President Maurice King, Sophia Lopez, Christian Sifuentes, Alexia Kubas and John “Jack” Bibbiano.  Pictured separately below is award winner Gabrielle McDermott with King and CISCO Executive Director Dan Allen.

Four-year scholarship winners:

1) Alexia Kubas – Lincoln-Way East High School – Alexia’s father is employed by Larmco Masonry in Lynwood, Illinois, and is a member of BAC Local 21.

2) John “Jack” Bibbiano – Stagg High School – John’s father is a member of IBEW Local 134; and

3) Sophia Lopez – Whitney Young High School – Sophia’s father is a member of the Carpenters Local 13.

Two-year scholarship winners:

1) Gabrielle McDermott – Tri-Point High School – Gabrielle’s father is a member of IUOE Local 150 Operating Engineers; and

2) Christian Sifuentes – Waubonsie Valley High School – Christian’s father is a member of the Sprinkler Fitters, Local 281.

CISCO/Housing Authority of Cook County Hold First Ever Hands-On Fair

CISCO and the Housing Authority of Cook County (HACC) worked together to organize its first joint Hands-On Fair in Chicago Heights at the Park District’s Rec Center.  Around 80 HACC residents took advantage as 12 different building trades set up booth displays for people to learn about what it takes to apply to one of the union apprenticeship programs.

Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle was on hand to greet residents, as well as Ralph Affrunti, President of the Chicago & Cook County Building Trades Council.

Left photos: (From top to bottom) 1)Adam Sutter, Admissions Director for the Pipefitters Local 597 Apprenticeship Program talks to a HACC resident. 2) Operating Engineers Local 150 Recruiter Daphne Jackson helps a resident with a computer simulator, and 3) President Preckwinkle tries her hand at smoothing out cement at the Cement Masons Local 502 booth as members Mike Murtaugh (left) and Joe Malia look on.   To view additional photos from the event, click here.

“Right To Work” (For Less) Is WRONG And It Hurts Working Families!

“Right to Work” is a false phrase – a misunderstanding-by-design piece of legislation that is intended to cripple labor-advocating unions but more specifically, harm workers by shrinking workplace wages, reducing and even eliminating benefits, diminishing job site safety, and stripping the ability of workers to collectively improve their workplaces.  To learn more about the devastating effects of Right To Work (for less) legislation, click here.

CISCO Scholarship Program Launches – Application Deadline: Feb. 22, 2019 

CISCO is now accepting applications for its 2019 Scholarship Program.  The three different categories enable a wider range of students of both union building trade members and union contractor employees to apply.

CISCO offers (3), four-year scholarships to high school seniors; (2), two-year awards for seniors planning on attending a community college; and (2), two-year continuing education awards to union members or contractor employees.

All applications and accompanying documents must be postmarked by February 22, 2019.  For more details, click here.  To download the applications, click on the following category options: 1) Four-Year for Seniors; 2) Two-Year Community College for Seniors; 3) Two-Year Continuing Education.

IMSCA Legislators of the Year Event – September 27, 2018

IMSCA, the Illinois Mechanical & Specialty Contractors Association, will hold its Legislators of the Year event on Thursday, Sept. 27, 2018 from 6:30-8:30 pm at Carnivale, 702 W. Fulton in Chicago.  The deadline to register for IMSCA’s Legislators of the Year event is drawing near.  You must contact IMSCA by Thursday, September 20th to attend. 

IMSCA will honor Illinois Senator John Mulroe and House Assistant Majority Leader Luis Arroyo for their work in passing SB 3052.  Again, the deadline to register is September 20th. If you are interested in attending, send an email to jnewbold@boldnewstrat.com.  For more information about the event and to see the promotional flyer, click here.

Chicago Builds Trade Program Added to Prosser High School

The two-year-old Chicago Builds Trade Program has added a second location – at Prosser Career Academy High School on the city’s northwest side.  The announcement was made at a press conference today at the high school as Mayor Rahm Emanuel took to the podium in front of labor leaders, building trades representatives, students, teachers and elected officials.

Chicago Builds focuses on teaching students skills in General Construction, Carpentry, Electricity, Welding and Heating/Cooling (HVAC).  The program is a two-year construction training program for 11th and 12th grade CPS students who are interested in pursuing a career in the union construction fields.

IBEW Local # 9 Holds Grand Opening for New Facility

IBEW Local #9 unveiled its new facility in University Park yesterday as IBEW International President Lonnie R. Stephenson (second from right) was the keynote speaker. Also pictured from left are: Local 9 Business Rep John Burkard; Scott Becker, President, John Burns Construction; and Nick Burkard, retired Local 9 Business Manager.

The theme of the Grand Opening was “Educating the Workforce of Tomorrow.” The event highlighted the programs and services Local 9 provides to allow it to tackle tomorrow by training today. After the ceremony, a behind-the-scenes tour of the facilities was provided. In May, the new facility was recognized with the Chicago Building Congress’ 2018 Merit Award.

National Labor-Management Conference – 3 Day Success

The Federal Mediation & Conciliation Service’s (FMCS) bi-annual conference was held recently at the Hilton Chicago Hotel.  The theme of the conference was Solutions for Today.  Vision for Tomorrow.   

During the opening general attendance session, Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel greeted the audience (see left photo) and was followed by Chicago Federation of Labor President Bob Reiter, Jr. (see photo above) and Kate Shindle, President of the Actors’ Equity Association.  Each of the speakers spoke about the importance of building strong labor-management relationships, and how it contributes to increased competitiveness, job growth and enhanced well-being for both businesses and workers.

St. Paul Church/CISCO Construction Expo – “Bridge To The Next Step”

Calling the St. Paul/CISCO initiative the “bridge to the next step,” CISCO Executive Director Dan Allen said that St. Paul’s career readiness program, which began 5 years ago, has brought many opportunities to those willing to do the hard work necessary for a career in the construction industry. 

The recent hands-on expo at St. Paul drew about 150 participants at the Wabash Avenue Church as 15 different building trades were present to give attendees a chance to learn first-hand what it takes to become an electrician, carpenter, bricklayer, pipefitter or other various union building trades careers.

Below are several pictures, and to view more, just click here.

St. Sabina/CISCO Co-Host First Hands-On Expo

CISCO and St. Sabina Church recently joined forces on its first ever Construction Expo at St. Sabina Church in Chicago.

Instructors, apprenticeship coordinators and other representatives from the Electricians Local 134, Carpenters, Pipefitters Local 597, Bricklayers, Painters, Laborers, Elevator Constructors, Ceramic Tile, Tuckpointers, Heat & Frost Insulators Local 17 and the Operating Engineers Local 150 were on hand.

To view more pictures of the Expo, click here.

Panel Discusses Economic Impact of Apprenticeships  

A panel, led by Congressman Bill Foster (D-11th) addressed the workforce opportunities and challenges we can expect in the coming years and how best to remain a global leader specific to construction apprenticeships and manufacturing.  The forum, titled “Future of Work & The Economic Impact of Apprenticeships” was held recently at the IBEW Local 701 Auditorium in Warrenville.

The panel consisted of (see photo above, from left) Dr. Robert Bruno, Director of Labor Education at the University of Illinois; CISCO Executive Director Dan Allen, Congressman Foster; Joe Riley, DuPage County Building Trades President; and IBEW Local 701 Training Director Hank Zurawski.  Not pictured was David Riojas from the International Society of Auotomation. 

Above: CISCO Executive Director Dan Allen makes a point, while Congressman Foster listens.  To view more pictures of the workshop, click here.

MARBA Releases Latest Negotiations Update

Several local area labor unions reached tentative agreements with the Mid-America Regional Bargaining Association (MARBA) this past month including the Automobile Mechanics Local 701; Electricians Local 117, 150 and 461; Roofers & Waterproofers Local 11; Glaziers Local 27 and Iron Workers Local 63. 

To view their respective wage packages and the status of other pending agreements with MARBA, click here.

IBEW Local 134 Unveils New Union Hall

IBEW Local 134 recently held a Grand Opening Ceremony of its new Union Hall on 2722 South King Drive in Chicago.  The program included a dedication to the Brothers and Sisters of the local who have lost their lives in on the job accidents.

Master of Ceremonies Business Manager Don Finn opened with remarks about the fallen members and was followed by other guest speakers including 4th Ward Alderman Sophia King (pictured at left), Gubernatorial Candidate JB Pritzker, Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel and IBEW International President Lonnie Stephenson.

Pictured below from left are Local 134 Business Manager Don Finn, Congressman Bobby Rush, Mayor Rahm Emanuel and IBEW International President Lonnie Stephenson.

Labor Leaders Receive Awards During United Way “Celebration 2018” Event

The United Way recently honored several individuals with leadership awards at its  “Celebration 2018” event at Chicago’s Marriott Marquis Hotel.  Among the honorees was Jorge Ramirez, President of the Chicago Federation of Labor, who received the Community leadership award.  Presenting the award to President Ramirez is Michael Sacks, CEO of GCM Grosvenor Capital Management.  Note:  Ramirez recently announced he was leaving CFL to accept a position at GCM Grosvenor, and Bob Reiter was recently appointed as Jorge’s successor.

Also honored was IBEW Local 134 as the top Labor contributor to the United Way.  Don Finn, Business Manager for IBEW Local 134, accepted the award on behalf of the union.  Pictured here, Finn accepts the award from United Way Campaign Cabinet Chair Robert Sullivan.

CISCO’s 30th Annual Luncheon Draws Rave Reviews

As more than 300 guests gathered for CISCO’s 30th Annual Luncheon at Maggiano’s Little Italy in Chicago to hear what the labor-management organization’s impact has been on the union construction industry, Illinois’ Speaker of the House Michael J. Madigan affirmed one of CISCO’s main mission points.

In his remarks he said, “Everyone in this room has devoted much of their lives to raising wages and their standard of living.  And while the Governor has advocated an agenda that works in the opposite direction, I have stood against that agenda.”

“Here in Illinois, people want equality of opportunity throughout the workplace, go to their job and provide for themselves, their family and their children.”

Speaker Madigan accepted the Labor Advocate of the Year Award, which was preceded by presentations to Educator of the Year Steve Schmidt, Instructor at Lake County High School Technology Campus and to the Chicago Housing Authority for Public Body of the Year.  Pictured above (from left) are: CISCO Board President Maurice King, Speaker Michael Madigan, CHA’s Jose Alvarez, and Steve Schmidt.

In addition, five students were awarded scholarships as part of CISCO’s annual program (see story in left column.  To view more pictures of the event, click here.

Apprenticeship Opportunities

Pre-Apprentice – Concrete Form Builder – Carpentry Training

Effective Tuesday, September 18, 2018, applications for future Pre-Apprentice “Concrete Form Builder” carpentry training classes will be accepted at the Apprentice Program Office, 1256 Estes Ave., Elk Grove Village, IL, Monday through Friday, 9:30 am to 4:00 pm.

Each candidate MUST PRESENT the following required items at the Apprentice Program Office (see address above) between the hours of 9:30 am and 4:00 pm, Monday through Friday up until and no later than Thursday, October 18, 2018.

1. Letter of recommendation on a Local Union letterhead, signed by an officer;
2. Must have attained the age of 17 (Driver’s License or State I.D. Card required);
3. Copy of High School Diploma or, High School Transcripts (must have official school seal – 8 credits minimum), or copy of G.E.D. certificate;
4. Copy of Social Security Card or a receipt showing duplicate card has been applied for;
5. Veterans – Form DD214 copy;
6. A $25.00 “Non-Refundable” Application Processing Fee (MONEY ORDERS & CASHIERS CHECK ONLY) – NO CASH.

All (6) above-listed requirements MUST BE submitted at the time of filing or candidate will NOT be permitted to file an application.

IBEW Local Union 461 – Residential Electrician

Applications will be taken during the months of July (excluding the 4th), August and September 2018 on WEDNESDAYS ONLY from 8:00 am until 4:00 pm at IBEW Local 461 Apprenticeship Office – 591 Sullivan Road, Suite 200, Aurora, IL 60506.

Basic Requirements:

1. You must be a minimum of 17 years of age at the time of application and must be a minimum of 18 at the time of selection and indenture.