CISCO in the Loop Newsletters

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Apprenticeship Opportunities

 

Posted Tuesday, June 17, 2025
The Aurora-based IBEW Local 461 is accepting Apprentice Training applications in July, August and September, 2025, on Wednesdays ONLY, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., at its Training Facility, 591 Sullivan Rd., Suite 200, in Aurora. See details below. Apprenticeship Opportunity

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Posted Tuesday, March 11, 2025
The Chicagoland Roofer’s Joint Apprenticeship and Training Program is accepting Apprenticeship applications online. See details below.

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Posted Tuesday, December 10, 2024
Boilermakers Local 1 accepts Apprenticeship applications ALL year, on the 3rd Thursday of every month – so stop in every month and apply! See details below.

Boilermakers Local 1 Apprenticeship Opportunity

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Posted Thursday, October 3, 2024

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT FROM IUOE Local 150: We are sharing news that the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 150 has decided not to open applications for the Heavy Equipment Operator Apprenticeship program for the 2024-2025 term. Local 150 carefully monitors projects and man-hours. Given the shift in manpower requirements on the heavy highway side of our union, which is directly linked to the loss of natural gas pipe replacements for Nicor and Peoples Gas, along with the current restrictions on spending for grid improvements, we are being cautious right now. We also are sharing news that for those who applied to the Heavy Equipment Operator Apprenticeship program last year, your application will remain active this year. However, please note that the applications for our other three year-round apprenticeship programs remain open: Heavy Equipment Technician Construction Building Inspector, GeoThermal and Water Well Driller. We encourage interested candidates to consider these alternative pathways, which offer equally rewarding and challenging career opportunities. Each program provides comprehensive training, hands-on experience, and the chance to work alongside seasoned professionals in the field. Thank you for your understanding and continued interest in the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 150.

IUOE Local 150 Apprenticeship Opportunity

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Posted Sunday, September 8, 2024
Ironworkers Local 63 accepts Apprenticeship applications ALL year, so stop in anytime! Become an Apprentice in either its Building Program or Fence Program. Learn more HERE. See details below.

Ironworkers 63 Apprenticeship Opportunity

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Posted Wednesday, March 27, 2024
Pipefitters Local 597 accepts Apprenticeship applications for its program on 1st Wednesdays of EVERY month, so stop by year-round! Reserve your time slot HERE. See details below.

597 Apprenticeship Opportunity

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Posted Wednesday, December 29, 2023
The Berkely-based Finishing Trades Institute of DC 14 Commercial Painters, Industrial Painters and Drywall Finishers accept year-round applications. Click HERE to sign up and learn more. See details below.

Finishing Trades Apprenticeship
Finishing Trades Apprenticeship

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Posted Wednesday, March 15, 2023
For more information on this program, visit IBEW 134 + NECA Chicago IN TECH Technical Institute.
COMMUNICATION REGISTRATION 2023

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Virtual Tours of Building Trades

The COVID-19 pandemic has presented us with an opportunity to use technology in order to practice safe distancing – and still carry out our goal of educating adults and students and making them aware of the construction industry as a career.

In April, CISCO teamed up with the Chicago Transit Authority to create videos in order to show various audiences a glimpse into the life of the skilled trades.

A series of webinars called “Construction Talks” are highlighting various building trades such as carpenters, electricians, bricklayers, plumbers, etc.  Zoom interviews with instructors/apprenticeship coordinators are being recorded and used to promote the trade and explain how to apply to the apprentice program.

Below are recaps of the webinars previously conducted and posted with the most recent to the initial program that featured the Carpenters trade.  A link to the video is available at the end of each post.

Painters District Council #14 – October 13, 2021

“Construction Talks” most recent visit was to the Training Center of the Painters District Council #14 in Berkley.  This was the 9th episode in the series which began in 2020.

The webinar featured Dan Penski, Jr., Director of Training (pictured above), Instructor Veronica Leal, and second year apprentice Rahm Jointer.   Also involved in the panel discussion were CISCO’s Education-to-Careers Director Jamillah Muhammad, and Brandy Phillips and Sam Hunt from the CTA.

The 50-minute webinar featured Dan Penski explaining the requirements needed to apply to the program, as well as a description of the trades’ duties.  In addition, Ms. Leal and Mr. Jointer explained how they got interested in the trade and their experiences during training and how it changed their lives.   To view the entire video, click here.

Laborers’ District Council – June 30, 2021

“Construction Talks” headed to the Training Center of the General Laborers’ District Council (LDC) of Chicago and Vicinity in Chicago recently as the 8th episode in the series drew more than 50 on-line participants.

The webinar featured John Retondo (pictured above), the Laborers’ Apprenticeship Director and Marcus Roberts, Training Coordinator.  Also involved in the discussion were CISCO’s Education-to-Careers Director Jamillah Muhammad, Brandy Phillips and Sam Hunt from the CTA.

Interviews with two apprentices were part of the 50-minute webinar.  To view the entire video, click here.

The webinar series is co-coordinated by the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) and CISCO in their effort to attract young men and women into the trades via a virtual tour and interviews with current apprentices and apprenticeship coordinators and instructors.

Operating Engineers Local 150 – April 30, 2021

“Construction Talks” headed southwest to the Training Center of the Operating Engineers Local 150 in Wilmington Illinois for the 7th episode co-coordinated by the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) and CISCO in their effort to attract young men and women into the trades via a virtual tour and interviews with current apprentices and apprenticeship coordinators and instructors.

The webinar was held on Friday, April 30, from Noon to 1:00 pm.,  and highlighted the sights and sounds of the program, as well as interviews with current apprentices.  Local 150’s Apprentice Coordinator George Antos, Diversity & Recruitment Specialist Daphne Jackson and Community Outreach Coordinator Nick Jorgensen all spoke about different aspects of the program.  CISCO’s Executive Director Dan Allen and Education-to-Careers Director Johnetta Ryan were also key participants in the webinar.

To view the video of the webinar, click here.

Pipefitters Local 597 – February 26, 2021

The first “Construction Talks” episode of 2021 (and 6th overall) co-coordinated by the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) and CISCO brought another captive audience of students and adults.

Moderated by CTA Coordinator of Worforce Initiatives Sam Hunt that featured panelists Adam Sutter, Local #597 Admissions Director and CISCO’s Executive Director Dan Allen, the hour-long virtual seminar was highlighted by a 15-minute video produced by the CTA’s Marc Buhmann. The webinar included interviews with current apprentices, a question and answer session, and helpful descriptions about the Pipefitters Apprenticeship Program and how to apply and what to expect.   To view the video, click here.

Bricklayers, Ceramic Tile Setters & Tuckpointers – October 16, 2020

October’s edition showcased the “Trowel Trades” – Bricklayers, Ceramic Tile and Tuckpointers – as CISCO and CTA featured the Bricklayers & Allied Craftworkers Apprenticeship Program and Training Center during their “Construction Talks” series.

Apprenticeship Coordinators representing the Bricklayers, Ceramic Tile Setters and Tuckpointers were highlighted as CTA’s Director of Diversity Programs JuanPablo Prieto led a camera crew through the facility and the apprenticeship coordinators described the program, answered questions and gave webinar participants an overview of the application process. To view the video, click here.

Plumbers Local 130 Apprenticeship Program – August 19, 2020

August’s edition featured the Plumbers Local 130 Apprenticeship Program.  Local 130’s Apprenticeship Training Director Jim Majerowicz and Instructor Frank Borkowski were featured along with CISCO’s Dan Allen and Johnetta Ryan. Several first and third year apprentices were interviewed and a thorough tour of the Plumbers recently built new, 3-year-old Training Center was provided to all who register for the webinar.

To view the video, click here

 

 

Roofers & Waterproofers Local 11 Apprenticeship Program – July 10, 2020

July’s edition of “Construction Talks” highlighted the Roofers & Waterproofers Local 11 Apprenticeship Program.  Local 11’s Apprenticeship Coordinator Marty Headtke and Instructor Brian Dubin were featured along with CISCO’s Dan Allen and Johnetta Ryan.  CTA’s Chynna Hampton introduced the speakers and asked Marty and Brian to lead a virtual tour of the Local 11 facility in Indian Head Park. In the photo at left, Brian Dubin (right) describes how roofers use a mop to spread hot tar on certain roof structures.  Marty Headtke is at left and Chynna Hampton in the center. To view the 50-minute video, click here

IBEW 134 – NECA Technical Institute Training Center – May 29, 2020

The CISCO/CTA webinar series titled “Construction Talks” finished May with a virtual tour of the Apprenticeship Training Program at IBEW Local 134 – NECA Technical Institute.  The series host, CTA’s Chynna Hampton was joined by 134 Training Director Gene Kent, Community Relations Manager Maurice King (a CISCO Board member) and CISCO’s Johnetta Ryan and Dan Allen.  The tour included a peak at various classrooms and training activity rooms where first, second and third year apprentices were learning their craft.  Impromptu interviews with different apprentices were highlighted.  To view the webinar/virtual tour, click here.

Chicago Regional Council of Carpenters Apprenticeship Program – May 1, 2020

CISCO’s long-standing partnership with the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) and other affiliates continued as it presented the first in a series of virtual meetings last Friday, May 1st. About 75 people “attended” the hour-long webinar enabling viewers to learn what it takes to apply and succeed in a union apprenticeship.

The episode featured Carpenter’s Apprenticeship Director Vince Sticca, Assistant Coordinator Kina McAfee, and Instructors John Husnick and Brad Rollins. Joining them on the tour of the Training Center in Elk Grove Village were CISCO Executive Director Dan Allen and ETC Director Johnetta Ryan. 

Various areas of the Training Center were featured and several on-line questions were answered by the panel of experts.  To view the virtual tour, click here.

 

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