Pathway to the Trades: CISCO’s Trades Fair is Shaping Tomorrow’s Workforce
June 17, 2025
BURR RIDGE – Francisco Conde was unable to make CISCO’s first and second Union Construction Trades Fair, and he barely made it last year. He came at the end, when the majority of vendors were packing up to leave, but it didn’t discourage him.
“I came a little late that year,” he admitted with a grin. “The only booth still open was IBEW 134, but they still talked with me and it was all good information,” he explained.
That conversation got Conde thinking about his future and what he could do to enhance his skills until he was ready to apply for an Apprenticeship into a Union.
“I decided to enroll in Lewis University’s General Construction Pre-Apprentice Program,” Conde said. “I finished last month and now, all I want to do is start working.”
His excitement for his future was evident when he showed a text thread he created for his Project Manager from Lewis University, other students and friends. “I let them know about job opportunities, Apprentice openings and even sent them the CISCO flyer for this Trades Fair,” Conde said.
This year, Conde was on time for CISCO’s Trades Fair and he got to speak with all the Unions he was interested in, soaking up everything the Trades Fair had to offer. He’s eyeing the Mid-America Carpenters Regional Council, but until he applies, he’s actively working toward obtaining his CDL to expand his options.
“Right now, I drive for Uber, but I’m trying to get the skills I need to make a real living,” Conde said.
As more and more people strive to have a successful career – like Conde is doing, CISCO’s Union Construction Trades Fair continues to grow in size – including the number of people to attend.
At this year’s event, nearly 900 individuals registered, and they got to talk and visit with 35 different Unions and support organizations. The Chicago-based IBEW Local 134 hall, where the Trades Fair was held, turned into a vibrant space where hope met hands-on opportunities, and dreams took their next step forward.
Among the crowd was a young man who recently tested for IBEW Local 134’s A Card program. His score was not quite high enough to gain entrance, but strong enough to spark questions and hope. He and his mother attended the Trades Fair to plan what comes next for the young man.
“He didn’t get in, but we’re not giving up,” his mother said, walking beside him through the bustling fair. “We came here to ask questions, to learn what more he can do. We want to make sure he’s ready for the next time.”
Even though he already completed the Jump Start program, they also discovered that successfully completing of the Illinois IBEW Renewable Energy Fund Summer Solar Program will earn him additional points, increasing his chances into 134’s Apprenticeship program. He also was encouraged to enroll in a Pre-Apprenticeship class that focuses on test prep to sharpen math and reading skills for the next aptitude exam.
Both mother and son expressed how happy they were to attend CISCO’s Trades Fair and have the opportunity to ask questions directly to Union representatives. “We now have a better understanding on what to do next, and better yet – we’ve got a plan,” she said. They left with new renewed hope and more confidence on how to make the young man’s dream of become a Union electrician a reality.
The Union construction industry has a long history of giving back to communities. In addition to helping young people with careers in our industry, CISCO’s partners gave away 175 backpacks to student, complete with school supplies they will need to rock their studies in the fall.
