Chicago Builds

Chicago Builds

Chicago Builds is a citywide, two-year off-campus construction training program for CPS juniors and seniors interested in pursuing a career in construction after graduating high school. Chicago Builds is an Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program site and offers the Master Builder program in conjunction with City Colleges of Chicago.

Apply Now

The application period for the Chicago Builds program for school year 2026-2027 is now open. Apply now or learn more about the application process below.

Program Overview

Chicago Builds offers students technical training in General Construction, specifically covering: Carpentry, Electricity, Heating and Cooling (HVAC), and Welding.

Students participating in the Chicago Builds program earn 2.5 credits for each year of participation in the program (1.25 credits per semester). These credits are applied toward their Career Education and Electives graduation requirement. Students receive high school credits for successful completion of the course curriculum. Student attendance is the most crucial requirement for successfully completing the curriculum.

Students also have opportunities to earn industry-recognized certifications (OSHA 10 Construction, CPR-First Aid, NCCER).

Level 1 (11th Grade): Students participate in an Introduction to Construction course, completing a 10-week rotation in each of the construction pathways (Electrical, Carpentry, HVAC, Welding). Students are exposed to multiple career pathways in the construction industry, hear from guest speakers and leaders, and develop skills that can lead to gainful employment.

Level 2 (12th Grade): Students specialize in one of the pathway areas to gain in-depth knowledge, related skills, and career-specific entrance requirements. Students participate in internships, visit union training facilities, complete a capstone project, and prepare for the pre-apprenticeship entrance exam.

Chicago Builds classes meet five days a week as part of the regular school day at the Chicago Builds Construction campus located at Dunbar High School (3000 S. King Drive).

There are two cohorts of students participating in the program:

AM cohort: Runs from 8:30 am - 10:30 am. (Students return to their respective home schools after class.)
PM cohort: Runs from 1:45 pm - 3:45 pm. (Students travel to class from their home schools after completion of their daily course work.)

Application Instructions

Chicago Builds is accepting applications for school year 2026-2027. Applications are open to all current 10th and 11th grade CPS students. Priority is given to 10th grade applicants (rising 11th graders).

Deadline for applying: April 17, 2026
Notice about acceptance into the program: May 22nd or sooner
Program Start Date: Follows the Chicago Public Schools Calendar
Program End Date: Follows the Chicago Public Schools Calendar

Please note, only complete applications with all associated paperwork listed below will be considered.

Application Steps

Eligibility Requirements

Priority in the selection of program participants is given to students who meet the following criteria:

Enrollment: Must be actively enrolled in a district-run CPS school during the 2025-2026 school year
Grade Level: Must be a Junior or Senior in high school during the 2026-2027 school year (i.e. currently enrolled at a CPS school as a 10th or 11th grader).
Interest: Must demonstrate a desire to pursue a career in the construction trades by attending an information session at the Chicago Builds location.
Recommendation: Must submit one Recommendation Form [ English | Spanish ] from a trusted adult who is not a family member from a trusted adult who is not a family member. This could be a teacher, a coach, a mentor, someone from your faith community, a supervisor, someone who you have volunteered with, etc.
Application: Must submit a complete Chicago Builds Program Application by April 17, 2026 along with a signed Student and Parent Expectations and Consent Contract [ English | Spanish ].

Upon acceptance, a letter of congratulations will be sent to selected students. Students are required to “accept” their seats before enrollment is official. The first day of class is on the very first day of school. The program follows the CPS district calendar, including all CPS holidays and school breaks.

Careers in Construction

Most workers in the construction industry are either structural, finishing, or mechanical workers, with some performing activities of more than one kind. Careers include:

Carpentry: Carpenters construct or remodel residential and commercial buildings and can earn $37 - $45 per hour.*
Electrical: Electricians install and maintain all of the electrical and power systems for homes, businesses, and factories and can earn $40 - $45 per hour.*
Pipefitting/Welding: Pipefitters install, assemble, fabricate, maintain, and repair mechanical piping systems for refineries, power stations, and factories and can earn $46 - $51 per hour.*

*All salary ranges are subject to change based upon industry standard.

Partnerships and Advisory Council

Chicago Builds works with both union and non-union partners to maximize opportunities for students, including:

Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO)
International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 134
Peoples Gas
Power Construction
Chicago Women in the Trades - CWIT
City of Chicago Department of Buildings
City Colleges of Chicago
General Construction Firms
Regional Council of Carpenters
Chicago Associated Steel Erectors
Pipefitters Local 597
International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE) Local 150
Laborers’ District Council
American Bridge Company
CISCO (Construction Industry Service Corporation)
Chicago Fabricators
Chicago Transit Authority
Walsh Construction
ComEd
Hire360
Revolution Workshop

Frequently Asked Questions

Resources

Chicago Builds Brochure [ English - Spanish ]
Chicago Builds One-Pager
Chicago Builds Postcard [ English - Spanish ]
Illinois Works Info Sheet
Illinois Works Flyer
Chicago Builds Learning Competencies