Trying Out the Trades: Chicago Public Schools Students Explore Hands on Occupations

CHICAGO – Juniors and seniors from Chicago Public Schools (CPS) are taking shop class on the road this spring, learning from-real world professionals and employers in skilled trades through a series of career exploration events. The fairs are part of a collaborative and growing effort among CPS and partners to prepare students with in-demand workplace opportunities.

Hosted in partnership with City agencies, City Colleges of Chicago, and a range of labor and corporate partners, the events will give about 1,600 students direct access and insight into training programs, internships, and potential career opportunities in construction, plumbing, carpentry, and engineering.

“At CPS, our commitment goes beyond delivering a high-quality education. Our priority is to turn academic subjects into tangible pathways for future success,” said CPS’ Interim CEO/Superintendent Dr. Macquline King. “We are strategically helping students understand how what they learn in the classroom connects to real-world professions and opportunities. By working closely with colleges, nonprofit organizations, and private-sector partners, we strengthen the support system that guides students toward achievement.”

As part of the trade events, City Colleges will introduce students to Career Launch Chicago (CLC) and its innovative summer Aim to Launch (A2L) program, which enables high school students to earn college credits in construction and advanced manufacturing at City Colleges of Chicago. This program serves as a valuable steppingstone to CLC's Youth Apprenticeship opportunities, creating a direct pathway for CPS students to enter high-demand careers. Through CLC's comprehensive approach, students can transition smoothly from initial career exploration to hands-on training and paid apprenticeships in their chosen field.

“Through this event and the Chicago Roadmap partnership, we are aligning to meet a critical workforce need, but more importantly, meeting the long-term goals of our students,” said Chancellor Juan Salgado, City Colleges of Chicago. “These skilled trades exploration events demonstrate what’s possible and ensure students can see themselves in these careers, access the training they need, and step confidently into jobs that strengthen both their futures and our city’s economy.”

CPS leaders, along with labor, corporate, and City partners toured the first fair on Thursday, which was hosted at the Plumbers Local 130 JAC Training Center. Three more events will follow in March and April focused on carpentry, construction, and engineering.

The events are open to high school juniors and seniors who are interested in the trades and are eligible to apply to either bridge programs that prepare students for entry into apprenticeships through technical skill development and academic readiness support, or directly to apprenticeships. Students at the events participate in sessions designed to give them a close-up view and information about aspects of each skilled trade, program recruitment, and program registration.

“This partnership is about opening doors for students and showing them that careers in the skilled trades are professional, high-tech, and full of opportunity,” said Anthony Rottman, Training Director for Plumbers' Local 130. “By working directly with schools, we’re creating clear pathways from the classroom to rewarding careers, equipping students with in-demand skills, and building a strong pipeline of future professionals. Together, we’re strengthening our local workforce, supporting economic growth, and investing in the long-term success of our community.”

The events are open to high school juniors and seniors who are interested in the trades and are eligible to apply to bridge programs that prepare students for entry into apprenticeships through technical skill development and academic readiness support, or directly to apprenticeships. Students at the events will participate in sessions designed to give them a close-up view and information about aspects of each skilled trade, program recruitment, and direct support to register for the next steps.

The fairs reflect CPS’ strong partnership with City Colleges of Chicago (CCC) through the Chicago Roadmap, which aims to support students along a seamless path to and through post-secondary education and training, on their way to their chosen careers. The skilled trades career exploration events highlight this network of supportive and aligned government and community partner services that allow students to explore many professional options and connect them to opportunities that will make them competitive for high-demand occupations.

CPS currently offers 34 Career and Technical Education (CTE) pathways at more than 80 high schools across the city, including 12 programs in construction trades, five in carpentry, three in electricity, three in welding, and one HVAC program. The District’s CTE programs allow students to gain work experience for in-demand careers as well as provide opportunities to earn early college credit and industry-recognized certifications and skills training.

“Expanding students' access to careers in the skilled trades isn’t just about offering another pathway, it’s about preparing them for opportunities in high-demand fields,” said CPS Chief of College and Career Success Megan Hougard. “Our goal is to connect classroom learning to the real world so that every student sees how their education can lead to a meaningful career, whether that’s in college, an apprenticeship, or a high-skill trade. When we do that, we open doors to stability, purpose, and community growth.”

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