catalyst-chicago.org

In 2009, Chicago Career Tech (CCT) launched with a mission to help unemployed Chicagoans enhance and update their skill sets to align with the current hiring needs of local businesses. As the program begins to accept applications for its fifth session with programs beginning as early as March, CCT continues its efforts to address the workforce skills gap with the expanded offerings and changes in eligibility requirements that will allow it to serve even more unemployed Chicagoans, including veterans. CCT is now accepting applications for both of its retraining programs: • Career Training, a three- to six-month, five- to six-day-a-week job-retraining program that offers classroom instruction from an educational institution and hands-on training with a business or nonprofit organization; program duration depends on training track. Participants in this option also have opportunities to obtain college credit and earn critical industry certifications. Career Training participants also receive career and professional development services through Challenger, Gray & Christmas, the nation's premier outplacement consulting organization. This spring, CCT is adding two new tracks to its Career Training program, including SharePoint Content Management and Mobile Application Development. Other training opportunities available during this program session include Microsoft certifications, CISCO network technology, project management and Web development. • Pathways to Employment, a corporate-based, “train to hire” opportunity in which local companies partner with CCT to develop a customized program that includes both classroom-style instruction and hands-on training from the businesses designed to meet their current hiring needs. In this option, upon successful completion of the program, CCT participants may be interviewed and considered for full-time employment. Applications for CCT’s training programs are available exclusively online at www.chicagocareertech.com.