CHICAGO – Today Mayor Brandon Johnson joined the Department of Streets and Sanitation (DSS), Chicago Public Schools (CPS), and Laborers’ Local 1001 to celebrate the 70 recent CPS graduates who are finishing their training in the newly launched DSS Laborers Trainee Program.  

“Creating opportunities for young people to gain meaningful employment is at the center of my administration’s commitment to create an environment where every young Chicagoan can grow and thrive,” said Mayor Brandon Johnson. “It was an honor to get to know and congratulate the young men and women who will soon be joining our team at the Department of Streets and Sanitation.” 

The program commences with two weeks of training, administered at the Laborers’ Training Center in the Austin neighborhood. Upon completion of the training program, Laborer Trainees work with DSS to gain on-the-job skills and experience, creating a pathway to City employment if participants choose to bid on those opportunities at the end of the program.   

"We want to thank Mayor Johnson for his support of both City workers and labor unions in Chicago," said Jim Connolly, Business Manager, LIUNA Chicago Laborers’ District Council. "LIUNA is proud to do our part to help young people find meaningful careers in the public sector and we will continue to partner with Mayor Johnson to find ways to support our city's young people." 

 The DSS Laborers Trainee Program was created in collaboration with DSS, CPS, the Department of Human Resources, and Laborers’ Local 1001.  

“We know that most students learn by doing and this is another opportunity for students to learn important job skills and contribute to our City, “said CPS CEO Pedro Martinez. “Our CPS students are our future workforce and leaders and we’re thrilled to build pathways that prepare Chicago and our citizens for a bright future.” 

“Thanks to this unique partnership, upon completion of this program, trainees will be union members allowing them the opportunity to apply for full-time general labor positions at Streets and Sanitation,” said DSS Commissioner Cole Stallard. “We are very proud to celebrate this worthwhile program that engages and employs Chicago’s youth citywide.” 

The DSS Laborers Trainee Program aligns with Mayor Johnson’s Youth Employment Initiative, an effort to integrate more young Chicagoans into the workforce. This program is crucial to the city’s efforts of matching young people with opportunities that allow them to achieve their goals and shape a bright future for themselves and their city.  

The program builds upon Mayor Johnson’s commitment to creating and cultivating well-paying union jobs and to support working people in Chicago. This event is part of Mayor Johnson’s “Chicago Workers’ Rights Week,” an initiative to inform the public about changes to labor laws that will go into effect on Monday, July 1. To view informational fliers, Frequently Asked Questions, and public notices on Chicago’s labor laws, visit Chicago.gov/Labor Standards.   

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