The Illinois Tollway is extending invitations to community, workforce development, and business leaders to delve deeper into ConstructionWorks, aiming to inform residents keen on pursuing lucrative careers in the heavy highway construction industry.

Teaming up with the Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership, the Tollway recently kicked off the first of four autumn events at St. Augustine College at Lewis University in Chicago on September 18. Subsequent events are slated for Rockford, North Riverside, and Chicago's Chatham community area to broaden awareness about the program and attract a wider pool of potential candidates.

ConstructionWorks is designed to cultivate a diverse group of candidates, both male and female, equipped to take on various roles such as equipment operators, carpenters, and electricians that are in high demand within the heavy highway and allied construction sectors. Funded by the Illinois Tollway and managed by the Partnership, the program provides comprehensive training, job placement support, and connections to construction firms at zero cost to participants through service centers spanning northern Illinois.

"We're thrilled to be out in the communities spreading the word about the resources available through ConstructionWorks to residents who are interested in starting careers in the construction industry," said Illinois Tollway Executive Director Cassaundra Rouse. "We want community leaders to help us send the message that ConstructionWorks provides a clear path to a successful, satisfying career in an industry that plays a vital role in keeping the Tollway and the state moving forward."

"This unique program leverages our network to offer the comprehensive training needed to succeed in this field, while also assisting with job placement by linking new workers with a network of construction companies that are hiring," said George Wright, CEO of the Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership. "Working with the Illinois Tollway, we're dedicated to expanding the reach of this program to bring these career opportunities to more residents across northern Illinois."

As of 2024, ConstructionWorks has enrolled over 160 participants, with more than 20 joining unions and nearly 60 embarking on construction careers through August. Since its inception in 2018, the program has enrolled over 1,200 participants, with 200+ candidates joining unions and over 400 participants securing jobs in the construction industry, including 70 individuals working directly on Illinois Tollway construction projects.

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