CHICAGO — A local nonprofit workforce development organization is celebrating a new state-of-the-art development center geared towards reshaping diversity in the city’s construction and trade industries. 

Once a dilapidated storehouse, Hire360 at 25th and State officially opened its new center on Thursday. State leaders believe the work done inside will continue propelling Chicagoans to union apprenticeships, resources, and good-paying jobs. 

“This new center that we’re all standing and sitting in today is sending exactly the right message: Illinois is open for business,” said Gov. JB Pritzker. 

Whether they’re interested in getting into hospitality, manufacturing, or construction, Hire360 offers recruitment assistance and training in the construction and trade industries to young people and individuals from underrepresented communities. 

Apprentice Edgar Vallejo spoke with WGN News about his experience.  

“It allowed me to get into the carpenters’ union. They gave me all that information, and honestly, right now, it’s been the best decision that I could have ever made,” Vallejo said.  

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson joined Pritzker and others to celebrate the Hire360’s brand-new training and business development center.

“Hire360 is a part of the ongoing struggle for true liberation for the workers in this city, and that includes Black and brown folks. That’s a good day for Chicago,” Johnson said. 

Illinois Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi also joined Pritzker and Johnson at the ribbon-cutting Thursday.

“The thing I love about Hire360 is that it’s about hiring among the people all around us, and that’s going to lead to a movement of Shopping360, Investing360, showering the blessings of peace and prosperity in 360 degrees,” he said.

So far, the nonprofit has helped roughly 500 candidates get into the trades. Leaders hope their new development center will propel many more towards apprenticeships and high-paying jobs. 

“Now I’m at a better-paying job than I could have ever hoped for,” Vallejo said. “The benefits, especially for the carpenters’ union, you get dental, medical, you get your pension and your annuities, so it’s not just all those things now but also for the future.” 

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