Business Details
38 Years
experience
Community Empowerment Through Education & Job Training
Since 1988, we have dedicated ourselves to expanding educational and economic opportunities for underserved communities in Chicago. Our organization focuses on empowering residents of color in Humboldt Park, North Lawndale, East and West Garfield Park, Belmont Cragin, and Austin through transformative programs. We provide alternative high school education at West Town Academy and YCCS West, vocational training in high-growth industries, and comprehensive career pathways services for job placement. Our state-of-the-art 55,000 sq.ft. facility serves as a hub for community development, offering specialized support for opportunity youth, returning citizens, and individuals experiencing homelessness. With over 35 years of experience, we have successfully trained and placed nearly 10,000 residents into sustainable employment while partnering with 450+ local businesses.Our rigorous vocational programs combine technical skills development with workplace readiness, maintaining strict attendance standards to ensure program completion. We maintain accreditation from the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges and operate under authorization from the Illinois Board of Higher Education. Our free placement services connect employers with skilled graduates who have completed intensive training in shipping/receiving and wood products manufacturing. Through strategic partnerships with government agencies and educational institutions, we continue to build generational self-sufficiency in Chicago's West Side communities. Our team of experienced professionals works closely with both job seekers and employers to create mutually beneficial employment solutions that strengthen local economies.
Services
Vocational Training
Job Placement
Alternative Education
Career Pathways
Youth Mentoring
Workforce Development
Dropout Prevention
Employment Preparation
Technical Skills Training
Community Development
Details
- Year established: 1988
Highlights and features
- 35+ years of proven success in community economic development
- Free job placement services connecting employers with trained graduates
- State-of-the-art 55,000 sq.ft. training facility with industry-specific equipment
- Partnerships with 450+ local employers for direct job opportunities
- Specialized programs for opportunity youth and returning citizens
Associations and certifications
- Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges
- Illinois Board of Higher Education
Services
Vocational Training
Our accredited vocational programs provide 12-15 week training in high-demand industries. Students complete 380-450 hours of hands-on technical instruction in wood products manufacturing and shipping/receiving. The rigorous curriculum combines technical skills with workplace readiness, maintaining strict attendance standards to ensure program completion. Graduates receive job placement assistance through our network of 450+ local employers.
Job Placement
We offer free job placement services connecting trained graduates with local employers. Our staff works directly with businesses to understand hiring needs and match qualified candidates. The process includes job order placement, candidate recommendations, interview coordination, and hiring support. Employers gain access to motivated workers who have completed intensive skills training and demonstrated workplace commitment.
Alternative Education
West Town Academy and YCCS West provide alternative high school education for students aged 16-21. These programs help students who struggled in traditional schools earn their diplomas while receiving career preparation. Services include academic instruction, career planning, mentoring, and job training integration. The programs focus on preparing youth for both higher education and direct workforce entry.
Career Pathways
Our Career Pathways program offers comprehensive employment preparation for adults and youth. Services include resume building, interview preparation, job search assistance, and career counseling. The program connects participants with training opportunities and local employment prospects. Staff provide ongoing support to ensure successful job retention and career advancement in sustainable positions.
Community Development
We implement community-based solutions that link workforce development with local economic growth. Our initiatives focus on creating sustainable employment opportunities through partnerships with small and mid-sized businesses. Programs target underserved populations including returning citizens, single parents, and individuals experiencing homelessness. The approach combines skills development with neighborhood economic revitalization efforts to create lasting community impact.
People
Amanda Cannon
Job Development Staff
Amanda connects local employers with trained job candidates through our placement services. With extensive experience in workforce development, she helps businesses find qualified workers from our training programs. She can be reached at 312-805-9108 or acannon@gwtp.edu.
Charlie Negron
Woodworking Program Coordinator
Charlie oversees our wood products manufacturing training program and helps place graduates in related positions. He works closely with woodworking companies to understand their needs and match qualified candidates. Contact him at 312-563-9570 ext. 222 or cnegron@gwtp.edu.
Questions
What age groups do your programs serve?
Our programs primarily serve youth aged 16-21 and adults seeking job training or career advancement opportunities.
Are your vocational training programs free?
Our vocational training programs are funded through partnerships with government agencies and workforce development organizations.
Do you offer job placement assistance after training?
Yes, we provide free job placement services connecting graduates with our network of 450+ local employers.
What industries do you train for?
We offer vocational training in high-demand sectors including wood products manufacturing and shipping/receiving operations.
How long are your training programs?
Our vocational programs range from 12 to 15 weeks with 380-450 hours of hands-on technical training.
Do you offer alternative high school education?
Yes, West Town Academy and YCCS West provide alternative high school programs for students aged 16-21.
