Free Trades Training
Are you looking for a fresh start? Chicagoland Prison Outreach (CPO) offers free trade training, equipping you with the skills needed to secure stable employment and support yourself and your family.
You’ll gain hands-on training, receive job readiness coaching, and grow spiritually as you build a new path forward. Our courses are available at our Roseland and Evanston locations.
Take the first step toward a new career and a new life. Click below to apply today!
The Program
Our next cohort starts:
Winter Cohort: December 1 – March 5th
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Welding and electrical are offered at our Roseland Campus.
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We only offer carpentry at our Evanston Campus.
Intro to Construction Trades program is a 12-week course designed to prepare you for union entrance exams and careers in the trades. A weekly stipend is provided to support you as you transition into a new career.
Throughout the program, students will receive hands-on training in one of the following: carpentry or welding, building the skills needed for success in the construction industry. In addition to technical training, participants will earn OSHA 10, NCCER Core, and CPR/First Aid certifications, making you workforce-ready and eligible to take the union exam.
Eligibility
To enroll in our FREE program, you must meet 3 requirements:
- Illinois Resident at Least 18 Years Old
- Possess A High School Diploma or G.E.D.
- Have an Interest in Construction & Building Trades
If you meet all 3 requirements and are interested in enrolling, apply today!
You must bring your IL State ID/Drivers License, Birth Certificate, SSC, and proof of High School level education to the information session.
Illinois Resident
Must be at Least 18 Years Old
High School Diploma or G.E.D.
Interest in Construction & Building Trades
Such as electrical, welding, and carpentry.
Supportive Services
At Chicagoland Prison Outreach (CPO), we are committed to supporting you beyond the classroom. As a participant in the Intro to Construction Trades program, you will have access to:

Trauma Coaching

Certifications in NCCER/OSHA

First Aid

Job Readiness classes

Hands on training

Stipends and comprehensive wraparound services are available.
Latest Resources
We want to serve as a resource to help you take the next step in your journey, assisting you in practical, tangible ways. Find what you need here.
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