This FREE training program, funded by the Illinois Dept. of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, is designed for unemployed and underemployed individuals with experience in home improvement, a keen desire to begin a career in the carpentry trade, and a genuine interest in the rapidly developing specialties of green carpentry and weatherization.

The course introduces participants to residential framing systems (historical, contemporary and “green”); floor and wall construction; ceiling and roof construction; and chimney, chase and soffit enclosures.

It then extends this training to include the following:

• overview of the green construction of new buildings and the energy-efficient “retrofitting” of existing buildings
• demonstration of the use of a blower door and infra-red gun, the essential equipment for detecting—and developing measures to reduce—energy loss in existing buildings
• proper installation of exterior doors, windows, and attic access closures
• insulation materials (fiberglass, cellulose and foam) as well as installation techniques
• sealing of air leaks to prevent the loss of heated/air conditioned air

Trainee Eligibility Criteria: 

Applicants for this training should ideally live in the Auburn Gresham, Austin, East Garfield Park, Englewood, Humboldt Park, Logan Square, North Lawndale, Roseland,  West Englewood, West Garfield Park, or West Town Community Areas, and meet the following qualifications:

1)  Physically capable of—and preferably with experience of—work encountered in the carpentry trade and weatherization operations:

• capable of working in all kinds of weather (windy, hot, cold, humid)
• capable of lifting up to 80 lbs.
• capable of working on ladders and scaffolds up to 3 stories high
• capable of working in poorly lit spaces
• capable of crouching, crawling and working in confined spaces 

2)  Mentally capable of work encountered in the carpentry trade and weatherization operations:

•  able to read and do math at the 10^th grade level or higher (NOTE: if lower than 10^th grade, required to bring scores up to 10^th grade level before program starts
•  willing to learn to read construction-related documents, such as safety information, equipment instructions, floor plans, diagrams, drawings and work orders
• able to take measurements and perform calculations involving space, volume and materials
• willing to comply with safety regulations and follow directions 

3)  Determined to get a job (or willing to consider temporary or transitional employment opportunities)

4)  Willing to commit to all components of the training program: vocational skills (above), computer skills, career exploration, job readiness, job search, and job placement

Objective: to help trainees secure entry-level work in carpentry and weatherization

Training Period:   April 23, 2012 – May 25, 2012 ( 5 weeks of training)

Training Days/Times:   Monday – Thursday, 9:00am – 1:00pm (including breaks)

Location:   on-site workshop and computer lab (address below)

Intake:   5-step process: 1) phone interview (20 minutes), 2) information session (1 hour), 3) reading/math test (2 hours), 4) other diagnostic tests (2 hours), (5) documentation + pre-employment interview (4 hours).  MUST call.  NO walk-ins.

Contact: Ebony McLaurin, Client Services Coordinator, 773-929-5552 ext. 228