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Construction Career Opportunity Program

With one eye on the future of the construction industry in the Chicagoland area and the other eye on diversifying the area’s construction workforce, the Builders Association helped start the Construction Career Opportunity Program  (CCOP) in November 2005. 

With many union workers on the edge of retirement and companies wondering how they’re going to replace those workers, the Builders Association has partnered with the City Colleges of Chicago and three community groups to increase opportunities in the industry for minorities. The program is designed to meet the needs of both construction companies and minority communities.

Through the Construction Career Opportunity Program (CCOP), students attend Dawson Technical Institute to learn basic and advanced skills in the following:

  • Basic Carpentry
  • Advanced Carpentry
  • Cement Masonry
  • Bricklayer
  • Plumbing and Fire Protection

The Builders Association conducts Interview Days at Dawson, where top students from the trades programs can speak with participating contractors. Those contractors not only hire the students, but also sponsor them for membership in the trade union apprenticeship programs. The Builders Association has also established a $25,000 fund which provides those hired with assistance in covering tool cost and apprenticeship fees.

For more information or to become part of the Construction Career Opportunity Program, contact the Builders Association at 847.318.8585.

Training/Education