CHICAGO (WLS) — With the opening of a new apprenticeship center, there is hope that information technology jobs will no longer be outsourced overseas but will instead find a home on Chicago’s South Side.
The unveiling of the Xchange center in Chicago’s Grand Crossing neighborhood drew a diverse crowd of elected officials, tech industry leaders, and community members on Monday morning.
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Mayor Brandon Johnson highlighted the importance of adapting to economic changes, stating, “As our economy evolves, it’s crucial that we evolve with it. This new initiative not only offers a space for apprenticeships but also has the potential to bring technology jobs into the community.”
Xchange serves as a hub for tech training while simultaneously providing employment opportunities.
The center also operates a call center dedicated to assisting city employees with their IT inquiries. Re’Nisha Conner, a resident of Ashburn, views this position as a stepping stone toward her professional advancement.
“It’s paving the way for me to build a brighter and more promising future,” Conner shared.
Xchange had its first class of apprentices a year and a half ago. Some shared the impact, as they now have jobs in the tech industry.
“This apprenticeship has been everything for me from day one; I knew I wanted to work in cyber-security, but I didn’t know how I would get there,” Lonimarie Futrell said.
“When our communities, our great city institutions and neighborhoods align together, we don’t just build buildings. We build generational opportunities,” said Olu Olaleye, associate director of strategic development and operations for Xchange Chicago.
Fifty five apprentices are currently enrolled.
From there, they may work at Xchange or another tech job.
“It opens up so many doors. With tech and coding and being a developer, you’re able to branch off into different sectors,” apprentice Paige Wilson-Coleman said.
“I think it will inspire them more to want to come into these jobs. ‘Oh, they have a whole life set up for me. So, let me see what this is about,’” said Sam Binion, with Operation Neighborhood Safety.
Xchange is located at 7247 S. Chicago Ave., just south of the Comer Education Campus.
Comer is among the partners that aim to bring more opportunities to the South Side with Xchange.
