Greencorps Chicago Employment Training Program Now Recruiting for 2022 Class

The Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) announced that Greencorps Chicago, the City’s green industry training program for individuals with barriers to employment, is now accepting applications for paid positions in its 2022 class. The training program starts in late March and candidates are encouraged to apply before the end of February to maximize the chance of acceptance.  

The mission of the CDOT-administered Greencorps program is to empower residents from Chicago’s underserved neighborhoods to create change in their lives and communities through training, service, and career opportunities in environmental fields.  

Greencorps trainees earn $15-an-hour and receive on-the-job training in the field and classroom. Field training takes place while working on projects for the Chicago Park District, the Cook County Forest Preserves, City vacant lots, and other project partners. Greencorps trainees also help build community gardens in neighborhoods that are part of Mayor Lightfoot’s INVEST South/West initiative, a program designed to revitalize communities that have suffered from a legacy of underinvestment. 

In the classroom, trainees will learn about horticulture, ecology, green infrastructure, tree care, pesticide use, and other topics. Greencorps trainees are also offered a number of professional certifications including First Aid/CPR, OSHA Hazardous Waste Operator, OSHA 10-Hour Safety, Chicago Wilderness Prescription Burn Class, the Illinois Pesticide license, and others.  

Throughout their time with Greencorps, trainees are supported with social services, mentoring, and professional coaching, increasing their ability to secure full-time employment upon completion of the training.  

Trainees also have access to a placement coordinator that works with graduates to identify successful employment matches and complete post placement follow-up. Greencorps grads have gone on to work at the Chicago Park District, the ecological restoration company Cardno, the Cook County Forest Preserves, and many other businesses and organizations. 

Interested candidates who want to apply for the Greencorps Chicago 2022 program should visit the website – https://greencorpschicago.org/how-to-apply-2/ or call 312-746-9777.