CTA Red and Purple Modernization (RPM) Project Team, Walsh-Fluor Kick Off First RPM Construction Careers Networking Fair

Chicago Transit Authority
Published: August 16, 2019

Agency, RPM design-build contractor seek to provide training and career opportunities for RPM, other major projects, as part of our commitment to maximizing opportunities for Chicagoans across the region

CHICAGO (August 16, 2019) – The CTA and Walsh-Fluor Design-Build Team today announced an innovative new series of Red and Purple Modernization (RPM) Construction Careers Networking Fairs to diversify the project workforce and reach disadvantaged workers and communities throughout Chicago with information about training and career opportunities that can lead to work on RPM, other CTA projects and other Chicago construction projects.

CTA and Walsh-Fluor will host the first event on Wednesday, Aug. 28, at JLM Center, 2622 W. Jackson Blvd., from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Pre-registration is recommended because space is limited at https://rpmcareernetworking.eventbrite.com. The Red Purple Modernization (RPM) Phase One project is the CTA’s largest-ever capital improvement project.

Participants at the RPM Construction Careers Networking Fair will be able to:

Learn more about what kind of jobs will be available on the project,
How to qualify and apply for jobs that will be created
Network with union representatives and job assistance agencies to learn how to become eligible and ready to work on construction jobs throughout Chicago, including apprenticeship opportunities

“As with all CTA construction projects, our goal is to provide access to training and assistance for people who want to build careers in construction,” said CTA President Dorval R. Carter, Jr. “By removing barriers to career training and employment, the RPM project strengthens our communities and local economy and allows people to obtain good-paying jobs to support themselves and their families.”

“We want people to leave here with a clear understanding about how to begin a career in the trades,” said Walsh-Fluor Project Executive Dave Shier. “We want to demystify the process and to help job candidates make meaningful connections that could lead to a job.”

Construction trade unions participating in the event include carpenters, cement masons, electrical workers, elevator constructors, ironworkers, laborers, operating engineers, painters and plumbers.

Job assistance agencies will also be on hand, including American Job Centers (AJCs), which can help people understand Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) certification. WIOA certification helps people who face significant barriers to employment find quality jobs. Three AJCs representing the North, South and West Sides of Chicago will be present.

Pre-apprenticeship programs participating in the networking fair include Chicago Women in Trades, CISCO, and Dawson Technical Institute.

The event is the first in a series of RPM career networking fairs that the CTA and Walsh-Fluor will host throughout the five-year project. There will be job opportunities at the beginning of the project and throughout, as work progresses. The events are also opportunities to learn about jobs on other CTA projects and throughout the construction industry.

In addition to the workforce events for individuals interested in learning more about jobs, the CTA and Walsh-Fluor have held a series of “Meet the Contractor” meetings for small and disadvantaged businesses to inform them of contracting opportunities available on the RPM and other projects. These meetings will continue to be held on a regular basis throughout the duration of the RPM Phase One project: dates and locations are located here.

For more information about the CTA’s Red-Purple Modernization project, go to transitchicago.com/rpm.

Keywords: career, careers, construction, job, Job Development, opportunity