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CHICAGO – A promising vision is emerging on Chicago’s South Side, where information technology jobs traditionally outsourced overseas might soon find a new home, thanks to the inauguration of a cutting-edge apprentice center.
The opening of Xchange in the Grand Crossing neighborhood of Chicago marked a significant step forward on Monday. The event drew a diverse crowd, including elected officials, tech industry leaders, and community members, all eager to witness the beginning of what could be a transformative era for the local economy.
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Mayor Brandon Johnson expressed the importance of adapting to economic shifts, highlighting the center’s dual purpose. “As our economy shifts, it’s imperative that we shift along with it. And this new development does just that because it provides more than just space for apprenticeship, but it has the opportunity to bring tech jobs to the community,” Johnson stated, underscoring the center’s potential to create local tech opportunities.
More than just a training facility, Xchange serves as a hub for tech education and employment. It includes a call center dedicated to handling IT inquiries from city employees, offering a practical setting for apprentices to gain experience.
For individuals like Re’Nisha Conner, a resident of Ashburn, this center represents a chance for substantial career growth. The opportunities at Xchange are opening doors for local residents to step into the burgeoning tech industry.
“It helps a lot by leading the way for me to make a bigger and brighter future for us,” Conner said.
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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.
