Crain's Chicago Business reports: Building on its reputation, Chicago area, City Colleges of Chicago, becomes a force for workforce development

May 11, 2026 - 19:52

The City Colleges of Chicago system is building on its reputation to become a major force in workforce development across the region. Aon, a global professional services firm, has already hired more than 300 apprentices through its long-running partnership with the colleges. This collaboration reflects a broader shift in how workforce programs are designed.

Increasingly, these programs are built around the specific needs of employers while also working to remove barriers that keep people from getting jobs. For example, City Colleges provides wraparound support services tailored to individual students. This includes tutoring, internships, apprenticeship opportunities, and advising. The focus is on helping students move up the economic ladder, especially those from underrepresented communities.

The goal is clear: upward mobility. By aligning training with real-world job demands and offering support beyond the classroom, City Colleges is positioning itself as a central player in closing the skills gap and building a stronger local workforce. The approach aims to create a pipeline that benefits both students and the businesses that need skilled workers.