Mayor Rahm Emanuel and World Business Chicago today announced that the 1000 Jobs for Chicagoland Manufacturing program has placed 500 people in manufacturing jobs since its launch in January 2015. The innovative program joins workforce development providers and manufacturers with job candidates to place them on the path to manufacturing careers.

“Chicago has long been an epicenter for manufacturing, and as the industry evolves it is essential that we connect our city’s manufacturers with the talent they need to fill positions, but also that we give our residents the skills they need to build successful and rewarding careers,” Mayor Emanuel said. “This unique partnership between job seekers, manufacturers and workforce development organizations is a win-win for Chicago. I am proud of the milestone of placing 500 Chicagoans in these positions so far and I look forward to celebrating even more progress in the months ahead.”

Since the program’s launch 165 people have received manufacturing -focused training, and 500 qualified candidates have been hired by 94 manufacturers. The program has helped more than 180 people who are formerly incarcerated find jobs. All of the jobs are full-time, non-temporary and offer benefits, with pay above the median wage for the skill and sector. The national median wage for manufacturing jobs is $70,000 annually.

According to the National Association of Manufacturers, one out of every six private-sector jobs in the U.S. is in manufacturing and, on average, manufacturing industry job wages are 27 percent higher than other industries. With more than 13,000 small and medium manufacturers operating in Chicago, 1000 Jobs for Chicagoland Manufacturing has the ability to help grow the economy by $400 million.

Since its launch, 1000 Jobs for Chicagoland Manufacturing has raised more than $1.05 million in public and private contributions, including $400,000 from the city of Chicago. The campaign works with seven community based organizations to add capacity and match residents with open jobs and training programs, including three new organizations. Partner organizations include:

New partners

• The Chicago Urban League
• Jane Addams Resource Corporation (JARC)
• The Technology & Manufacturing Association (TMA)/Alliance for Industry and Manufacturing (AIM)

Original partners

• The Safer Foundation
• OAI, Inc.
• Industrial Council of Nearwest Chicago (ICNC)
• Manufacturing Works (out of Instituto Del Progreso Latino)

“1000 Jobs for Chicagoland Manufacturing is a unique collaboration between industry, government and non-profits, putting Chicagoans to work, while driving impact in the region’s manufacturing sector,” World Business Chicago President & CEO Jeff Malehorn said. “We are proud of this milestone, placing 500 people in manufacturing jobs, and look forward to continuing to work with our partners to build Chicagoland’s advanced manufacturing workforce.”

1000 Jobs for Chicagoland Manufacturing partner manufacturers currently have more than 125 open jobs, and the program will be holding hiring events throughout the summer in high demand areas. For more details visit 1000JobsCampaign.com.

###