Walk down almost any city street, and it is evident that there is no shortage of construction projects in Chicago. But what is not always as easy to see is that members of low-income and high-risk communities are often left out of the hiring process and not considered for projects taking place in their own communities.

Walk down almost any city street, and it is evident that there is no shortage of construction projects in Chicago. But what is not always as easy to see is that members of low-income and high-risk communities are often left out of the hiring process and not considered for projects taking place in their own communities.

Utility specialty company, Intren is looking to change that trend. With President and Chief Executive Officer Sherina Maye Edwards at the helm, the company is standing by its commitment to promote diversity and inclusion. The company has partnered with Communities Empowered Through Construction on their Infrastructure Institute Construction Education Program that is helping members of underserved communities gain access to construction employment opportunities.

The program helps men and women between the ages of 18 and 30 obtain the skills they need to find long-term construction employment to support themselves and their families. Intren staff and consultants facilitate the six-week program with a curriculum that includes a CDL permit, OSHA 10, Flagger, and Estimator training, along with resume writing and interview skills. Participants must have a high school diploma or GED and complete a drug test, background check, and interview for consideration.

Intren Manager of Business Development, Cornell Barnett, says the company did its best to design the program with the participants in mind. “We didn’t want it to interfere with their 9-to-5, so we offered classes on the weekends. And we gave them a stipend to help with things like gas and groceries,” he said. Barnett adds that he was pleased to see the group form a bond during their time together. “It was great to see how close the participants got, working side by side and studying together,” he said.

CEC took the lead on screening the program candidates. LaFrancis Ivy, CEC’s Senior Placement Coordinator, believes that the program provides a valuable entry point for people who may otherwise be overlooked for construction jobs. “Intren’s program has provided these individuals with some great skills and connections that can take them far,” she said.

For program participant Monique Haynes, the opportunity to gain direct insight from people in the construction industry was extremely valuable. “Members from Intren sat down with us and shared how they got into the business. We learned about programs that can help us move our careers forward. And now we have a lot of credentials under our belts that can help us,” she said. “I want to be in construction no matter what. I want to get my career off the ground.”