City Colleges helps expand CTA Second Chance job program

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel announced Tuesday a big expansion to the CTA's Second Chance program.

The program helps ex-offenders, victims of abuse and other adults who may have a hard time re-entering the workforce learn career skills and find full-time jobs.

Emanuel said Tuesday Second Chance participants will now have the opportunity to learn new skills and get career advice at City Colleges of Chicago.

Second Chance is one of the largest programs of its kind in the U.S.

Through Second Chance, participants can apply for 265 positions at the CTA, detailing and cleaning more than 1,200 rail cars and 1,800 buses. These workers also maintain CTA station platforms and bus and rail yards. The program also offers diesel mechanic training.

To date, Second Chance has served more than 600 men and women, the mayor's office said.

To find out more about Second Chance, visit the CTA website.