CPS, City Colleges launching new apprenticeship program

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Chicago Public Schools and Chicago's City Colleges are launching a new apprenticeship program.

It's called Career Launch Chicago and will be available at 14 high schools and four colleges.

Students will have an opportunity to apply for apprenticeships at Fifth Third Bank, CISCO, Rush University Medical Center and many more. Interested employers can contact Career Launch Chicago at info@careerlaunchchicago.com

"Career Launch Chicago will bring together CPS, CCC and some of our city's leading businesses and institutions to build a more equitable and dynamic economy by creating apprenticeships, which will allow our young people to take college courses in high school, continue to earn a record-level of college credentials, and get paid to build experience in a field their passionate about," said Mayor Lightfoot. "To prepare our students for the jobs of today and tomorrow, I challenge businesses in every industry to participate in programs like this one and build an unparalleled talent pipeline."

Right now there are only 50 spots open. However, that will expand to 1,000 by 2024.