A new nonprofit trade school in Calumet Park is opening doors for students seeking fast, affordable pathways into high-paying careers, while helping address the growing demand for skilled workers across the region, according to CBS Chicago.
The visionaries behind the program are husband and wife Stephanie and Michael Benison, who say the school is the first Black-owned pre-apprenticeship trades training center in the south suburbs. Their mission is to create greater access to career opportunities for students and residents who may not have considered the skilled trades as a pathway to economic stability and long-term success.
The school, designed to provide hands-on workforce training, will focus on preparing students for careers in trades such as welding, HVAC, construction, electrical work and transportation. Leaders behind the initiative say the goal is to create a direct pipeline from the classroom to the workforce through partnerships with local employers and unions.
At a time when many industries are struggling to fill skilled labor positions, the school aims to connect students with career opportunities that do not require a traditional four-year degree. Trade careers continue to offer competitive salaries, benefits and long-term job security, making them increasingly attractive to young adults and career changers alike.
Unlike traditional academic programs, the nonprofit school will emphasize practical training and industry certifications. Students will gain real-world experience using equipment and techniques commonly found on job sites, helping them enter the workforce job-ready.
Community leaders say the school could also become an economic driver for the south suburbs by expanding access to workforce development opportunities and helping residents secure stable employment.
The demand for skilled trades workers continues to grow nationwide as aging workers retire and employers search for qualified replacements. Fields like electrical work, advanced manufacturing and HVAC are expected to remain in high demand for years to come.
As enrollment begins, the Benisons hope the school becomes more than a training center — they want it to serve as a launching pad for economic mobility, workforce equity and generational change in the community.
