Addison Trail students participate in career-exploration field trips to learn about Laborers and Teamsters

Addison Trail students recently participated in two career-exploration field trips.

On Nov. 21, 23 students traveled to the LIUNA Chicagoland Laborers’ District Council Training & Apprentice Fund’s Carol Stream Training Facility. To view a photo gallery from the event, click on the image above, or go to www.dupage88.net/site/page/16568.

According to www.chicagolaborers.org, “The LIUNA Chicagoland Laborers’ District Council Training & Apprentice Fund was established in … 1986. The program was designed to provide … training and education for Laborers working under the Chicagoland District Council collective bargaining agreement.”

During their visit, pupils learned about becoming a Laborer and the various tasks they would complete during an apprenticeship. As an apprentice, they would take classes in four main areas: general construction, environmental, safety and underground. A Laborer is essentially a general worker, who performs a variety of manual tasks that aren't considered specialized trades, including loading and unloading materials, assembling scaffolding, digging trenches and cleaning up debris. For more information, go to www.chicagolaborers.org/apprentice-program.

On Dec. 3, 17 students went to the Illinois Teamsters Joint Council No. 25 and Employers Apprenticeship & Training Fund in Joliet. To view a photo gallery from the event, click on the image above, or go to www.dupage88.net/site/page/16569.

They met with Instructor Dan Sims, who discussed what it takes to obtain a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) and the requirements of each type (Class A CDL, Class B CDL and Class C CDL).

According to https://illinoisteamsterstraining.org, “Construction Teamsters work in the construction building industry. This includes asphalt, concrete and dirt work for new roads and rebuilding of existing roads. (The) mission at the Illinois Teamsters/Employers Apprenticeship & Training Fund is to provide job-skills training for Teamsters in the construction industry. Students learn to work in a safe and productive manner. Upon completion of classes, graduates will enter the workforce fully prepared to accomplish the tasks for which they are hired.” For more information, go to https://illinoisteamsterstraining.org.

District 88 is committed to providing multiple and flexible pathways for students to ensure they are college and career ready and continues to partner with colleges/universities and local businesses to expand these opportunities. See details at dupage88.net/Pathways. District 88 invites companies to collaborate with the district and support students. See details at dupage88.net/BusinessPartnerships.

In January, Addison Trail will host field trips to Abt Electronics (www.abt.com) and Porter Pipe & Supply (www.porterpipe.com). Students who are interested in attending these events should contact their counselor or Addison Trail teacher Stacey Puccini (at spuccini@dupage88.net) to sign up.