Chicago Women In Trades - Chicago, Illinois

NIKKI W.

This place is truly a haven for women looking to learn a trade! From the Director to the maintenance crew, everyone has dedicated their time to help women in trades. Don’t be afraid to try something new, they will instruct you every step of the way! You don’t have to know a thing about construction and you will walk away feeling like Super Woman! Trust the process and sign up! Employers are amazed at what we already know because most trade schools can’t compare to this program.

Marcella G.

This place has gotten my life together in so many ways...I would recommend anyone who has a passion to work in the field that men dominate to come and be a part of a sisterhood at the CWIT (chicago women in trades).

Dianne J. L.

This organization is hypocritical at best and inappropriate at worst. In my opinion, the way they conduct the teacher/student interaction via their chat group is wildly inappropriate. The teachers and overweight admins are all about favoritism, for instance: one instructor will visit their favorite student's home outside class hours and work on special carpentry projects for them. Then another instructor will yell at the class each time about discipline and workouts but fail to show several times to class (and post on the class chat about their mechanical woes and excuses why they are not coming to teach the class). As if uber/lyft did not exist?

erica E.

Graduated from the T.O.P program in 2016, I’m so thankful for them. I am now a 134 union electrician and I’m grateful for all the support they gave me and continue to still give. The sisterhood is what keeps me going.

Ali R.

I called today to get more information on the programs and the receptionist was speeding through the descriptions. When I asked her if she could slow down and go over them she hung up on me. I called back and no answer. This is unfortunate because I’m also trying to help other women learn about the programs and workers like this make it very hard to get these resources out for those of us in need. Some people shouldn’t be in the non profit business if they are not going to have patience.

Angelique C.

This is an excellent community resource that invests in strengthening and encouraging women to build up the economy as well as continuing to pass on the wealth of education that comes with being affiliated. The Technical Opportunities Program (pre-apprenticeship) program has had such a powerful effect in my life and I look forward to what's to come!

Gabriela A.

I am not reviewing the program itself, I’m reviewing the organization and how things are handled. I first attended the informational webinar and was excited to apply for the program. I moved to the next step which was the exam and I passed it. Then I didn’t hear back for 2 weeks even after I sent an email to them. Finally I called them and they said they got my application confused and couldn’t match it with my exam. I don’t understand why they didn’t ask me that when I sent the email. I didn’t receive a response at all through email.

Then I had the interview which was a bit interesting. Part of my answer was that I wanted to own my business eventually and they told me that it cannot happen unless I do it through the union. I didn’t see it as a definite no so I didn’t see it as a problem.

I then received a rejection letter stating I couldn’t go into the second program due to space. I’m extremely disappointed that they would say that kind of thing because at the webinar a girl asked: if you run out of space for one program can you get into the next one? And they had said yes they will waitlist and they will always try to fit people into the programs because the programs don’t always fill up. So to receive that letter and then be told I don’t even qualify for the waitlist shows that they are lying in one part or the other.

I also honestly feel that part of the rejection that I received was due to my income. Prior to the webinar I had asked if my income would be an issue (as i make 6 figures) and they said no. But who knows after they have said some things and they keep being the opposite. Just my insight and experience here.

jania H.

i went through the t.o.p. program and attended their welding program. this organization was very helpful, and taught me a lot when it comes to working in the field of construction. i recommend their programs if you are serious about joining the construction workforce. the do all they can to help you, and they also have someone to help you get a job once you complete the the program.