It’s a partnership that helps Paul Simon Chicago Job Corps painting students get the experience and training they need to advance in their new careers. The partnership between the Chicago center and the The International Union of Painters and Allied Trades (IUPAT) is extremely valuable.

In one recent joint project, students learned various techniques and skills as they built, repaired, and remodeled homes in the community. The Rebuilding Together project was organized by the union of painters, carpenters, electricians, plumbers and other construction workers.

Fritz Whisenton, Chicago Job Corps instructor and IUPAT union member says,

“This project gives our painting students an opportunity to learn from and work with union workers and tradesmen who can prepare them for the workplace. It also shows our students how to give back to the community.”