Pre-Apprentices Join Construction Team at Cook County Hospital Redevelopment

A group of Chicagoans will have an opportunity to begin new careers and be part of a historic transformation that will reenergize a community and reshape the medical district on the city’s Near West Side.

Seven new pre-apprentices were recently welcomed into the old Cook County Hospital redevelopment team by Alderman Walter Burnett Jr. (27th Ward), Alderman Jason Ervin (28th Ward), Murphy Development Group, MB Real Estate, The Target Group and Walsh Construction. After a series of applications and interviews, these individuals were chosen to participate in a program that will provide industry-based training and preparation for individuals to succeed in the construction industry.

“I want to commend Walsh and everyone that’s involved in making this happen. We are giving an opportunity not just to get a job, but an opportunity to have a career,” said Ald. Burnett Jr. “The individuals represent everyone else who is looking for an opportunity, and now it’s their time to perform.”

“We all look to you to make the community proud,” said Rachel Ivy, project administrator for Communities Empowered though Construction, when addressing the new pre-apprentices. “We created this process to get the best – and you are the best – for this Pre-Apprenticeship Program.”

The Pre-Apprentice Program, sponsored by Walsh Construction, is an eight-week exposure program where candidates will gain construction experience by participating at the old Cook County Hospital jobsite. Pre-apprentices will shadow management staff and superintendents. They will select a trade of their choosing and shadow the foreman for the last four weeks of the program. Industry-based training is also made available, including but not limited to OSHA 10 Hour, Flagging Certification, Fall Protection, Confined Space and First Aid.

“You could become a project manager, you could become a site supervisor, but it all starts from the ground up,” said Ald. Jason Ervin. “Don’t let this be the end; this is another beginning of what can be and should be a successful career.”

The old Cook County Hospital building, which has stood vacant for the past 16 years, is being redeveloped into a dual-branded hotel along with retail and medical office space. The redeveloped structure will serve as the cornerstone to the new Harrison Square Chicago. The redevelopment of the old Cook County Hospital building is expected to be complete in the summer of 2020.

Walsh Construction initiated its Pre-Apprentice Program in 1999, when constructing the new John H. Stroger Cook County Hospital.

“Today can be the first day of your career,” said Jeff Pezza, vice president at Walsh Construction. “Be a sponge, you’re going to learn a lot here. Ask all kinds of questions, find your voice, don’t be quiet and take advantage of this opportunity.”