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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
COOK COUNTY WOMEN IN APPRENTICESHIP DAY PROCLAMATION
WHEREAS, Despite increases over the last several years, women nationally still make up only 4.4% of apprentices in the construction trades; and
WHEREAS, Based on national apprenticeship data from 2023, Hispanic women make up 0.9% of apprentices in the construction industry, Black women make up 0.5%, Asian women make up 0.1%, and American Indian and Alaskan native women make up 0.1%; and
WHEREAS, Rising costs of higher education and the resulting student loan debt, 64% of which is held by women, make apprenticeships a vital career pathway to economic stability as apprentices “earn while they learn;” and
WHEREAS, Median wages for experienced construction workers in the Chicago-area building trades was $83,240 as of 2021; and
WHEREAS, the advancement and well-being of Cook County depends upon its ability to expand opportunities in its workforce that are inclusive of individuals who have been historically underserved, marginalized, and adversely affected by persistent poverty and inequality in their chosen fields; and
WHEREAS, Registered Apprenticeship programs enable employers to develop and train their future workforce while offering women affordable paths to financial security for themselves and their families; and
WHEREAS, Registered Apprenticeship programs are uniquely able to meet the changing demands of the Cook County’s economy and provide a path for all qualified individuals, including women, youth, people of color, justice-involved individuals, and individuals with disabilities, to become apprentices and contribute to Cook County’s industries; and
WHEREAS, Cook County recognizes that Registered Apprenticeship, a proven and industry-driven training model, is a key strategy to improving job quality, and is committed to increasing access to good-paying, family-sustaining jobs for women through established models like Chicago Women in Trades’ pre-apprenticeship training.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the President of the Board, along with the Cook County Board of Commissioners, do hereby proclaim November 21st, 2024 as Women in Apprenticeship Day in Cook County.
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