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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
RECOGNIZING WOMEN IN APPRENTICESHIP DAY IN COOK COUNTY
WHEREAS, despite increases over the last several years, nationally women still make up only 5.4% of apprentices in the construction trades as of 2024; 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, hourly wages for women completing union construction apprenticeship programs in Illinois are $49; 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, the current federal administration's efforts to dismantle equity, diversity, and inclusion initiatives will intensify occupational segregation and worsen women's economic insecurity; 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 Cook County's economy and provide pathways for all qualified individuals, including women, gender expansive individuals, 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-...
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