On Sept. 28, Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) celebrated 15 years of the agency’s Second Chance Program—one of the largest of its kind in the country and a model for preparing people who are returning residents and others with barriers to employment re-enter the workforce.
“Since 2011, more than 2,000 justice-system involved individuals have participated in our successful Second Chance program and more than 550 have been hired into permanent positions here at CTA,” said CTA President Carter “Most importantly, if you become part of the Second Change Program, you benefit from a holistic program that provides training, career path assistance, upskilling opportunities, mentoring, networking and other support and resources to aide in re-entering the workforce.”
Second Chance is not only a re-entry program, but also a life-changing program that provides training, educational opportunities and support that help participants gain valuable work experience and get back on their feet. The CTA partners with various social services agencies to recruit program participants and provide them with a wide array of in-class education, hands-on training and networking opportunities to further develop their skill set and enhance their future job prospects. The CTA Second Chance Program offers more than 300 positions and has rolling admissions year-round.
To qualify for the Second Chance Program, interested individuals must be a city of Chicago resident, 18 years or older, have a barrier to employment - justice involved, domestic violence survivor or have housing insecurities, must be and remain drug free (including marijuana), show proof of full vaccination against COVID-19 per CDC standards and have an interest in janitorial work.
The CTA Second Chance Program has many program benefits, including:
- 40 work hours per week for at least one-year ($15.80 hourly rate)
- Paid training to obtain a Commercial Driver’s Learner Permit
- Professional development opportunities
- Workshops and assistance to apply for permanent CTA Positions
- Free access to transit on CTA, Metra and Pace Suburban Bus in the Chicago area
