Ford Emphasizes Need for Trade School in Chicago

CHICAGO – As President Joe Biden visited Illinois Wednesday to discuss his American Families Plan, state Rep. La Shawn K. Ford, D-Chicago, joined community leaders to call for federal investment in Chicago’s workforce to create a new trade school.       

“I agree with the President that we need to make transformative investments in infrastructure, education and jobs,” Ford said. “For too long, too many in our community have been left behind and unable to learn the skills needed to get a high-paying job. It’s an underlying reason why crime is out of control in our city. But by prioritizing the creation of a new trade school here in Chicago, we can profoundly create new opportunities for a generation of residents.”

Ford was joined by community advocates, labor leaders and residents to stress the value trade schools can create for residents in Chicago. Trade schools, which can serve as an alternative to attending college, offer attendees an opportunity to learn life-long skills that can translate to well-paying jobs and career opportunities in demand.

“College doesn’t need to be the only path one takes to be successful,” Ford said. “A new trade school will have an immediate impact on our city and will return untold value on an initial investment. With so much unlocked potential throughout Chicago, let’s open the door for more people to pursue the life they deserve.”