Aspire’s Employment Training Program
So people of every ability can make a living.
“I’ve been trying to move out on my own for a while, but I couldn’t find a full-time job before. Now I have a full-time job and a condo! I am making my own way.” – Ella
We believe everyone has the ability to make a difference and thrive in the workplace. That’s why, in partnership with distribution and food services companies, we’ve created a one-of-a-kind employment training program for people with disabilities. This program provides the specific skills, knowledge, and experience needed to be valuable and successful employees within the warehouse and distribution industry.
The program is a 10-week experience, with sessions held 3 days a week onsite at Aspire’s Academy in Hillside and 1 day a week at an offsite partner company, totaling 4 days of training per week.
After successfully completing the program, trainees will transition into an 8-week paid internship, with a job coach provided for the first two weeks to ensure success!
“I love my new job”
Meet Grace! A charismatic adult that works for Canteen inside Bank of America Chicago. Grace works a full time job and is known for her funny personality and amazing work ethic!
For Trainees
It’s Not Just Training. It’s a Promise.
Aspire is here to support you along your career journey! Our 10-week job training program is a promise to equip you with the skills you need to succeed.
Once you complete the training, an 8-week paid internship is guaranteed!
There is absolutely no cost to you!
All fees are waived for trainees, through the federal grant that funds this program.
Who Would Be a Good Fit?
Trainees Who:
- Want a job but have been struggling to find the right fit.
- Excel at following repeatable and standardized processes.
- Like hands-on tasks that keep them active and engaged.
- Like to challenge themselves.
- Enjoy physical activity.
- Like to be a part of a team.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Has a documented disability.
- Desire to work at least 20 hours per week upon graduation.
- A high school diploma is NOT required to start the program!
In other words, trainees participating in transition programs can join this training as part of their schooling.
Building Soft Skills
Building Soft Skills
Developing and strengthening skills like communication and resume writing.
Simulated Work Environment
Gaining hands-on work experience and knowledge in our simulated environment.
Guaranteed Internship
After successfully completing the program, trainees will enter a guaranteed 8-week paid internship.
Improving Fitness
Increasing physical fitness and movement to build stamina for job related tasks.
See If You Qualify
For Employers
Stronger workplaces benefit everyone! By working with Aspire to employ people with disabilities, you will play an active role in helping to create a better future for everyone.
Employer Benefits
By partnering with Aspire in this Employment Training Program, you will have access to a pool of talent that is often overlooked and underemployed by hosting onsite experiences for our trainees.
Working alongside Aspire, we will help your team build the knowledge and skills needed to create stronger workplace opportunities for people with disabilities through the provided training programs.
To help address and reverse the talent challenge within the industry, following the successful completion of the training program, you will have the ability to launch into our trainee talent pool by hiring them as interns for an 8-week period.
Businesses that prioritize workplace opportunity and employ people with disabilities often see:
50%
Increase in employee retention by 50%
25%
25% higher levels of productivity.
33%
Reduction in safety incidents by 33%.
100%
100% stronger workplace culture.
Join these industry-leading companies in partnering with Aspire to create a better future for everyone:
Ready to hire?
We’ve helped nearly 100 organizations hire dozens of qualified candidates in the past four years. We’d like to do the same for your business. Please fill out this form and we will connect with you and answer any questions you might have.
You can also call us at (320) 4-Aspire or (320) 427-7473 or email us at ambassador@aspirechicago.com.
“The contents of this web page were developed under grant H421F240008 from the U.S. Department of Education (Department). The Department does not mandate or prescribe practices, models, or other activities described or discussed in this document. The contents of this web page may contain examples of, adaptations of, and links to resources created and maintained by another public or private organization. The Department does not control or guarantee the accuracy, relevance, timeliness, or completeness of this outside information. The content of this web page does not necessarily represent the policy of the Department. This publication is not intended to represent the views or policy of or be an endorsement of any views expressed or materials provided by any Federal agency. (EDGAR 75.620)”
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