Chicago Gets To Work For LGBTQ Youth

Help is at hand for job-seeking queer and trans youth.

Roll up your sleeves, queer youth of Chicago, and get ready to connect and get skilled! On Wed., Oct. 22, 2014, noon-4 p.m. at the Center on Halsted, 3656 N. Halsted, the Work! Chicago LGBTQ Youth Job Fair welcomes members of the community, with a special focus on LGBTQ youth and the transgender community.

The fair is sponsored by Windy City Times, Chicago House TransWorks, TransTech and the Center on Halsted.

This job fair is a follow-up event to the Windy City Times LGBTQ Homeless Youth Summit held in May, in which many of the youth attending said they had difficulty in finding jobs that are open to the full expression of their identities.

This especially includes transgender youth seeking work. Now, the LGBTQ community has banded together with the business community to address this problem and growing need.

“We are really seeking the help of Chicago’s vibrant corporate and small business community in stepping up to provide opportunities for youth,” says Gretchen Blickensderfer, one of the job fair’s coordinators.

“The first step is for businesses and nonprofits to signup for the job fair. We request that companies and nonprofits come with opportunities at all levels for applicants, from entry-level work to mid-career jobs.”

In advance of the job fair, both Chicago House TransWorks and TransTech will be providing job training and support. Chicago House will offer a free LGBTQ Job-readiness training. Topics discussed include self-awareness, self-esteem, communication, career planning, conflict resolution, anger management, self-care, goal setting, interview skills, resume, and cover letter writing. Other topics will include coming out or transitioning and best practices.

Participants that take part in the job readiness workshop are assigned a Career Specialist to help with setting career goals and objectives.  A Career Specialist is a career-focused counselor, who provides one-on-one guidance both before and after a participant gets a job.

The job readiness workshop will take place on Oct. 9, 10, 13 and 14. To take part in the LGBTQ job readiness workshop call Chicago House Employment program at 773-248-5200 ext. 109 and mention how you heard about this training.

TransTech Social Enterprises (TTSE), is a non-profit organization that offers an apprenticeship and training academy that teaches job skills, as well as graphic design and web coding.  In the apprenticeship program,TransTech offers creative technology services including web development and graphic design that are worked on by students and educators at affordable prices for consumers.

TransTech is a social enterprise structure that is meant to maximize economic improvement and well-being within the LGBTQ community, rather than focusing on maximizing profits for external shareholders.If looking to engage with TransTech as an apprentice, supporter, or volunteer please contact [email protected] or at 773-372-3363.

Booths are just $75 for businesses and $50 for non-profits. For an application, email [email protected]. Deadline for booth signup is Oct. 5.

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