OAK FOREST, IL–When Jacob Mora, 22, received his Highway Construction Careers Training Program Certificate last week at South Suburban College’s HCCTP Graduation, he looked for his mother who he found smiling from ear to ear in the audience. Chasity Winiecki, 44, had plenty of reason to be excited for her son as she knew his future was bright. After all, she was already enjoying a rewarding career at Judlau Contracting, Inc. in Homer Glen since she completed the program herself in 2018.
“I’m so proud of Jacob—I can’t believe he’s following in my footsteps,” said Winiecki, who is currently in a two-year apprenticeship as a laborer. “I know he learned an amazing amount of stuff and I know the money is great. And I absolutely love the work!”
The Dyer, IN duo are the first mother and son to graduate from HCCTP at SSC since the program started back in 2014. Since that time, 223 of 324 students have competed the free 12-week program which is the largest of the 12 community colleges in Illinois that offer HCCTP.
HCCTP was implemented to increase the number of minorities, women, and disadvantaged individuals working on IDOT highway construction projects. The training consists of an intensive program to teach the skills necessary for acceptance into the highway construction trades and provide opportunities for careers with high wage potential. Career opportunities include cement mason, electrician, pipefitter, carpenter, laborer, and equipment operator. The requirements for admittance include: valid driver’s license, 18 years or older, high school diploma/GED, and completion of assessment testing.
Mora earned his GED from Merrillville High School, said the program was perfectly suited for his situation. “I love to work hard, and if you love to work hard you’re going to get the most out of this program. I learned a lot of different skills in a short period of time. I highly recommend it.” Mora is currently seeking a pipefitter or elevator constructor apprenticeship opportunity.
Chasity added, “People questioned me when I first told them about the program but I’m here to tell you that it’s for real!”
While job placement is not a guarantee upon HCCTP completion, 7 of the college’s current 10 graduates have already earned jobs or apprenticeships with their newfound skills. SSC will be offering its next HCCTP course this summer at the college’s Oak Forest Center. Orientation and assessment testing will take place June 11-13th with the program set to begin on July 15, 2019.
All candidates must have a valid driver’s license with them to attend orientation. For more information please visit www.ssc.edu/hcctp, call (708) 596-2000, ext. 3219, or email hcctp@ssc.edu. Para información en Español llame (708) 210-5740. All orientation and assessment testing will be held at the Oak Forest Center. The Oak Forest Center is located at 16333 South Kilbourn Avenue, Oak Forest, Illinois 60452.