During the nine month program, Greencorps Chicago trainees receive practical experience, academic enhancement, professional development and training in a variety of environmentally-related jobs with skills that are easily transferable to other industries. Participants receive classroom training in horticulture, urban agriculture, tree care, landscaping, carpentry, ecological restoration, IPM and m
any other topics. Participants are provided diverse learning opportunities and hands-on training experiences in areas like landscaping, tree care, ecological restoration and brownfield remediation. Training happens both in the classroom and in the field working with the Chicago Park District, The Forest Preserve District of Cook County and other public and community partners. Greencorps trainees are offered a number of professional certifications including:
Defensive Driving Course, Flagger Training, Fork Lift Operator, First Aid/CPR, HAZWOPER, LRRP (40 CFR 745), OSHA 10-Hour Safety General Industry, Chicago Wilderness Prescription Burn Class and Illinois Pesticide Certification. Throughout the program, trainees are supported with wrap-around social services and a stable income, leading to high retention rates that increase the graduates' abilities to secure full time employment upon completion of the program. Outplacement specialists work to identify positive placement matches and continue with post placement follow-up addressing any workplace issues that may arise. This process provides more continuous employment and multiple placement opportunities.
