Historically, minority communities have had a hard time entering the construction trades. But the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) has been working hard to fill the growing shortage of skilled craft professionals as well as create a more diverse and inclusive construction industry in Illinois by expanding career opportunities for individuals with barriers to employment, including the re-entry population. Its Community Builders Program does more than train. Upon completion of the free program, graduates are placed in industry jobs, with more than 60 percent of its graduates gaining immediate employment. More than 100 students have been trained since the program launched in 2017 and graduates enter the workforce at an average wage of $17.50 per hour with steady career and wage advancement. Recently, Community Builders held a kick-off meeting with the next cohort of students at Project H.O.O.D., 6330 S. King Dr. Program graduates shared how the free program helped changed their lives and how their new employment/career allowed them to better provide for their families. For more information, visit https://mycommunitybuilders.org/