By Chinta Strausberg, Chicago Crusader
Eager to learn how to become certified flaggers, a number of men and women recently trained outside of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition headquarters, 930 E. 50th St. in hopes of making their dream of making $41 per hour a reality.
They even paused for a moment to take pictures with the Rev. Jesse L. Jackson, Sr. who gave them words of encouragement.
“The flagger program is one of many adult workforce training programs that we’ve launched at Rainbow PUSH this year as we prepare our workforce for the jobs that are available in construction, technology and hospitality,” said Rev. Janette Wilson, national senior adviser to Rev. Jackson.
Some of the classes are conducted at the PUSH headquarters. “We’re going to be partnering with the city colleges and various labor organizations and together we’ll train a workforce that can be employed in the coming months and coming year.”
According to Wilson, flaggers have the potential to work far above the minimum wage. “Those who engage in the technology of CISCO certification can make from $40,000 to $60,000 a year,” she said.
“In the hospitality industry as waiters and banquet servers, they can make a significant amount of money higher than a minimum wage. Those who go into the hotel and restaurant management will start at a higher level. There is a job for everyone, but you have to be trained and ready to work,” Wilson stated.
