Chicago's Latest Job Creation Effort Unfolds with Launch of Xchange Hub
The city's latest bid to boost employment on the South Side has taken shape, as tech training hub Xchange Chicago officially opened its doors in a $20 million facility at 7247 S. South Chicago Ave. Spanning over 28,000 square feet, the state-of-the-art building promises to serve up life-changing career opportunities for more than 50 residents thus far.
According to Mayor Brandon Johnson, the initiative has already yielded impressive results, with thousands of jobs on the horizon. "Xchange has created dynamic career pathways and economic opportunities... paving the way for thousands of life-changing technology jobs here on the South Side," he stated during a recent opening ceremony.
At the heart of Xchange's endeavors lies an eight- to 18-week training program aimed at residents from South Side neighborhoods, including those with limited job prospects before enrollment. Hardik Bhatt, CEO of SDI Presence – the hub's anchor tenant – notes that artificial intelligence is far from eliminating IT jobs. Instead, it demands skilled professionals adept in AI applications.
Training focuses on sought-after skills like software development, cybersecurity, infrastructure management, and business analysis. According to Bhatt, companies such as Peoples Gas, insurer Aon, financial services firm Northern Trust, health data company MRO, and the city of Chicago are already lining up partnerships to provide employment opportunities for Xchange graduates.
While federal funding from the Good Jobs grant has come to an end, philanthropies and private sector investors have stepped in to bridge the gap. This summer, Xchange won a $500,000 prize sponsored by the Walton Family Foundation and the Siegel Family Endowment – further testament to its growing impact.
Currently on the waitlist with over 400 hopefuls, those seeking to enroll in Xchange can expect significant salary boosts after graduation. Annual salaries range from $50,000 to $70,000 for graduates placed with SDI, paired with full benefits. As P33 CEO Brad Henderson put it, "We are opening up real, life-changing opportunities in technology fields... bringing millions of dollars back to the U.S. and Chicago."
With corporate backing and community partnerships on the rise, Xchange's South Side hub is poised to bring fresh vitality to an area often overlooked by job creation initiatives.
The city's latest bid to boost employment on the South Side has taken shape, as tech training hub Xchange Chicago officially opened its doors in a $20 million facility at 7247 S. South Chicago Ave. Spanning over 28,000 square feet, the state-of-the-art building promises to serve up life-changing career opportunities for more than 50 residents thus far.
According to Mayor Brandon Johnson, the initiative has already yielded impressive results, with thousands of jobs on the horizon. "Xchange has created dynamic career pathways and economic opportunities... paving the way for thousands of life-changing technology jobs here on the South Side," he stated during a recent opening ceremony.
At the heart of Xchange's endeavors lies an eight- to 18-week training program aimed at residents from South Side neighborhoods, including those with limited job prospects before enrollment. Hardik Bhatt, CEO of SDI Presence – the hub's anchor tenant – notes that artificial intelligence is far from eliminating IT jobs. Instead, it demands skilled professionals adept in AI applications.
Training focuses on sought-after skills like software development, cybersecurity, infrastructure management, and business analysis. According to Bhatt, companies such as Peoples Gas, insurer Aon, financial services firm Northern Trust, health data company MRO, and the city of Chicago are already lining up partnerships to provide employment opportunities for Xchange graduates.
While federal funding from the Good Jobs grant has come to an end, philanthropies and private sector investors have stepped in to bridge the gap. This summer, Xchange won a $500,000 prize sponsored by the Walton Family Foundation and the Siegel Family Endowment – further testament to its growing impact.
Currently on the waitlist with over 400 hopefuls, those seeking to enroll in Xchange can expect significant salary boosts after graduation. Annual salaries range from $50,000 to $70,000 for graduates placed with SDI, paired with full benefits. As P33 CEO Brad Henderson put it, "We are opening up real, life-changing opportunities in technology fields... bringing millions of dollars back to the U.S. and Chicago."
With corporate backing and community partnerships on the rise, Xchange's South Side hub is poised to bring fresh vitality to an area often overlooked by job creation initiatives.
. The idea of training people with limited job prospects to get into tech jobs is really exciting 
. I mean, AI isn't going away anytime soon, right? 
It's all about getting the right skills and companies like Peoples Gas and Northern Trust are already investing in this program 
. I'm curious to see how it'll impact the South Side community 
. If they can deliver on those promised salary boosts 
and full benefits, that's a big win for people looking for better opportunities 
.
. I'm sure the waitlist of 400 hopefuls is just buzzing with excitement 
. And who needs federal funding when you've got Walton and Siegel throwing some cash around 
I'm hyped for people in Chicago having access to training programs that can boost their careers and earn a decent salary 
. I think it's awesome that philanthropies and private investors are stepping up to support the initiative too 
. The fact that it's focused on skills in AI, software dev, cybersecurity, etc... will definitely give people an edge in the job market 
xchang chicago is def a game changer 4 south side resdnts. i think its awesome dat they're fociin on tech skills 2 boot, cus AI isnt gonna replace all the it jobs lol. plus with companys like peoples gas & northern trust partnerin up, its lookin good 4 our future 
. Training programs like this can make all the difference in helping folks gain new skills and boost their salaries 
. Now, let's keep our fingers crossed that it does bring some much-needed vitality to the area 
? Now it's down to 6% and rising! That's a big deal, fam 
And with companies like Peoples Gas and Aon on board, these new graduates are gonna be makin' bank 
Not just buildin' robots, but makin' tech jobs that don't require AI expertise