Workforce Development - PODER

Workforce Development

PODER’s Workforce Development (WFD) training courses provide career pathways for unemployed or underemployed individuals seeking career opportunities that offer family-sustaining wages and advancement opportunities. Currently, we offer a 4-week Career Exploration (CE) training course that serves as a prerequisite to our two industry-specific training courses to build the job skills needed to be successful in an insurance or financial services career: Bilingual Insurance Licensing (BIL) and Latinos in Finance (LIF).

Outcomes/Testimonials

Students who complete the BIL or LIF training programs are guaranteed job offers in their respective industry. 81% of graduates were placed in employment and experienced a 34% increase in wages.

Freddy’s Success Story

Freddy, a second-generation immigrant living in nearby Cicero, came to PODER’s Latinos in Finance (LIF) training working as a vault custodian, processing and tabulating millions of dollars in cash daily. But Freddy’s shifts often didn’t end until 1 AM and there was limited career growth opportunity. Freddy went online to start his job search, which is where he found PODER’s LIF recruitment post. LIF was a game-changer for Freddy and he credits the program for pushing him to find the best version of himself.

After LIF graduation, Freddy participated in an Oprima-1 hiring event and received an offer from Marquette Bank, where he works today as a financial sales representative. With one semester left at Morton College, Freddy will graduate with his associate’s degree and then pursue a bachelor’s degree in business management. While reflecting on lessons learned, Freddy shared: “My parents had a dream that in this country their children would one day be able to achieve great things. They taught me that anyone has the ability to succeed, no matter what the circumstances. PODER empowers millennials like me with the skills and confidence to attain the type of success my parents envisioned for me.”

Program Benefits

The program empowers students to:

  • Learn technical and soft skills needed for customer service, financial services sector, or insurance sector jobs
  • Gain competitive workplace technology skills
  • Explore career pathways and set short and long-term career goals
  • Build a resume, practice interview skills, and network with employer partners
  • Secure employment with one of PODER’s employer partners
Career Exploration
Training
Latinos in Finance
Training
Insurance Licensed Sales Professional Training

Member Advisor

Member Advisors (formerly Career Coaches) provide a student support model that enhances services to underrepresented communities. Many PODER members are not just learning Integrated English as a second language, but also have limited formal classroom education, limited access to technology, and limited financial resources for educational and workforce goals. PODER’s member advisors provide a range of services to members, including one-on-one coaching, case management, and referrals to community partners.

Member Advisors complete needs assessments, and work on career readiness, and individual member plans to overcome barriers to success.  

  • Resume Skills
  • Job Coaching
  • Interview Preparation
  • Financial Coaching

We provide connections to an extensive network of community partner organizations for additional services:

  • Housing
  • Utilities Support
  • Access to Healthcare
  • Mental Health
  • Employment Placement Assistance
  • Legal Support
  • Other Services

Programs & Class Schedule

Career Exploration Training

Training Days: 4 weeks/ Once a week

Location: In-Person and Virtually

Training Times: 9:00am -1:00pm

Latinos in Finance Training

Training Days: 6 weeks/ 3 days a week

Location: In-Person and Virtually

Training Times: 9:15am -3:15pm

Insurance Licensed Sales Professional Training

Training Days: 2 weeks/ 3 Pre-Licensing Seminar Days, 3 Group Study Sessions, and 4 Individual Study Sessions

Location: In-Person and Virtually

Training Times: Pre-Licensing Seminar: Thursday 9:15am -6:00pm ; Friday 9:15am -7:00pm & Saturday: 9:15am -2:00pm
Group Study Sessions: 11:30am -2:30pm

Register

3 ways to register for classes:

Walk-In

We have open registration every day at the following sites and hours:

PODER HQ
3357 W 55th St
Chicago, IL 60632

Monday –Thursday
9:00am-8:00pm

Friday
9:00am-4:00pm

Saturday
9:00am-1:00pm

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