Pre-Employment Education and Training
Students | Student Services | Employer Services | Contacts

OAI’s Pre-Employment Education and Training (PEET) Department provides job training and placement services to Chicago residents faced with barriers to employment. PEET also works with employers to design and provide customized pre-employment recruitment and training programs to fit the employer's needs.

Students
Over the past five years, PEET has trained and placed over 2,000 job seekers with employers who offer livable wages, benefits, and advancement opportunities. PEET’s students, who come from a variety of backgrounds, education levels and economic situations, are looking for skills to compete in today’s workforce. Students go through a rigorous intake process to determine eligibility and acceptance into a specific program.

Student Services
PEET training offers students the opportunity to receive grant subsidized training and job search assistance, enabling them to achieve long-term independence. Our programs focus on getting students into the workforce through courses ranging from basic computer skills training to industry-specific certifications and licenses. Many of our courses are offered in conjunction with employers who guarantee employment to successful graduates of our programs.

Course offerings include, but are not limited to:

• Basic Career and Computer Skills
• OSHA-Certified Environmental Health and Safety (including Worker, Supervisor, and Inspector)
• Construction Skills
• Pre-Pharmacy Tech
• Healthcare Worker
• Hospitality Occupational Skills
• Banking Employment Services
• Office Support Skills (e.g., general clerical support, legal support services, document specialist)

View current courses offered through PEET and other OAI departments

Employer Services
We collaborate with employers to design training programs and leverage key strategic partnerships that expand our capacity to address employer-identified needs.

PEET offers a variety of services to assist employers in the hiring process. Services include:

• Recruitment
• Customized Applicant Screening
• Applicant Assessment - Literacy, Basic Math Skills, and ESL
• Customized, Job-specific Training

Learn more about our Customized Training and Recruitment services offered by
PEET and other OAI departments.

Contacts
Students who want to begin the intake process or learn more about our upcoming programs, please contact:

Amanda Marco
Program Manager
312.528.3512
amarco@oaiinc.org

Employers interested in recruitment services or training programs, please contact:

J. William McVey
Senior Director, Programs & Operations
312.528.3523
bmcvey@oaiinc.org