For immediate release
Media contacts:
Jennifer Wright, jennifer@hawthornestrategy.com
Michelle Gonzalez, mgonzalez@choosechicago.com
Apprenticeship Program provides emerging professionals from BIPOC communities access to careers in the tourism and hospitality industries.
Chicago, IL (January 11, 2022) – Choose Chicago understands that while tourism and hospitality play a pivotal role in the city’s workforce development and economic vitality, BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) talent and leadership is underrepresented in the tourism and hospitality industries.
To that end, Choose Chicago is proud to collaborate with United Airlines on an all-new Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) Apprenticeship Program, with support from Tourism Diversity Matters(TDM). United Airlines will fully fund this Apprenticeship Program for the 2022 calendar year, benefiting one lucky candidate selected to complete this competitive pilot program.
The program will offer five distinctive specializations offered by the Choose Chicago Career Track – Global Development, Sports Commission, Marketing, Partnership, Sales &
Services/ Event Management – as well as one career track with the United Airlines team. The apprentice will gain 600 hours of experience working within multiple departments at Choose Chicago and United Airlines, receive a monthly stipend and paid travel expenses, and job placement upon successful completion of the program.
With United’s commitment to building equitable access to aviation careers and sustainability growing their inclusive culture from the inside out and a commitment to transparency, accountability, and continued forward progress, they are an ideal partner for this initiative.
“We’re proud to partner with Choose Chicago as they launch the EDI Apprenticeship Program in support of their commitment to creating a more diverse, equitable and inclusive world,” says Glenn Hollister, Vice President, Sales Strategy & Effectiveness at United Airlines. “Together, we’re collaborating in innovative ways to deliver on our shared vision of breaking barriers and promoting diversity, equity and inclusion.”
In addition to receiving invaluable work experience through shadowing, mentorship, practical application and interdepartmental tasks, the apprentice will also be exposed to local stakeholders, clients and community partners.
“This is an extremely exciting and important organizational initiative to help make the tourism and hospitality industry more accessible and equitable,” said Glenn Eden, Chairman of Choose Chicago. “One of Chicago’s strengths is the diversity of our City and it is critical that future leaders of our industry represent the diversity of our community. We are thrilled to be able to launch this with United Airlines given their longstanding commitment and leadership in this area.”
The central terms of the Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) Apprenticeship Program are as follows:
- One (1) emerging professional from a BIPOC community will be selected for an apprenticeship that includes:
- 600 hours providing substantial experience working within multiple departments at Choose Chicago;
- Exposure in working with United Airlines for 4-6 weeks;
- Paid stipend during the program (at minimum $17/hour) along with transportation and meals monthly stipend;
- Employment upon successful completion of program.
Learn more and get details on how to apply for the Apprenticeship Program.
# # #
About Choose Chicago
Choose Chicago is the official sales and marketing organization responsible for promoting Chicago as a global visitor and meetings destination, leveraging the city’s unmatched assets to ensure the economic vitality of the city and its member business community. For more information, visit ChooseChicago.com. Follow @ChooseChicago on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
About United Airlines
United’s shared purpose is “Connecting People. Uniting the World.” In 2019, United and United Express® carriers operated more than 1.7 million flights carrying more than 162 million customers. United has the most comprehensive route network among North American carriers, including U.S. mainland hubs in Chicago, Denver, Houston, Los Angeles, New York/Newark, San Francisco and Washington, D.C. For more about how to join the United team, please visit united.com/careers and more information about the company is at United.com. United Airlines Holdings, Inc. is traded on the Nasdaq under the symbol “UAL”.
