PowerForward DuPage organized a mobile “tour of the trades” for over 70 counselors and teachers participating in the DuPage County-wide Institute Day on February 27, 2026. After a continental breakfast and a welcome by Brian Pehlke, Assistant Training Director for the DuPage JATC, the group took a tour of the IBEW Local 701 building and training center before loading onto a school bus and heading out for the day.
Stops included the Mid-America Carpenters Regional Council, the Laborers’ District Council Training Center, and the North Central Illinois Finishing Trades Institute, with the day wrapping up back at the IBEW Local 701 building. The objective of the event was to provide area educators with information on various apprenticeship programs so that they may better identify students who could potentially have a successful career in the union construction building trades.
Many thanks to all who assisted including event sponsors, the DuPage County Building Trades, IBEW Local 701, and the Laborers’ District Council for providing lunch to the attendees. We are looking forward to hosting again in 2027!