Hard Hats, Real Stories: Revolution Workshop

At Chicago Community Builders Collective (CCBC), we're intentional about creating pathways to lasting careers for Chicago residents. Through partnerships with community-based workforce organizations, unions, contractors, and employers, we're helping connect local talent with meaningful opportunities in the construction industry. 

Revolution Workshop is one of five workforce organizations working alongside CCBC to prepare Chicago residents for careers on the Bally's Chicago Casino project and beyond. The nonprofit provides hands-on training and job placement in the construction trades to jobseekers from some of Chicago’s most under-resourced communities. In partnership with employers and unions, their staff helps build a strong, reliable pipeline of highly skilled, safety-minded, and collaborative workers while equipping them with the tools, credentials, and support they need to build lasting careers.   

That investment helped Ashley Johnson turn a frustrating job search into the start of a promising construction career. Today, she's building that career on the Bally's Chicago Casino project as a Community Impact and Engagement Coordinator with CCBC joint venture partner UJAMAA Construction.  

A Blueprint for a New Career

Before the Bally’s Chicago Casino project, Ashley was building a career in business and marketing, working across industries in roles that blended brand management, administration, operations, and social media. Armed with a Business Administration degree from the University of Michigan, she still struggled to find a stable, growth-oriented position. She became increasingly interested in project management, which ultimately led her to Revolution Workshop, opening the door to the construction industry. 

What brought you to Revolution Workshop?

I discovered them at a job fair. I was considering different positions in marketing and administrative operations. They caught my attention when they told me they could help me enter a career in project management. I was interested in earning my PMP (Project Management Professional) certification but it’s a pricey test. So, I signed up for a free program to help me become a Certified Assistant Project Manager (CAPM). Revolution Workshop provided me with resources to help me study for it so I could go after it on my own.  

What program did you take part in at Revolution Workshop?

I took part in PPP, the Professional Pathways Program. It lasted about 12–16 weeks. I received a stipend of $100 a week while I was in the program and, honestly, it was really encouraging. I’m smart, I have a U of M degree, but I was still struggling to find a position. Going through the PPP program showed me there are a lot of things I can do. I learned about scheduling, bidding, pricing and design. We got to play with AutoCAD and Revit—and I was really good at that. I had a one-track mind about what I wanted to do, but Revolution Workshop showed me a couple of things I didn’t even consider doing, nor did I think I would be good at. 

Did you encounter any roadblocks getting hired on the Bally’s Chicago Casino project without prior construction industry experience?

The only roadblock was being patient and waiting for the right job to open. To get my foot in the door, I applied for a job as a security check-in and badging coordinator in the safety trailer. I interviewed for that job in April 2025 with Miguel d’Escoto. He was impressed with me but told me he wanted me to do something more aligned with my skill set. It took a little while to actually get me on the project, but I started with UJAMAA in January.  

What type of work are you performing on the Bally’s Chicago Casino project? 

I work with CCBC’s workforce partners, including Revolution Workshop, and on the Community Engagement and Impact team, focusing on payroll compliance and local hiring goals. I coordinate with contractors to ensure they meet city and SEDA (Socioeconomically Disadvantaged Areas) requirements or properly document good faith efforts, align payroll numbers, and collaborate with Gerri Harris of JV partner Gilbane Building on outreach.  

What has it been like working on one of the largest construction projects in Chicago?

It has been great! This is different from anything I’ve ever done. It’s been a learning curve, for sure, but people are willing to teach me. I didn’t expect to have a team, but I have a great team! Everyone has been welcoming. 

What’s been your greatest lesson since entering the construction industry?

Don’t stop learning. There’s so much going on day-to-day, so it’s easy to lose track of something if you’re not actively thinking, learning and listening. For instance, I had no idea what “slab on grade” meant, but now I do. 

What is your favorite part of the job?

Working with theworkforce partners and bringing people into trade jobs. I was in the same position they were in now only a year ago. They’re hungry and smart and ready to get into something and do it well. I’m thankful I had Miguel to fight for me and my position. Now I am able to pay it forward. 

A SECOND CHANCE TO SHINE

Ashley's experience reflects one pathway into the construction industry. Felipe Zamora's journey demonstrates another—showing how workforce partnerships can create opportunities for individuals seeking a fresh start and a long-term career. 

Felipe Zamora was determined to build a new life after serving time in federal prison. After his release, he attended a job fair organized by the Federal Bureau of Prisons. Drawn to hands-on work, Felipe stopped at the Revolution Workshop table and spoke with a recruiter about the organization’s free training, tools, and a path into construction. That conversation led him to Revolution Workshop's pre-apprenticeship program and launched a career that has continued to grow. Since beginning his career as a general laborer and abatement worker, he has earned his certification in fireproofing. 

How’d you land your first job in construction? 

During the pre-apprenticeship, about 15 construction companies came out to do mock interviews. I’d never had a real job interview before that. I interviewed with Walsh Construction, and a week later Revolution Workshop’s job training specialist told me Walsh wanted to hire me as a laborer in a pre-apprenticeship where I could work and get paid union rates. 

What has it been like working on the Bally’s project? 

I’ve worked on big projects before, but this is the biggest in terms of how many companies and trades are involved. 

What certifications do you have, and how have they helped you move around? 

A lot of my specialized certifications come from abatement—lead and asbestos—because you need those to work on most sites. On the Bally’s Chicago Casino project, you also need certifications to drive a load or lift, work on scaffolds, and operate different equipment. On our crew, I’m one of the only people with all those licenses. That’s helped me move between different types of work. 

Are you planning to earn more certifications? 

I’m a fan of learning. We have a solar program coming up. On top of that, I have to constantly renew what I have and I’m always going back to class.  

What is your favorite part of the job? 

The hands-on learning and the people. I’m curious—if I see someone doing something, I’ll ask about it. I learn a lot that way.  

Ashley and Felipe's stories are just two examples of how workforce partnerships are creating opportunities for Chicago residents through the Bally's Chicago Casino project. Together with organizations like Revolution Workshop, CCBC remains committed to connecting local talent with careers that strengthen families, neighborhoods, and the future of Chicago's construction workforce.