World Business Chicago, City of Chicago, and Olive-Harvey College showcase today's and tomorrow's TDL careers to Chicago residents, ages 18-22, through Summer Workplace tours

CHICAGO—(July 10, 2025) – World Business Chicago, in partnership with the City of Chicago and Olive-Harvey College, announces Chi Summer Workplace Tours: TDL (Transportation, Distribution, and Logistics) — a career exploration event introducing young Chicago job seekers (ages 18–22) to the city’s high-growth Transportation, Distribution and Logistics (TDL) sector.

On Wednesday, July 16, 2025, participants will tour employer worksites across the city to experience firsthand the career pathways and opportunities in this vital industry, which powers the movement of goods, people, and services and underpins the region’s economic growth.

Chicago is the main freight rail hub of North America, with approximately 25% of all freight trains and 50% of all intermodal trains in the U.S. passing through metropolitan Chicago. Supporting this competitive advantage is a $57 billion TDL sector — spanning rail, logistics, supply chain, warehousing, and more — now experiencing significant growth with a projected 10% increase in employment, particularly in rail transportation, warehousing and storage, digital freight technology, and last-mile delivery services.

“As a former teacher, I’ve seen firsthand how young people’s potential can flourish when they’re given the right opportunities and support,” said Mayor Brandon Johnson. “By connecting students directly with employers and mentors in industries that shape our future, we are doing more than just opening doors — we are building a Chicago where everyone can thrive. This is about empowering the next generation to lead our city forward, just as we give them the tools and pathways to follow their dreams and shape a better tomorrow.”

This initiative aims to inspire the next generation of talent by showcasing meaningful, future-ready jobs and helping young Chicagoans connect their education to real-world careers. Students will meet directly with industry professionals, engage in hands-on learning, and explore the pathways, internships, and training programs that define the future of work.

The day begins with a networking session and a tour of Olive-Harvey College, Chicago’s dedicated TDL hub. From there, participants will depart for site visits at leading employers, gaining direct exposure to local operations and career opportunities.

“The Chi Summer Workplace tours are connecting the next generation of innovators by bridging education to in-demand careers, offering young Chicagoans hands-on learning and direct exposure to jobs in the TDL sector. With this initiative, we are also helping young people envision a future filled with possibility and career growth—and right here in our own city,” said Chancellor Juan Salgado, City Colleges of Chicago.

“Chicago’s TDL sector is not just moving goods, it’s moving futures. By opening the doors of our college and its incredible TDL center to young people, we’re helping them see where their education can take them,” said Dr. Kimberly Hollingsworth, president of Olive-Harvey College. “These tours will showcase in-demand jobs and illuminate pathways to careers that are sure to power our economy and our communities.”

This event builds on WBC’s proven workforce development model, which earned national recognition for its Chicago Manufacturing Future Initiative. Launched in 2024, that program brought over 100 CPS students and 49 educators into nine advanced manufacturing workplaces — introducing students to robotics, 3D printing, and battery production while aligning with CTE, STEM, and pre-engineering tracks.

This summer’s TDL experience applies that same hands-on approach to a sector driving Chicago’s global competitiveness — and offering strong wages, upward mobility, and future-proof jobs. The initiative is a collaboration among civic, education, and workforce leaders, including:

• Tamika Jones, Director of Youth Voice and Employment, City of Chicago
• Joachim Borha, Director of Grant Administration, Olive-Harvey College
• Cheryl Freeman Smith, Dean of Career Programs & Continuing Education (TDL), Olive-Harvey College

World Business Chicago’s international and economic development efforts highlight the TDL sector as one of the city’s most strategic industries, fueling both local employment and global commerce through innovation and scale.

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Media Contact:
Andrew Hayes
312-823-4333
ahayes@worldbusinesschicago.com