(center-right) Pace Executive Director Melinda Metzger, Chairman Rick Kwasneski, Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle, Cook County Commissioner Stanley Moore, Olive-Harvey President Kimberly Hollingsworth, and Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr. pose with students and administrators at Olive-Harvey College.
Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr., Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle, and Cook County Commissioner Stanley Moore
join Pace and OHC officials to commend the next generation of professional bus operators
CHICAGO, IL – Students and officials gathered earlier today at Olive-Harvey College (OHC) to celebrate the successful partnership between Pace and OHC on a customized two-week course to assist individuals in obtaining their CDL permit in order to start their career as professional bus operators. Two classes have already graduated, and 11 students are now working at Pace.
Olive-Harvey College President Kimberly Hollingsworth opened the program and welcomed guests. “Creating a path from the classroom to meaningful employment is our mission and that’s why this partnership with Pace makes good sense,” said Hollingsworth. “Within weeks students can earn their CDL license at our college and be on their way to fulfilling their career goals. Seeing the smiles on their faces today as they earned their credential is the icing on the cake.”
Pace Chairman Rick Kwasneski was next to speak. “This program is a prime example of public servants working together to overcome a challenge—in our case, the significant bus operator shortage affecting the transit industry nationally,” he said. “We can’t afford to let positions stay vacant. And luckily, Olive-Harvey is very good at giving people the skills they need to succeed.”
Kwasneski welcomed Illinois Senator Elgie R Sims to the podium where the legislator commended students. “People across the city and across the state rely on good public transit. But, more importantly, for our students and graduates, thank you. Because you provide hope. Hope is the most powerful tool we have to change our communities,” he said. “By participating in this program, you are not only giving yourself that opportunity for advancement, you are showcasing that opportunity for others. So, we celebrate you, we thank you, and we know that you are going to provide tremendous service to this community.”
Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle was next to address the students. “Vocational education is critical to ensuring that a society is able to function - that the jobs which are most integral to our daily lives are filled with skilled and talented workers,” said Preckwinkle. “This is why the partnership between Olive-Harvey College and Pace is so important. Olive-Harvey is providing training and preparing a workforce that Pace needs.” Cook County Commissioner Stanley Moore spoke next, commending President Kimberly Hollingsworth, and noting that Pace had been a wonderful partner since he became a commissioner ten years ago.
Pace Executive Director Melinda Metzger concluded the program by presenting students currently employed with Pace certificates to mark their completion of the OHC course. These students “represent the next generation of professional bus operators for our region. We wish them a long and successful career with Pace. We offer a path to success and careers for people who are passionate about public service. Becoming a Pace bus operator can lead to further advancement with opportunities to move into dispatch, safety, and administrative positions,” Metzger said. Those seeking employment are encouraged to learn more at PaceBus.com/careers.