Pritzker Tech Talent Labs’ Tech Apprenticeship program at DPI has been selected as one of the top 100 finalists for the 23rd annual Chicago Innovation Awards. The awards celebrate the most innovative new products and services in the Chicago region across all organization sizes, sectors and industries. Judges will select 20 winners, to be announced November 14 at the UIC Forum.
In addition to the 20 winners selected by judges, the general public is invited to vote for the People’s Choice Award, also given out November 14.
PTTL’s 12-week Tech Apprenticeship program focuses on a mix of practical technical skills and durable skills. It is a full-time paid program — with in-person sessions 80 percent of the week to resemble a corporate environment. The program aims to be high-touch and high-impact, working with each trainee to help start their tech career.
DPI is committed to looking beyond the status quo, fostering creativity and experimentation in search of solutions to society’s most pressing problems. Part of that innovation means leading with diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. Of the trainees in the Tech Apprenticeship program to date, 32 percent are Hispanic/Latino, 27.5 percent are Black, and 33 percent are women.
As one of the top 100 finalists, PTTL staff will receive a $2,500 scholarship to attend The Practical Innovator, a daylong executive education course on October 1 led by top faculty who teach innovation at Northwestern’s Kellogg School of Management.
The Tech Apprenticeship program is the second DPI program to be recognized by the Chicago Innovation Awards. Its Wastewater-Based Epidemiology team, which informed statewide public health policy, won in 2022.
You can vote!
Each of the Top 100 finalists is also in the running for the annual People’s Choice Award, selected through online balloting. DPI is on page 4.
Voting is open until October 18 and is free, although registration is required. One ballot per email address.
Vote for PTTL for the People’s Choice Award.
Author: Jeanie Chung