In Episode 143 of The Chicagoland Guide, Aaron Masliansky visits Youth Conservation Corps in Waukegan to explore a critical but often overlooked part of the housing conversation: workforce development. As Lake County and the broader Chicagoland region face a persistent housing shortage, rising construction costs, and a shrinking skilled trades workforce, solutions must go beyond zoning reform and financing tools. This episode examines how YouthBuild Waukegan is training the next generation of construction professionals while building affordable housing for local families. If we want more housing supply, stronger neighborhoods, and sustainable economic growth in Lake County and across the Chicagoland area, we need people who know how to build—and that’s exactly what this program is doing.

Aaron sits down with Executive Director Jennifer Yonan to discuss how their programming serves 16–24 year olds who are disconnected from education and employment, helping them earn their GED or diploma, gain hands-on construction experience, and prepare for registered apprenticeships and careers in the trades.

The conversation covers:

-How workforce training directly impacts housing supply

-Building affordable homes from the ground up in Zion

-Why the skilled trades are increasingly valuable in an AI-driven economy

-The role of regional housing policy and zoning reform in Lake County

-Supporting the “whole person” through education, mentorship, and life skills

Youth Conservation Corps is not only training future electricians, plumbers, and carpenters—it’s strengthening neighborhoods and expanding opportunity from within the community.

Learn more or get involved at:

youthconservationcorps.org

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