Chicago Quantum Campus Creates Job Pipelines

Chicago is set to host a quantum computing campus on the long vacant South Works steel mill in South Chicago thanks to PsiQuantum a leading quantum computing company. The project has been backed by local leaders, including Mayor Johnson, who have pledged to create pipelines for South Siders to access jobs created by the development.

Russell Ceballos dean of the Center of Excellence for Engineering and Computer Science at Wilbur Wright College and Natalie Johnson head of education and public engagement at Fermilab are among those working on creating career and educational pipelines for locals.

The project aims to develop quantum computing technology and create job opportunities in related fields such as software and hardware engineering. Officials plan to launch programs including a Sunday Morning Quantum series for high schoolers and career trainings for adults with little or no technical background. Tom Anderson the mayor’s economic development director is overseeing the development of these pipelines which will also include partnerships with local organizations and companies.

To address this concern, city and state officials, as well as developers, are working on creating pipelines for South Siders to access these jobs. They plan to develop career training programs in facility operations, software and hardware engineering, and other related fields. These programs aim to provide transferable skills that can be used outside of quantum computing.

Some specific initiatives mentioned in the article include:

1. The Sunday Morning Quantum series: A 10-week course for high schoolers to learn about quantum mechanics, computing, and engineering.
2. Quantum-based activities: Events such as game nights and workshops to engage kids with quantum technology.
3. Curricula development: Bringing quantum-related curricula directly into local classrooms to benefit struggling Southeast Side schools.
4. Career pipelines: Recruiting neighbors with little or no technical background into training programs combining quantum science and related tech fields.

The goal of these initiatives is to provide opportunities for South Siders to develop skills and access good-paying jobs at the PsiQuantum campus, while also creating a more diverse and inclusive workforce in the field of quantum computing.

Key quotes from the article:

• “Anyone can do this.” – Russell Ceballos, dean of the Center of Excellence for Engineering and Computer Science at Wilbur Wright College.
• “It’s about having an opportunity to develop training programs in this community, for the community, that are going to develop transferable skills.” – Ceballos.
• “Ideally, we’ll get to a place where Bowen [High School] has programs, where New Sullivan [Elementary School] has programs.” – Tom Anderson, the mayor’s economic development director.

Overall, the article highlights the efforts to ensure that the benefits of the quantum computing campus are shared with the local community and that residents have access to the training and resources needed to succeed in this emerging field.