Remake this Town Tour to Introduce Young Adults to Welding and Fabrication Careers makes National Debut in Chicago

CHICAGO, IL (October 23, 2025) — Welder Underground, a Brooklyn-based nonprofit that empowers young adults through welding, metal fabrication, and public art, launched its multi-city “Remake This Town Tour” today in Chicago. The goal of the tour is to promote welding, fabrication, and making careers and link young adults to apprenticeships and job opportunities.

The tour opens with Doorways to Destiny, an installation of several monumental steel sculptures across the city, each more than 10 feet tall and weighing roughly 3,000 pounds, created in partnership with local community-based organizations, including:

• Art Gallery, 345 N. Kedzie Ave.

• Bethel New Life, 4950 W. Thomas St.

• BUILD Chicago, 5100 W. Harrison St.

• YMCAs of Metropolitan Chicago:

  • McCormick YMCA, 1834 N. Lawndale Ave.

  • Rauner Family YMCA, 2700 S. Western Ave.

  • South Side YMCA, 6330 S. Stony Island Ave.

“Each doorway serves as both a literal and symbolic invitation to opportunity,” said Marc Levin, Welder Underground Cofounder. “Integrated with the My CHI. My Future app, the sculptures connect participating youth and visitors to nearby apprenticeships, internships, and jobs in real time.”

“These pieces are not only expressions of the hopes and dreams of youth across Chicago, they’re links to real opportunities,” said Adam Alonso, President and CEO of the YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago. “Our goal is to inspire and connect young people to the many career pathways available to them.”

The launch coincides with Lights On Afterschool day, a nationwide celebration highlighting the importance of afterschool programs for youth, families, and communities.

Hands-On Experience and Real-World Pathways
Welder Underground’s workforce development model is rooted in paid, project-based learning. Apprentices earn $600 a week while mastering trade skills that lead to lasting careers in welding, fabrication, and beyond. Working alongside professional artists and welders, participants help design and build large-scale public works, demonstrating how craftsmanship can open doors to employment, entrepreneurship, and creative expression.

Throughout the Remake This Town Tour, Chicago youth can participate in welding demonstrations, youth welding stations, collaborative art-making, and resource pop-ups. The Welder Underground Mobile Welding Studio Bus brings tools, training, and mentorship directly into neighborhoods, turning streets into open-air classrooms.

Backed by ESAB Corporation, a global leader in welding and cutting technology, “Doorways to Destiny shows what’s possible when art, access, and opportunity intersect, bringing both inspiration and skill-building to communities across the nation,” Levin said.

The Chicago debut marks the start of the 11-city tour, which is designed to reignite pride in the trades and showcase the power of making as a lifelong path to independence.


About the YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago 
The YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago is a regional leader in accessible, inclusive programming for more than 300,000 individuals each year, strengthening community by connecting all people to their purpose, potential, and each other. With multiple locations and community programs across the Chicago metropolitan area, the YMCA of Metro Chicago provides inclusive spaces and services that help individuals and families thrive — from child care and afterschool programs to fitness, wellness, and community outreach. 


MEDIA CONTACTS

Jack Segal
Director of Marketing Communications
YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago
312-805-8838
[email protected]

Adina Levin
Welder Underground
917-405-4194
[email protected]