CHICAGO, Ill. (WTWO/WAWV)— The Illinois governor and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) announced that applications are open for the fifth round of the Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program.
The program provides training opportunities, expands the talent pipeline, and boosts diversity in the construction industry and other building trades. Grantees for the program are selected through a competitive Notice of Funding Opportunity process.
“Since 2021, the Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program has helped thousands of Illinoisans gain access to good-paying jobs in the construction and building trades,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “I am proud to expand this program to bring even more opportunities to workers who embody the best parts of Illinois—diversity, drive, and dedication to serve our state and the people who call it home.”
$25 million went into this round of the program and will be used to increase the representation of underrepresented groups such as people of color, veterans, and women in construction trades. This round of program funding will provide support to 45 programs throughout the state, including new grantees numbering nearly 2,000.
“The Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program increases economic opportunity for all Illinoisans,” said DCEO Director Kristin Richards. “Our state’s workforce is our biggest strength, and the Illinois Works Program is preparing more Illinoisans for jobs in construction and building trades. I encourage all eligible entities to apply for this round of funding.”
The program launched in 2021 with the goal of increasing access to apprenticeship programs to a more diverse group of candidates. Since the program’s inception, Illinois Works has awarded a total of $75 million, serving over 4,000 residents.
Participants in the program will attend tuition-free and receive a stipend and other supportive services to help enter the construction industry. Upon completion of the program, pre-apprentices receive industry-aligned certifications to prepare them to continue a registered apprenticeship program in the building trades.
“I’m thrilled to see the continued success of the Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program,” said Senator Cristina Castro (D – Elgin). “The funding provided through this program is critical to increasing career opportunities for Illinoisans and building up our state’s world-class workforce.”
Eligible applicants for the program include non-profit community-based organizations like industry associations, chambers of commerce, local workforce areas, community colleges, technical schools, and school districts. Experienced and new providers are encouraged to apply, as well as existing Illinois Works grantees who want to serve a different area. Priority will be given to applicants serving mostly in Economic Redevelopment Regions and underrepresented populations.
Those groups can apply for grants between $150,000 and $550,000. Applications will be accepted until 5 p.m. on August 31. To apply for the grant, you can visit this link, and are encouraged to reach out to CEO.GrantHelp@illinois.gov. for application assistance. DCEO will also be holding webinars, regional meetings, and FAQ to provide technical assistance to those applying.
