GRAYSLAKE – State Senator Mary Edly-Allen is encouraging individuals to apply for the fifth round of funding for the Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program. The program provides training opportunities, expands the talent pipeline and boosts diversity in the construction industry and building trades.
This round of $25 million in funding will increase the representation of underrepresented groups in the construction trades – including people of color, veterans and women – and will fund up to 45 programs throughout the state including new grantees, serving nearly 2,000 residents.
Participants of the program attend tuition-free and receive a stipend and other supportive, barrier reduction services to help enter the construction industry. Upon completion of the program, pre-apprentices receive industry-aligned certifications, which will prepare and qualify them to continue to a registered apprenticeship program in one of the trades.
“This program is an exciting investment in our underrepresented communities and reaffirms our commitment to creating equitable opportunities in our highly skilled workforce,” said Edly-Allen (D-Grayslake). “The current job market is extremely difficult, and this program aims to help the next generation by breaking into the trades industry in the 31st District.”
The Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship was created to promote diversity, inclusion and use of apprentices in state-funded capital projects. Comprehensive pre-apprenticeship programs help participants gain admission to apprenticeship programs, which provide a greater opportunity to obtain employment in the construction trades and secure long-term employment.
The program providers offer structured pathways and manage the program graduates' transition from the pre-apprenticeship program to a full apprenticeship program in construction and building trades.
This round of $25 million in funding will increase the representation of underrepresented groups in the construction trades – including people of color, veterans and women – and will fund up to 45 programs throughout the state including new grantees, serving nearly 2,000 residents.
Participants of the program attend tuition-free and receive a stipend and other supportive, barrier reduction services to help enter the construction industry. Upon completion of the program, pre-apprentices receive industry-aligned certifications, which will prepare and qualify them to continue to a registered apprenticeship program in one of the trades.
Qualified entities can apply for grants between $150,000 and $550,000. Applications will be accepted until Aug. 31. To learn more and apply for the grant, visit DCEO’s website.
