February 15, 2024 – Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) have awarded over $18 million in funding to 36 recipients, serving 1,700 community members statewide, to expand the Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program. The program creates a qualified talent pipeline of diverse candidates in construction and the building trades.
Dollars coming to Macon County include renewed funds for the county totaling $429,000.00, $495,000.00 to Richland Community College, and $880,000 to Sista Girls and Friends.
The Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program launched in 2021 with the goal of increasing diversity and access to apprenticeship programs. 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 a lifelong career.
“As Rebuild Illinois continues to transform every aspect of our state’s infrastructure, my administration remains committed to building out a workforce that is as talented as it is diverse,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Today, I couldn’t be prouder to announce that we are dispersing $18 million to expand the Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship program, so that even more underrepresented Illinoisans gain access to good-paying jobs in the construction trades.”
“Apprenticeships provide a clear path to good-paying, long-term career opportunities,” said DCEO Director Kristin Richards. “The continued expansion and success of the Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program is critical to ensuring students, particularly those from underrepresented communities, have the tools and resources they need to thrive.”
Through Illinois Works, DCEO is expanding its statewide network of providers to recruit, prescreen, and provide pre-apprenticeship skills training. Equally important, 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.
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 prepare and qualify them to continue to a registered apprenticeship program in one of the trades.
