January 27, 2026 – Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity announced more than $17 million in grant funding for the Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program. This includes $495,000.00 designated for Richland Community College.
The funding will be distributed to 39 program recipients statewide and is expected to serve nearly 2,000 participants. The program is designed to expand access to training and career pathways in construction and building trades, with a focus on increasing diversity within the workforce.
The Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program was launched in 2021 to help individuals prepare for entry into registered apprenticeship programs. Pre-apprenticeship training provides participants with foundational skills and experience needed to qualify for apprenticeships, which can lead to long-term employment in the construction trades.
State officials say the program supports workforce development efforts while helping meet labor demands for infrastructure and construction projects across Illinois.
The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity administers the program as part of the state’s broader workforce and economic development initiatives.
