Illinois invests $18M in pre-apprenticeship program to diversify construction workforce – Chicago Business Journal

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity awarded more than $18 million in funding to 36 organizations, including 23 in the Chicago area, to help diversify the workforce in construction and building trades.

Launched three years ago, the Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program aims to increase access to good-paying jobs in those trades for historically underrepresented populations.

“Apprenticeships provide a clear path to good-paying, long-term career opportunities,” said Kristin Richards, director of DCEO, in a statement. “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, which is funded by the state’s $45 billion Rebuild Illinois capital plan, DCEO is expanding its statewide network of providers to recruit, prescreen and provide pre-apprenticeship skills training.

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 that prepare and qualify them to continue to a registered apprenticeship program in one of the trades.