Applications now open for Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program
Applications are now open for the sixth 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 building trades. Grantees will be selected through a competitive Notice of Funding Opportunity process, according to a news release.
“Illinois Works is about opening doors to opportunity and giving every Illinoisan a clear path to a good career and a good life,” said Gov. JB Pritzker. “This latest round of funding will build on our continued success investing in our people, fostering a diverse talent pipeline, and giving businesses the skilled workforce they need to grow and thrive in our state.”
This round of $25 million in funding will increase the representation of underrepresented groups, including people of color, veterans, and women in the construction trades. It will fund up to 45 programs throughout the state including new grantees, serving nearly 2,000 residents.
“Illinois Works is an invaluable asset, creating opportunities for all Illinoisans, including good-paying jobs in the trades. These opportunities are especially meaningful for expanding diversity in the workforce,” Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton said. “We're committed to making Illinois the best place to live, work and raise a family. Bettering our infrastructure and creating long-term success is key to doing just that.”
The Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program launched in 2021 with the goal of increasing access to apprenticeship programs to a more diverse pool of candidates. Since its inception, Illinois Works has awarded more than $70 million serving more than 7,000 residents.
“Through this program, we are continuing to create a diverse pipeline of talent ensuring Illinois continues to be a leader in the construction trades,” said Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity Director Kristin Richards.
Program participants attend tuition-free and receive a stipend and other supportive, barrier-reduction services, to help enter the construction industry. Upon completion, preapprentices receive industry-aligned certifications, which will prepare and qualify them to continue to a registered apprenticeship program in one of the trades, the news release said.
Illinois Works is expanding DCEO’s statewide network of providers to recruit, prescreen, and provide preapprenticeship skills training. The program providers offer structured pathways and manage program graduates’ transition from the preapprenticeship program to a registered apprenticeship program in construction and the building trades.
“The success of this program has been transformative for not only the residents of Illinois but for the state’s overall economic development,” said state Sen. Cristina Castro of Elgin.
Eligible applicants include nonprofit, community-based organizations, such as industry associations, chambers of commerce, local workforce areas, community colleges, technical schools, and school districts.
Experienced and new providers are encouraged to apply, along with existing Illinois Works grantees who propose to serve a different geographic area or Economic Development Region than they were originally contracted to serve. Preference will be given to applicants serving priority Economic Development Regions and underrepresented populations.
Qualified entities can apply for grants between $150,000 and $550,000. Applications will be accepted until 5 p.m. Oct. 2. To view the Notice of Funding Opportunity requirements and apply for the grant, visit the DCEO website. Interested parties are encouraged to reach out to CEO.GrantHelp@illinois.gov for application assistance.
To help applicants, DCEO will be providing technical assistance in the form of webinars, regional meetings, and FAQ.
Signed into law in 2019, the Illinois Works Jobs Program Act created three major programs: the Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program, the Illinois Works Apprenticeship Initiative, and the Illinois Works Bid Credit Program. Together these programs aim to create a talent pipeline of skilled and diverse candidates to fill new jobs created by the $45 billion Rebuild Illinois capital plan.