Senate Democrats highlight over $17 million awarded to pre-apprenticeship programs across the state

CHICAGO - Thanks to the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus more than $17 million in funding is being sent to 39 program recipients to expand the Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program. The program, which serves up to nearly 2,000 community members statewide, creates a qualified talent pipeline of diverse candidates in the construction and building trades.

"The Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program is essential to expanding opportunities for individuals in the construction trades," said Senator Christopher Belt (D - East St. Louis). "I'm thrilled to see the continued success of this program and its critical impact on Illinoisans, particularly those from communities historically underrepresented in the trades."

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.

"Through programs like the Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program, the state has created pipeline of diverse talent within the trade industry," said Senator Cristina Castro (D - Elgin). "These apprenticeship programs provide a range of opportunities and a pathway to a long-term career for the next generation of Illinoisans."

The purpose of the funding is to create more pathways for kids to access pre-apprenticeship programs and registered apprenticeships, which provide greater opportunities to secure lifelong careers in the construction trades.

Signed into law in 2019 thanks to the advocacy of the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus, 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 three programs aim to create a talent pipeline of skilled and diverse candidates to fill new job opportunities created by the $45 billion Rebuild Illinois capital plan.

Click here to learn more about the Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program.

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