CHICAGO – State Senator Lakesia Collins wants to encourage residents to apply for the fifth round of the Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program offering training opportunities while expanding the talent pipeline that boosts diversity in the construction and trade industries.
“Our tradesfolk are vital parts of our community and we have to make sure people have access to educational opportunities that allow them to participate in trades,” said Collins (D-Chicago). “This program works to get residents foot in the door and to give them educational opportunities to grow within a trades industry.”
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. This round of Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program funding will fund up to 45 programs throughout the state including new grantees, serving nearly 2,000 residents.
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 will prepare and qualify them to continue to a registered apprenticeship program in one of the trades.
“Jobs like welding, plumbing, and construction will be around forever,” said Collins. “This is a matter of creating accessible opportunities for residents of the 5th District who want to work in trades, and I am proud to support this program.”
Qualified entities can apply for grants between $150,000 to $550,000. Applications will be accepted until Aug. 31. To learn more and apply for the grant, visit DCEO’s website.
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