AURORA – State Senator Karina Villa helped secure over $1.4 million in grant funding for local pre-apprenticeship programs in the 25th District through the Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program.
“Investments in job opportunities and workforce development help build stronger, more resilient communities.” said Villa (D-West Chicago). “As a school social worker, I’ve seen firsthand that college isn’t the next step for every student, and programs like these create pathways for students to continue learning while building secure and stable careers.”
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.
The following programs in Villa’s district will receive a combined total of $1,430,000 in grant funding:
- HIRE360 Kane – $550,000
- Lewis University Aurora – $550,000
- Quad County Urban League – $330,000
Through Illinois Works, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity is expanding its statewide network of providers to recruit, prescreen and provide pre-apprenticeship skills training. Equally important, the program providers offer structured pathways and manage the program graduates’ transition from the pre-apprenticeship program to a full apprenticeship program in construction and the building trades.
Click here to learn more about the Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program.
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