-
Published: 09 February 2023
CHICAGO – New opportunities in building trade and construction are on the way for many Chicago residents thanks to State Senator Patricia Van Pelt securing a $700,000 investment.
“Amplifying the demand for jobs and trade programs is imperative,” said Van Pelt (D-Chicago). “The Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship program will help incorporate necessary training and education needed for many women and people of color to succeed in the trades.”
The Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship was created to promote diversity, inclusion and use of apprentices in state-funded capital projects. 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 long-term employment.
A total of $13 million for the program’s second year will expand access to the program across the state and will serve up to 1,400 pre-apprentices – a 40% increase from the program’s inaugural year. With the support of Van Pelt, more than $500,000 will be awarded to Chicago Women in Trades and $200,000 will be awarded to The Revolution Workshop.
“We can no longer refute the need to expand job opportunities in the trades for those who are often underrepresented,” said Van Pelt. “Providing an ample amount of funding and education through these programs is an integral key to maintaining resources, expanding representation and building a successful economy.”
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 to prepare and qualify them to continue to a registered apprenticeship program in one of the trades.
Information on the Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program can be found here.