Gov. Pritzker announces about $10 million to support construction pre-apprenticeship programs including one in Central IL

PEORIA (25 NEWS) - A $9.6 million investment will support pre-apprenticeship programs and increase diversity in constructions trades.

That’s the goal of this investment, which was announced by Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity Thursday.

According to a news release, this will create a qualified talent pipeline of diverse candidates as part of the groundbreaking Illinois Works initiative.

The grant is going to 23 organizations that will provide pre-apprenticeship training and wraparound supportive services to over 1,000 participants.

According to a 2020 report from the Illinois Department of Labor, only four percent of Illinois apprentice are women and 29% are people of color.

“My administration is committed to supporting workforce training programs that are equitable and accessible for all Illinois residents, regardless of their background or what neighborhood they call home,” said Governor Pritzker.

The program is funded by the Illinois Works Jobs Program Act as part of Rebuild Illinois which is working to grant more state residents access to jobs created by State capital projects.

“Under Governor Pritzker’s leadership, DCEO is more committed than ever to growing a diverse workforce that will boost local economies while creating sustainable career paths for all Illinoisans,” said Sylvia I. Garcia, Acting Director of DCEO. “Women and people of color face significant barriers to good-paying construction jobs and we’re proud to invest in pre-apprenticeship programs that will create a more dynamic and inclusive workforce.”

The average grant size awarded is $417,000, with all projects focused on supporting workforce priorities, such as equity and inclusion, and creating a qualified talent pipeline in construction and the trades.

Organizations chosen for grants include:

Bethel Family Resource Center, Chicago Heights $400,000

Chicago Women in Trades, Chicago $500,437

Children First Fund, Chicago $250,000

Community Assistance Programs, Chicago $493,794

Community Development Institute, Chicago $500,000

EDDR Foundation Chicago, Chicago $500,000

EDDR Foundation Rockford, Rockford $400,000

Evanston Rebuilding Warehouse, Evanston $535,514

HIRE 360, Chicago $550,000

Hispanic American Construction Industry Association, Chicago $500,000

IL Foundation of SkillsUSA-VICA, Pekin $500,000