GOVERNOR PRITZKER ANNOUNCES APPLICATIONS OPEN FOR NEXT ROUND OF ILLINOIS WORKS PRE-APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM

Monday, Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) announced that applications are now open for the fifth round of the Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program. The program provides training opportunities, expands the talent pipeline, and promotes diversity within the construction industry and building trades. Grantees will be selected through a competitive Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) process.
“Since 2021, the Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program has helped thousands of Illinoisans access good-paying jobs in the construction and building trades,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “I am proud to expand this program to create even more opportunities for workers who embody the best parts of Illinois—diversity, drive, and dedication to serving our state and its people.”
“With these grants, we’re continuing to build real pathways to high-paying, family-sustaining careers that don’t require a four-year college degree,” said Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton. “This is about ensuring young people—as well as women, people of color, and others who have long been underrepresented in the trades—can access the kinds of jobs that keep Illinois running. The Pritzker-Stratton administration is investing in the people who will power our economy for years to come and making sure no one is left out of that future.”
This round of $25 million in funding will enhance the representation of underrepresented groups—including people of color, veterans, and women—in the construction trades. The funding will support up to 45 programs across the state, including new grantees, serving nearly 2,000 residents.
“The Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program increases economic opportunity for all Illinoisans,” said DCEO Director Kristin Richards. “Our state’s workforce is our greatest strength, and the Illinois Works Program is preparing more Illinoisans for careers in construction and building trades. I encourage all eligible entities to apply for this round of funding.”
Launched in 2021, the Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program aims to broaden access to apprenticeship programs for a more diverse candidate pool. These comprehensive pre-apprenticeship programs help participants gain admission to registered apprenticeship programs, offering graduates a better chance to establish long-term careers in the trades. Since its inception, Illinois Works has awarded over $75 million, serving more than 4,000 residents.
Participants attend tuition-free, receive stipends, and benefit from supportive services to help reduce barriers to entry into the construction industry. Upon completing the program, pre-apprentices earn industry-aligned certifications that prepare and qualify them for continued training in registered apprenticeship programs.
Illinois Works is expanding DCEO’s statewide network of providers, who recruit, prescreen, and deliver pre-apprenticeship skills training. These providers offer structured pathways and facilitate the transition of program graduates into registered apprenticeships within construction and building trades.
“I’m thrilled to see the continued success of the Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program,” said Senator Cristina Castro (D – Elgin). “The funding provided through this program is critical to increasing career opportunities for Illinoisans and strengthening our state’s world-class workforce.”
Eligible applicants include non-profit organizations, community-based groups such as industry associations, chambers of commerce, local workforce areas, community colleges, technical schools, and school districts. Both experienced and new providers are encouraged to apply, including existing Illinois Works grantees proposing to serve different regions. Priority will be given to applicants serving priority Economic Development Regions and underrepresented populations as outlined in the NOFO.
Qualified entities can apply for grants ranging from $150,000 to $550,000. The application deadline is August 31, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. To view the NOFO and apply, visit the DCEO website. For application assistance, interested parties can contact CEO.GrantHelp@illinois.gov. DCEO will also provide technical support through webinars, regional meetings, and FAQs.
Signed into law in 2019, the Illinois Works Jobs Program Act aims to promote diversity, inclusion, and the use of apprentices in state-funded capital projects. The Act established three major programs: the Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program, the Illinois Works Apprenticeship Initiative, and the Illinois Works Bid Credit Program. Together, these initiatives seek to create a diverse and skilled talent pipeline to meet the employment opportunities generated by the $45 billion Rebuild Illinois capital plan.