SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Illinois is ramping up efforts to open doors to careers in construction and the building trades, with state officials announcing that applications are now open for the fifth round of the Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program.

This latest round, backed by $25 million in state funding, will help nonprofit groups, community colleges, industry associations and other eligible organizations deliver tuition-free training, wraparound services and direct pathways to union apprenticeships.

“Since 2021, the Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program has helped thousands of Illinoisans gain access to good-paying jobs in the construction and building trades,” Gov. J.B. Pritzker said in a statement Monday. “I am proud to expand this program to bring even more opportunities to workers who embody the best parts of Illinois — diversity, drive, and dedication.”

The initiative was created to boost diversity in construction by reaching underrepresented groups, including women, people of color, veterans and individuals living in priority economic development regions. According to the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), which administers the program, this round aims to train up to 2,000 residents through about 45 local programs across the state.

Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations, school districts, technical schools, chambers of commerce and industry associations. Award amounts will range from $150,000 to $550,000, with both returning and first-time grantees encouraged to apply — especially those that plan to serve new geographic areas or new populations.

“This is about making sure 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,” said Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton. She called the program a vital effort to build “real pathways to high-paying, family-sustaining careers that don’t require a four-year college degree.”

Graduates of Illinois Works pre-apprenticeship programs earn industry-recognized certifications and are connected directly to Registered Apprenticeship Programs, setting them up for long-term careers in skilled trades that offer good wages and union benefits.

To help applicants succeed, DCEO is providing technical assistance, including webinars, regional workshops and detailed FAQs. Organizations have until 5 p.m. on Aug. 31 to submit applications through the state’s competitive Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) process.

“Our state’s workforce is our biggest strength,” said DCEO Director Kristin Richards. “The Illinois Works Program is preparing more Illinoisans for jobs in construction and building trades. I encourage all eligible entities to apply for this round of funding.”

Since its launch under the Illinois Works Jobs Program Act, part of the state’s sweeping $45 billion Rebuild Illinois capital plan, the program has already awarded $75 million in funding and served more than 4,000 residents.

By expanding training access and reducing barriers to entry, state leaders hope to ensure that Illinois’ next generation of construction workers truly reflects the communities they help build.

For more details about the funding round, eligibility guidelines and application materials, interested organizations can visit DCEO’s Illinois Works webpage or attend an upcoming webinar.

Originally reported by Special to Chicago Construction News.