Welch Appointed Co-Chair of Labor Diversity Board

HILLSIDE, Ill. – State Rep. Emanuel “Chris” Welch, D-Hillside, will examine ways to boost diversity in labor apprenticeship programs as the co-chair of the newly formed Advisory Board for Diversity in Active Apprenticeship Programs.

“We need to be doing more to improve access for minority communities to enter the trades and embark on good paying careers that will help families in our area thrive,” Welch said. “Creating more paths for young people of color to embark on rewarding careers will help revitalize black and brown communities that are left behind far too often.”

As co-chair, Welch will serve as a leading voice on the newly created Advisory Board for Diversity in Active Apprenticeship Programs. The advisory board was created under a provision included in Senate Bill 534, which was sponsored and passed by Welch and recently signed into law. The bipartisan advisory board aims to increase minority participation in labor trades, specifically through apprenticeship programs.

“This advisory board is a good first step toward increasing access to apprenticeship programs and career opportunities in the trades to young people of color,” Welch said. “I am honored to serve as the co-chair of the board and look forward to continuing my work to build a stronger Illinois for all communities.”