Yednock Highlights $8 Million Available for Illinois Apprenticeship Programs

OTTAWA, Ill. – Continuing his support for the workforce of Illinois, state Rep. Lance Yednock, D-Ottawa, is highlighting new apprenticeship opportunities available for employers and employees throughout the state of Illinois.

“Our manufacturing,  service, entertainment industries and other industries throughout Illinois have been negatively affected by the past year of shut-downs,” said Yednock. “Not only is our work production down, but thousands of workers are now without jobs or the training necessary to obtain a new job. With this new $8 million in funding, we have a chance to revitalize our industries in Illinois and prepare a new generation of the workforce.”

The Illinois Department of Commerce and  Economic Opportunity (DCEO) recently announced an $8 million expansion in apprenticeship program funding. The new funding will support 750 apprentices and give new businesses the opportunity to apply for the apprenticeship program. The funding will be prioritized in helping businesses and people most affected by the pandemic, like the service and entertainment industries and rural communities throughout Illinois. Residents interested in applying for new funding  should visit the  Apprenticeship Illinois website, with an application deadline of September 15, at 5:00 p.m.  Informational webinars will be held on July 13th and July 14th, at 1:00 pm and you can register to participate online. Residents and employers seeking to join the Apprenticeship Illinois program may also visit the website ApprenticeshipIllinois.com to learn more and to find their local apprenticeship navigator.

“The Illinois Valley has a strong history of manufacturing and I look forward to to seeing how these new apprenticeship programs expand the Illinois Valley workforce and bring innovation to Illinois.” said Yednock.