SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – To encourage and support work-based learning, state Rep. Sonya Harper, D-Chicago, passed a bill that would create a pilot program to provide support services to individuals in apprenticeship programs.
“Apprenticeship programs are valuable experiences that can lead to greater economic opportunity and better employment,” said Harper. “Students in work-based learning programs deserve support services just like those in traditional classrooms.”
House Bill 5225 creates the Job Training Assistance and Support Services Pilot Program which will provide subsidies to individuals participating in a registered apprenticeship program, pre-apprenticeship program or work-based learning program. These subsidies can be used to pay for transportation, child care, housing, digital technology, education, mental health services, substance abuse services, income support and work-related supplies. The bill directs the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, the organization that administers the program, to submit a report evaluating the results of the program and to recommend whether or not to renew it.
“Supporting students who seek these educational experiences shows the inherent value of trades and trade-based learning,” said Harper. “This pilot program has the potential to change the lives of apprentices across the state, and I’m proud to have passed it in the House.”
House Bill passed the House with bipartisan support on Thursday, March 3, and moved to the Senate for consideration.
Rep. Sonya Harper
(D-Chicago)
6th District
Visit Rep Harper’s website
Springfield Office:
274-S Stratton Office Building
Springfield, IL 62706
(217) 782-5971
District Office:
4926 South Ashland
Chicago, IL 60609
(773) 925-6580
(773) 925-6584 FAX