Yednock Highlights Pre-Apprenticeship Program Grant Opportunity

OTTAWA, Ill. – To increase access to jobs in the construction industry and other trades, state Rep. Lance Yednock, D-Ottawa, is encouraging local organizations to apply for Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program funding.  The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity will award grants to community-based organizations for them to host a pre-apprenticeship program in line with Illinois Works program requirements.

“After working in the trades for 32 years, I have a great appreciation for the opportunities provided in the construction industry and other trades,” Yednock said. “If more local organizations help open the door, more people in our community can have fulfilling careers to support their families.”

The Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program helps its participants gain the skills necessary to be admitted to apprenticeship programs, bolstering their employment prospects and readying them for careers in construction and building trades. Non-profit, community-based organizations such as chambers of commerce, industry associations, technical schools and community colleges are now eligible to apply for grant awards ranging from $200,000 to $550,000 per year.

“When we invest in vocational education, we invest in good-paying jobs and an honest living for the hardworking members of our community,” said Yednock. “Applying for a grant to participate in the Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program will help local organizations attract talent and help provide program participants with the skills they need to have a successful career. I highly encourage local organizations to consider applying for this grant and expanding the Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program to the 76th District.”

Organizations have until 5 p.m. on Sept. 27, 2022 to apply for the Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Notice of Funding Opportunity. For more information, please visit https://www.illinoisworknet.com/WIOA/Pages/ILWorksPreApprenticeshipNOFO2022.aspx.