Illinois Climate Works Pre-apprenticeship Program (CEJA)
Illinois Climate Works Pre-apprenticeship Program (CEJA) supports centers offering free training and barrier reduction services to prepare workers for apprenticeships and construction and clean energy careers.
Funder: Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity
Due Dates: October 30, 2026, at 5:00 PM (Application) | September 30, 2026, at 1:00 PM (Optional technical assistance)
Funding Amounts: $3,000,000–$6,500,000 per award; $16,000,000 estimated total funding; 3 anticipated awards
Summary: Supports Illinois pre-apprenticeship centers offering free training, stipends, and support for construction, building trades, and clean energy careers.
Key Information: The lead applicant must be a nonprofit organization and pre-qualified for its application to be considered.
Description
The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) administers this state-funded Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA) program to develop a qualified, diverse pipeline of workers for construction, building trades, and clean energy opportunities. Pre-apprenticeship centers recruit, prescreen, and train participants, who attend free of charge and receive a stipend. The program prepares people to enter and succeed in registered apprenticeships and clean energy jobs.
Training focuses on construction basics using the NABTU Multi-craft Core or NCCER Core curriculum, supplemented by clean energy basics, job readiness, and employability skills. Centers also provide barrier reduction services and coordinate with registered apprenticeship programs and employers to facilitate placement. CEJA workforce programs prioritize individuals from communities that have historically faced economic and environmental barriers.
