Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program
The Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program funds organizations to deliver training and support services that prepare diverse participants for careers in Illinois’ construction and building trades.
Funder: Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity
Due Dates: September 10, 2026 (Notice of Intent to Apply) | October 2, 2026 (Full application deadline)
Funding Amounts: Total pool: $12,000,000; Individual awards: $150,000–$550,000 for a 1-year period, with potential renewal up to 2 more years.
Summary: Supports organizations providing pre-apprenticeship training and wraparound services to expand access and diversity in Illinois’ construction workforce.
Key Information: Applicants must be pre-qualified to be considered; Notice of Intent is optional but recommended.
Description
The Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program, administered by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), aims to expand access to careers in the building trades by supporting organizations that provide pre-apprenticeship training and wraparound services. The program prioritizes increasing diversity in the construction workforce—especially among women, people of color, veterans, and other underrepresented groups—and prepares participants to enter registered apprenticeship programs. Grant funding is intended for community-based organizations, including accredited public colleges or universities, to recruit, train, and transition individuals into construction and building trades apprenticeships, ultimately strengthening the skilled workforce pipeline for public infrastructure projects across Illinois.
