For Immediate Release – September 3, 2026
Governor Pritzker Announces Applications Open for Next Round of Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program
Eligible entities can now apply for the sixth round of funding through Illinois Works
CHICAGO – Today, Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) announced applications are now open for the sixth round of the Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program. The Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program provides training opportunities, expands the talent pipeline, and boosts diversity in the construction industry and building trades. Grantees will be selected through a competitive Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) process.
“Illinois Works is about opening doors to opportunity and giving every Illinoisan a clear path to a good career and a good life,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “This latest round of funding will build on our continued success investing in our people, fostering a diverse talent pipeline, and giving businesses the skilled workforce they need to grow and thrive in our state.”
“Illinois Works is an invaluable asset, creating opportunities for all Illinoisans, including good-paying jobs in the trades. These opportunities are especially meaningful for expanding diversity in the workforce,” said Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton. “We’re committed to making Illinois the best place to live, work and raise a family. Bettering our infrastructure and creating long-term success is key to doing just that.”
This round of $25 million in funding will increase the representation of underrepresented groups – including people of color, veterans, and women in the construction trades. This round of the Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program will fund up to 45 programs throughout the state including new grantees, serving nearly 2,000 residents.
“The Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program is a great example of how the state prioritizes investments in our world-class workforce,” said DCEO Director Kristin Richards. “Through this program, we are continuing to create a diverse pipeline of talent ensuring Illinois continues to be a leader in the construction trades.”
The Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program launched in 2021 with the goal of increasing access to apprenticeship programs to a more diverse pool of candidates. These comprehensive pre-apprenticeship programs help participants gain admission to apprenticeship programs, which provide graduates a greater opportunity to start a long-term career in the trades. Since the program’s inception Illinois Works has awarded over $70 million serving over 7,000 residents.
Participants of the program attend tuition-free and receive a stipend and other supportive, barrier reduction services, to help enter the construction industry. Upon completion of the program, pre-apprentices receive industry aligned certifications, which will prepare and qualify them to continue to a registered apprenticeship program in one of the trades.
Illinois Works is expanding DCEO’s statewide network of providers to recruit, prescreen, and provide pre-apprenticeship skills training. The program providers offer structured pathways and manage the program graduates’ transition from the pre-apprenticeship program to a registered apprenticeship program in construction and the building trades.
“I’m thrilled to hear about the continued success of the Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program,” said Representative Will Davis. “Creating a diverse pipeline of talent is critical to ensuring all Illinoisians have an opportunity to succeed and obtain a good paying job that result in long term careers.”
“Initiatives like the Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program are crucial in preparing the next generation of Illinoisians for careers in the construction trades,” said Senator Cristina Castro. “The success of this program has been transformative for not only the residents of Illinois but for the state’s overall economic development.”
Eligible applicants include non-profit, community-based organizations, such as industry associations, chambers of commerce, local workforce areas, community colleges, technical schools, and school districts. Experienced and new providers are encouraged to apply, along with existing Illinois Works grantees who propose to serve a different geographic area or Economic Development Region than they were originally contracted to serve. Priority will be given to applicants serving priority Economic Development Regions and underrepresented populations as outlined in the NOFO.
Qualified entities can apply for grants between $150,000 to $550,000. Applications will be accepted until October 2, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. To view the NOFO and apply for the grant, please visit the DCEO website. Interested parties are encouraged to reach out to CEO.GrantHelp@illinois.gov for application assistance. To help applicants prepare to apply for funding, DCEO will also be providing technical assistance in the form of webinars, regional meetings, and FAQ.
Signed into law in 2019, the Illinois Works Jobs Program Act is designed to promote diversity, inclusion, and use of apprentices in state-funded capital projects. The Act created three major programs: the Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program, the Illinois Works Apprenticeship Initiative, and the Illinois Works Bid Credit Program. Together these three programs aim to create a talent pipeline of skilled and diverse candidates to fill new job opportunities created by the $45 billion Rebuild Illinois capital plan.
