- Published: Friday, February 03, 2023 09:15 AM
CHICAGO – A total of $1 million was awarded to organizations in the 16th Senate District to expand construction and building trades in underrepresented populations, State Senator Willie Preston announced Thursday.
“The Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship program is the exact type of program that our district needs,” said Preston (D-Chicago). “As someone who runs a small construction firm, I’ve seen firsthand how crucial these working-class jobs are to build up our communities.”
The Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship was created to promote diversity, inclusion and use of apprentices in state-funded capital projects. Pre-Apprenticeship programs help participants gain admission to apprenticeship programs, which provide a greater opportunity to obtain employment in the construction trades.
A total of $13 million for the program’s second year will expand access to the program across the state and will serve up to 1,400 pre-apprentices – a 40% increase from the program’s inaugural year. The Community Development Institute and the Metropolitan Family Services – which are located in the 16th Senate District –will each receive $500,000 as part of the program.
“While the work is far from over, this is an important first step in, literally, rebuilding our communities and giving the younger generation the opportunities they so deserve,” said Preston, “I want to add my sincere thanks to Governor Pritzker and his administration for making expansion of this crucial program a priority.”
More information on the Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program can be found here.