Illinois Works Pre-apprenticeship Program

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) is offering up to 25 grants to community‑based organizations, colleges, or coalitions to deliver pre‑apprenticeship training that prepares under‑represented Illinois residents for construction‑industry apprenticeships. Grants range from $150,000 to $550,000 and must be applied for between 09/02/2026 and 10/02/2026. Recipients will provide recruitment, prescreening, classroom and hands‑on training, wrap‑around support (e.g., stipends, transportation, childcare), and a transition plan to U.S. Department of Labor‑registered apprenticeship programs. Technical assistance webinars are offered (mandatory: no). Funding is state‑sourced with no cost‑share required and indirect costs are allowed. • Target audience: community‑based orgs, public colleges/universities, or coalitions in Illinois. • Goal: increase construction‑trade apprenticeship pipelines for women, people of color, veterans, and other under‑represented groups. • Geographic focus: encourages applicants in specific Economic Development Regions (e.g., Sangamon, Peoria, DuPage, Cook, etc.) but open statewide. • Funding: total $12 M, 25 awards, $150‑550 k per award. • Application window: 09/02/2026 – 10/02/2026 (5 PM). • Required deliverables: recruitment, prescreening, pre‑apprenticeship curriculum, wrap‑around services, stipend plan, transition coordinator, data reporting via IWRS. • No matching funds; indirect costs permitted. • Technical assistance session on 09/15/2026 (optional).