For many Illinois residents, a successful trade career is a desirable yet distant goal. The costs and commitments of the necessary education, certification, and training programs present substantial barriers to successfully initiating the process and sustaining it until completion. Fortunately, Illinois Works and its partners, Workforce Investment Solutions; Decatur’s Building Trades Unions; and One Level, are thrilled to offer a free pre-apprenticeship program designed to promote rewarding careers and present valuable opportunities for those interested in pursuing them. 

Illinois Works’ pre-apprenticeship program seeks to prepare an eager workforce for reliable, rewarding careers and remove the financial obstacles that often stand in the way of obtaining them. Students enrolled in the pre-apprenticeship program do so with all costs fully covered, all while receiving stipends for attending class and progressing through the program. 

Throughout the pre-apprenticeship program, students receive in-person instruction in a classroom format, and they are supported with valuable services in place to ensure they learn and ultimately succeed. By the end of the program, students receive industry recognized certifications and opportunities for immediate, seamless employment.

The pre-apprenticeship program is available for all Illinois residents who are a minimum of 18 years of age and possess either a High School diploma or GED. Furthermore, the program emphasizes the involvement of women, people of color, and veterans.