Latest news with #IllinoisWorksPre-ApprenticeshipProgram
Yahoo
16-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Illinois allocates $19M to boost minority and women participation in skilled trades
ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) — As part of an effort to encourage more minorities and women to enter the skilled trades, Illinois has awarded $19 million in funding toward the effort, including a workforce development outfit in Rockford. The Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program was launched in 2021 with the goal of increasing diversity in apprenticeship programs and well-paying fields. 'The greatest resource we have is the hardworking people of Illinois, and the greatest return on investment we have is training and educating them,' said Gov. JB Pritzker. 'That's why workforce development has been a centerpiece of Illinois' economic agenda for the last six years and why we're constantly attracting high-quality jobs to Illinois—because we have the skilled workers to fill them.' The program boasted increasing Black, Hispanic, Asian, and Native American apprentices from 35 in 2023 to 81 in 2024, and women from 5 in 2023 to 24 in 2024. The new funding is aimed at statewide agencies that provide recruitment, screening, and skills training. In Rockford, Education Design Development and Research (EDDR), a staffing agency that fills jobs gobally, will receive $440,000 to strengthen their program. 'We are still experiencing a shortage of skilled trade workers,' said Sen. Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford). 'To fill these positions and give residents a chance at a good-paying job, it's essential to support programs like Illinois Works.' According to its website, EDDR is a Woman Owned Certified Federal Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) headed by program managers Gloria Jai and Kimberly Prowell. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
15-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Pritzker says he's undecided about testifying before Congressional panel
CHICAGO (WGN) — Gov. JB Pritzker said Monday that he's not made up his mind whether he'll accept an invitation to testify before a Congressional panel about the state's sanctuary laws. 'Part of it is scheduling. Part of it is just a consideration of how beneficial it'll be to help people to understand the laws — the difference between the federal laws and the state laws — and what we're aiming at here in Illinois (and) how we might convey that best,' he said during a press event at RR Trade School in Melrose Park to announce new grant recipients from the Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program. The US House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform requested testimony from the Illinois Democrat, as well as from Minnesota Gov. Tim Walkz and New York Gov. Kathy Hochul, on May 15. Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson testified before the same committee last month. Pritzker said he didn't that as particularly productive and felt committee members are just looking for what he called 'a social media moment.' A spokesperson from his office dubbed the invitation 'another partisan dog and pony show.' The invitation came on the same day President Donald Trump said his administration was taking efforts to withhold federal funding from from cities and states with policies that limit local law enforcement from cooperating with federal authorities on some immigration matters. Chicago's policy has been in place, in some form, for 40 years. In 2017, Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner signed a bill which barred police from arresting anyone solely due to their immigration status. Pritzker signed further legislation in 2021 with additional protections. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
14-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Central Illinois receives $2M for pre-apprenticeship programs
CENTRAL ILLINOIS (WCIA) — Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) awarded more than $2 million to four pre-apprenticeship programs in Central Illinois on Monday. The Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program began in 2021. Its goal is to increase diversity in apprenticeship programs, as well as making the programs more accessible. Around the state, Illinois Works helps participants gain admission to apprenticeship programs, which then helps participants obtain employment. Pritzker invited to testify to Congress about sanctuary state policy In Vermilion County, the Danville Area Community College's pre-apprenticeship program was renewed and given $572,000 in funding. The Richland Community College program in Decatur was also renewed, and awarded $495,000. In Sangamon and Christian counties the IL Foundation of SkillsUSA – Central's new program was granted $550,000. And, Sangamon-Menard Regional Office of Education's new program received $440,000. 'The greatest resource we have is the hardworking people of Illinois, and the greatest return on investment we have is training and educating them,' Governor JB Pritzker said. 'That's why workforce development has been a centerpiece of Illinois' economic agenda for the last six years and why we're constantly attracting high-quality jobs to Illinois—because we have the skilled workers to fill them.' Hire360 Pre-Apprenticeship program has first ever graduation in Savoy The program was also designed to increase access to well-paying jobs for populations that have been historically underrepresented. 'We go farther when we open doors to grow together. The expansion of the Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program supports economic opportunities for diverse workers in the trades,' Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton said. 'This program puts historically underrepresented Illinoisans on a path to provide for their families, contribute to their communities and drive our state forward.' This program also provides recruitment opportunities, skills training, and the chance to transition from a pre-apprenticeship program to a full apprenticeship. Tuition is free for participants and a stipend and other support services are offered. Bill to ban carbon sequestration projects around the Mahomet Aquifer passes out of Senate 'The continued success of the Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program is a testament to Illinois' dedication to investing in all individuals' ability to access quality career opportunities in the trades,' DCEO Director Kristin Richards said. 'Illinois Works is an example of how together, we can advance equitable economic development opportunities for all Illinoisans.' Across the state, more than $19 million in funding was awarded to 38 program recipients. For a full list of 2025 Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program recipients, click here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
