NAPERVILLE – State Senator Laura Ellman highlights a $1.1 million investment to provide job training for aspiring DuPage County professionals in the construction and building trades.

“DuPage County is set to receive much-needed workforce investments that will help future tradesmen and women build successful careers,” said Ellman (D-Naperville). “Essential resources like pre-apprenticeship programs and training will give workers the skills and tools to support them throughout their careers.”

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity awarded $19 million in grant funding through the Illinois Works Pre-apprenticeship Program to 38 organizations across the state. The purpose of the funding is to create more pathways for kids to access pre-apprenticeship programs and registered apprenticeships, which provide greater opportunities to secure lifelong careers in the construction trades. In Ellman’s district, the northeast region of the Illinois Foundation of SkillsUSA will see a total of $1.1 million to support pre-apprenticeship students.

“There is no one-size-fits-all approach that works for all young people entering a trade, but investing in a variety of paths offers options to help apprentices train for their futures,” said Ellman. “These programs will prepare students to obtain good-paying jobs and promising careers.”

To see a full list of organizations receiving grant funding across the state, click here.