CHICAGO HEIGHTS – Construction and building trades will be expanded in the Chicago Heights area thanks to a $400,000 investment secured by State Senator Patrick Joyce for Bethel Family Resource Center.

“By expanding the Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship programs, more jobs and opportunities will be accessible to our community,” said Joyce (D- Essex). “When we support apprenticeships and trades careers, we are able to open doors for people, grow our communities and fill jobs that are in high demand.”

The Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship was created to promote diversity, inclusion and use of apprentices in state-funded capital projects. Comprehensive pre-apprenticeship programs help participants gain admission to apprenticeship programs, which provide a greater opportunity to obtain employment in the construction trades and secure long-term employment.

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. With the support of Joyce, Bethel Family Resource Center in Chicago Heights will see a $400,000 investment to continue providing these services to individuals.

“Right now, investing in apprenticeship programs and the trades industry is what communities need, especially in underserved areas,” said Joyce. “These are the kinds of investments that will bring long-term employment and benefits to folks while providing life-changing experiences for them and their families.”

Participants of the program attend tuition-free and receive a stipend and other supportive, barrier reduction services to help enter the construction industry. Upon completion of the program, pre-apprentices receive industry aligned certifications to prepare and qualify them to continue to a registered apprenticeship program in one of the trades.

Information on the Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program can be found here.