PY'26 Apprenticeship Illinois Expansion Grant

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Overview
DCEO Apprenticeship Illinois Logos

According to the U.S. Department of Labor (US DOL), as of March 2026, Illinois has approximately 22,214 active registered apprentices. These programs have been vetted by industry and are registered with the USDOL. State of Illinois WIOA Notice: 25-NOT-02 provides Local Workforce Innovation Boards (LWIBs) and WIOA Core Partners information on the availability of Apprenticeship Illinois Expansion funding to support a qualified Apprenticeship Specialist in each Local Workforce Innovation Area (LWIA).

Apprenticeship Specialists serve as the regional face of apprenticeship and a trusted, knowledgeable resource who makes it easy for employers to adopt work-based learning and Registered Apprenticeship Programs (RAPs). They provide end-to-end employer support from first conversation through program design, partner coordination, USDOL registration, and launch.

This funding cycle builds on three years of Apprenticeship Specialist implementation with stronger expectations:
  • Focused Sector Strategy — Specialists concentrate proactive efforts in priority sectors to build deeper employer relationships and more replicable programs
  • WBL-to-RAP Pipeline — Specialists actively use work-based learning as a deliberate on-ramp to registered apprenticeship, with working knowledge of regional CTE programs, community colleges, and training providers
  • Education Alignment — Specialists engage secondary and postsecondary partners as co-designers of apprenticeship programs, not just service vendors
  • Three-Year WIOA Investment Strategy — LWIAs develop a plan to direct 10% of WIOA formula funds toward work-based learning and apprenticeship-related activities by the end of Program Year 2028
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Program Background
​The U.S. Department of Labor issued the State Apprenticeship Expansion Formula 4 (SAEF4) funding via TEGL-09-25, outlining formula grants for states to expand registered apprenticeships. USDOL provides formula funding to increase each state's ability to serve, improve, and strategically expand the national apprenticeship system.

Illinois' share of the formula funding for PY2026 is approximately $2.7 million, with an expected performance period from July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2029. The continuation of funding is subject to the discretion of USDOL and contingent upon the availability of funds, satisfactory progress of the State's projects, and adequate stewardship of federal funds.

In alignment with federal direction and Illinois' commitment to expanding work-based learning, this funding cycle introduces a new strategic expectation: each funded area will develop and implement a three-year plan to progressively increase the share of WIOA formula funds directed toward work-based learning and apprenticeship-related activities, with a directional target of 10% by the end of Program Year 2028.
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Program Goals
​Apprenticeship Illinois Expansion funds support local and regional business services teams in developing and implementing apprenticeship expansion strategies in their region. Program activities are centered around four goals proposed by Illinois to USDOL:
  • Goal 1: Coordinate and Expand Services to Workers and Career Seekers
  • Goal 2: Coordinate and Expand Services to Employers
  • Goal 3: Coordinate and Expand Services to Education, Training, Workforce, and Economic Development Partners
  • Goal 4: Planning and System Development

Grantees must implement seven required program elements to ensure statewide consistency, accountability, and impact:
  1. Qualified Apprenticeship Specialist with Protected Time
  2. Focused Sector Strategy
  3. Committed Implementation Partners
  4. Employer Engagement Methodology
  5. Work-Based Learning to RAP Pipeline
  6. Three-Year Strategy to Align WIOA Investments with Apprenticeship
  7. Reporting and Accountability
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Materials​

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Resources
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Program Funding
​The Department anticipates awarding funds to support Apprenticeship Specialists across the state through this notice. Individual grant awards are expected to range from $100,000 to $400,000, based on quality, activities, & potential impact. Grant term is anticipated from July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2028.

One application per LWIA will be accepted. The applicant may be the LWIB or a WIOA Core Partner — including a community college, formally designated by the LWIB. The Department will also accept applications covering multiple LWIAs providing services on a regional basis. Geographic distribution is a consideration, but funding decisions will prioritize application quality and the applicant's demonstrated ability to increase employer participation and the number of participants in work-based learning and registered apprenticeship programs.

All funds must be used to support apprenticeship expansion activities directly. Requests must be reasonable, necessary, and directly related to the purpose of this notice. All expenditures must comply with 2 CFR Part 200.
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Submission Details
​Application Deadline: May 22, 2026
Grant Period: July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2028
Applications must be submitted electronically to: CEO.OET.Gran​ts@Illinois.gov

Required Application Materials:
  • Uniform Grant Application
  • Mandatory Disclosure
  • Conflict of Interest Disclosure
  • Formatted Technical Proposal
  • Project Workplan
  • Uniform Budget Template
  • LWIB Designation Letter (if not an LWIA)
  • Specialist Resume (or job description and hiring plan if not yet hired)
  • Partner Commitment Letters

Applications are reviewed on a rolling, first-come, first-served basis until funds are committed. To guarantee a funding commitment by June 30, 2026, applications must be received by May 22, 2026.

​Questions? Contact Ruth Whitis (Ruth.Whitis@Illinois.gov), Bryan Ellis (Bryan.Ellis@Illinois.gov), or Kristen Chevali (Kristen.I.Chevali@Illinois.gov​).
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Information Session
​​The WIOA Funding Notice for WBL and Apprenticeship Specialists Webinar, held on April 23, 2026, covered requirements, expectations, and application components. Additionally, the session highlighted the evolving role of Apprenticeship Specialists in fostering more strategic, sector-focused employer engagement and aligning regional workforce efforts.