The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (the “Department” or “DCEO”) is issuing this Notice of Funding Opportunity (“NOFO”) to expand the Illinois Works Pre-apprenticeship Program. The Illinois Works Pre- Apprenticeship Program is administered by the Department's Office of Illinois Works.
The goal of the Illinois Works Act is to ensure that all Illinois residents have access to State capital projects and careers in the construction industry and building trades, as well as provide contracting and employment opportunities to historically underrepresented populations in the construction industry and the trades. The Illinois Works Pre-apprenticeship NOFO and program is a critical component in the success of the Act, by increasing the number of qualified construction and building trades apprentices who are women, people of color, veterans or from otherwise underrepresented populations (as defined by the Illinois Works Jobs Program Act) and preparing them to enter full apprenticeship programs on their way to careers in construction and the building trades.
DCEO, in collaboration with IDHS, is thrilled to announce a substantial $5 million in funding for the Home Illinois project. This significant investment will play a crucial role in connecting individuals experiencing Homelessness to employment and establishing systemic coordination of the homeless response system and workforce system. DCEO is partnering with the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) and the Illinois Interagency Task Force on Homelessness to Prevent and End Homelessness. This collaboration supports the strategies outlined in Illinois' Plan to Prevent and End Homelessness. The NOFO, a vital component of this partnership, will specifically support Strategy #3 (Secure Financial Stability) of the Plan.
DCEO is pleased to announce $2 million in funding to establish a teacher apprenticeship pilot program for current paraprofessional educators facing barriers to employment. This pilot program will provide career pathway opportunities and supportive services for successful placement into the teacher workforce. The Job Training and Economic Development (JTED) program provides funding to build the capacity of the state's workforce system and prioritize creating equitable access for historically underrepresented populations in Illinois.