(Courtesy ILEPI)
A new report from the Illinois Economic Policy Institute (ILEPI) and the University of Illinois’ Project for Middle Class Renewal (PMCR), The Impact of Pre-Apprenticeship Programs in Illinois: Evidence from the Highway Construction Careers Training Program and the Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program Since 2017, shows that pre-apprenticeship programs are dramatically expanding opportunities for women and Black workers in Illinois’ construction industry.
Since 2017, more than 5,800 participants have enrolled in the state’s two largest pre-apprenticeship initiatives—the Highway Construction Careers Training Program (HCCTP) and Illinois Works. Enrollment has fueled a 95% increase in Black apprentices and a 202% increase in female apprentices, making them the fastest-growing groups in the construction workforce.
The study also found these tuition-free programs deliver a 900% return on investment over 10 years, thanks to strong job placements, higher earnings, and wraparound support services like childcare and transportation.
With Illinois investing nearly $40 million in new pre-apprenticeships tied to clean energy under the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act, researchers forecast thousands more workers will gain access to career pathways in the trades.
Region: Metro East,Feeds,Business,Metro East,City: St. Louis, MO
via Illinois Business Journal https://ift.tt/JQnFyov
September 23, 2025 at 04:49PM
Illinois Delivered 