SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Doris Turner helped secure $820,000 through the Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program for Richland Community College and the Springfield Project.

“Expanding the trades gives people a path to secure stable, good-paying careers in a high-demand industry,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “We have to continue expanding opportunities and bring more jobs to Central Illinois, and these key investments will open a number of doors for residents.”

The Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program launched in 2021 with the goal of increasing diversity and access to apprenticeship programs. 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 a lifelong career.

In the district Turner represents, two local programs received a combined total of $820,000 through the program:

• Richland Community College - $495,000
• The Springfield Project - $325,000

Through Illinois Works, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity is expanding its statewide network of providers to recruit, prescreen and provide pre-apprenticeship skills training. Equally important, the program providers offer structured pathways and manage the program graduates' transition from the pre-apprenticeship program to a full apprenticeship program in construction and the building trades.  

“This funding represents a powerful step forward for our community,” said the Springfield Project President Dominic Watson. “With the support of Senator Turner and the Illinois Works program, we can ensure that underrepresented young people and adults in Springfield have real access to the tools, training and opportunities needed to succeed in the trades. We are proud to build pathways that connect talent to opportunity and transform potential into sustainable careers.”

Click here to learn more about the Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program.