CHICAGO — State Senator Robert Peters announced HIRE360 and YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago have received over $1 million in pre-apprenticeship program investments through the Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program.

“These programs create opportunities for people in this community to build careers for themselves and their families,” said Peters (D-Chicago). “Continued investments into programs such as the Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program are essential.”

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity awarded over $18 million in grants to 36 recipients through the Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program, including a renewed $550,000 to HIRE360 and a new $550,000 to the YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago on the South Side of Chicago.

The Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program launched in 2021 with the goal of increasing diversity and access to apprenticeship programs. Pre-apprenticeship programs are comprehensive and help participants gain admission to apprenticeship programs, which provide a greater opportunity for obtaining employment in the trade of construction and securing a lifelong career.

“It is important that we create a diverse pool of qualified candidates to meet the demand of our growing trades workforce,” Peters said. “Funding these programs will propel the workforce in Illinois forward while lifting up some of our most vulnerable and underinvested communities.”

To learn more about the grant funding and program and view the full list of recipients, visit here.