THE FOLLOWING RELEASE IS FROM STATE SENATOR PAUL FARACI’S OFFICE
CHAMPAIGN – State Senator Paul Faraci announced that Danville Area Community College is set to receive $550,000 and the Illinois Chapter of the Associated Builders & Contractors is set to receive $165,000 in grant funding to support pre-apprenticeship programs for the construction trades.
“Investing in our skilled workforce has a significant benefit to our local economy,” said Faraci (D-Champaign). “This funding will help support young people looking to start a career in the trades by providing the opportunity to learn the skills necessary to be successful.”
The funding comes from the Illinois Works Jobs Program as part of Rebuild Illinois, which provides Illinois residents access to jobs created by state capital projects. Pre-apprenticeship programs offer structured pathways and industry-aligned certifications to help graduates transition to a full apprenticeship program in the construction and building trades.
Danville Area Community College’s pre-apprenticeship program helps prepare students to successfully transition to a registered apprenticeship in carpentry, plumbing and construction. Tuition and fees for this program are entirely grant-funded through state programs like Illinois Works.
“DACC appreciates Senator Faraci’s staunch support for increasing the funding for this program, which is turning around the lives of real people. As we saw last year, pre-apprentice construction training provides skills that lead to paid apprenticeships and jobs,” said Danville Area Community College President Dr. Stephen Nacco. “Today I saw one of the graduates from last year’s cohort. Thanks to this program, he has been able to improve the quality of life for his wife and infant son.”
The Associated Builders & Contractors’ Community Builders pre-apprenticeship program offers opportunities to workers located within 50 miles of the Champaign-Urbana area. Residents can find more about their program here.
Visit the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity’s website for more information about pre-apprenticeship programs and providers.
