CHICAGO – State Senator Lakesia Collins secured $1.1 million to help Chicago Women in Trades and the Hispanic American Construction Industry Association build pathways to good-paying jobs across Chicago.

“Creating clearer pathways and opportunities for our residents is the number one way to help them achieve success,” said Collins (D-Chicago). “With this funding, local organizations can prepare residents for long and fulfilling careers.”

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity awarded $19 million in grant funding through the Illinois Works Pre-apprenticeship Program to 38 organizations across the state. The purpose of the funding is to create more pathways for residents to access pre-apprenticeship programs and registered apprenticeships, which provide greater opportunities to secure lifelong careers in the construction trades. In Collins’ district, Chicago Women in Trades and the Hispanic American Construction Industry Association will each see $550,000 to support pre-apprenticeship students.

"Chicago Women in Trades is grateful to the state for investing in people as well as infrastructure, making Illinois a national leader in providing pathways for women and people of color to access high-wage careers in the construction trades," said Jayne Vellinga, executive director of Chicago Women in Trades. "While women currently make up only 5% of Illinois apprentices, our Women Build Illinois Program, supported by Illinois Works, is helping change that statistic. This investment opens doors to family-sustaining careers for women historically excluded from these opportunities. We're providing not just skills training but creating a support system that helps women enter and succeed in lifelong careers in the trades."

To see a full list of organizations receiving grant funding across the state, click here.

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