CHICAGO – State Senator Ann Gillespie (D-Arlington Heights) joined Gov. Pritzker to announce a $4.7 million expansion of the Illinois Apprenticeship Program. This expansion makes a record $20 million investment in the program and will serve 17,000 participants this year.

“Apprenticeships are a proven tool for workforce development and provide new workers an opportunity for a long-term career path,” Gillespie said. “Today, Illinois reinforces our commitment to investing in apprenticeships and the options they provide for both employers and youth. These options are even more critical as we work our way through the far-reaching economic fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic.”

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity will award grants to 25 partner organizations, including the National Able Network. Grants will allow organizations to recruit residents in underserved communities for apprenticeship programs in some of Illinois’ fastest growing industries.

“National Able Network has taken a leading role in IT apprenticeships because we know it’s a proven way to help people transition from low paying jobs into growing and sustainable careers that lead to stability for families and flourishing communities,” said Bridget Altenburg, CEO of National Able Network. “This will result not only in more apprentices earning globally recognized certifications but will in turn help more employers build their talent pipeline.”

In addition to workforce development partnerships, the Illinois Apprenticeship Program will also invest $5 million in the Apprenticeship Tax Credit and $10 million for the Illinois Works initiative.