JOLIET – State Senator Rachel Ventura secured $2.4 million to help local organizations and universities build pathways to good-paying jobs in the construction and building trades in Will and DuPage counties.

“Investing in training the next generation of skilled workers not only boosts productively but empowers individuals with economic mobility and stability,” said Ventura (D-Joliet).  “Our area is in need of skilled workers who provide these invaluable in-demand skills, and I look forward to seeing greater accessibility for pre-apprenticeship programs in District 43 with these funds.”

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 kids to access pre-apprenticeship programs and registered apprenticeships, which provide greater opportunities to secure lifelong careers in the construction trades.

In Ventura’s district, four organizations will see a total of $2,445,000 to support pre-apprenticeship students, including:

• HIRE360: $465,000
• Illinois Foundation of SkillsUSA – Northeast: $1,100,000
• Lewis University – Joliet: $550,000
• Quad Country Urban League, Inc.: $330,000

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