FRANKFORT — State Senator Michael E. Hastings secured $465,000 to further expand the Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program into Will County.

“We have a lot of young talented kids coming out of school who are eager to put their heads down and work hard,” said Hastings (D-Frankfort). “This funding will open pathways to lifelong careers in fields with good income.”

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 Hastings’ district, HIRE360 - Will County, a non-profit that connects community members with opportunities in the trades, will see a total of $465,000 to support pre-apprenticeship students.

“This is funding that will pay for itself – and then some – in the long-run,” said Hastings. “When we build up a strong workforce of skilled workers, we also build up an economically secure Illinois.”

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