Two women in hard hats and neon safety vests work near mechanical equipmentOAKBROOK TERRACE – With support from State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton, over $1 million in grant funding will support pathways to good-paying jobs in the trades industry throughout DuPage County.

“Pre-apprenticeship programs give students a head start on successful careers by providing quality experiences and skill-building opportunities,” said Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs). “Organizations like SkillsUSA Illinois foster students’ interest in these in-demand fields, leading to a stronger workforce in our state.”

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 funding is intended to create more pathways for youth to access pre-apprenticeship programs and registered apprenticeships, which provide greater opportunities to secure lifelong careers in the construction trades.

In Glowiak Hilton’s district, the northeast region of the Illinois Foundation of SkillsUSA that covers DuPage and surrounding counties will receive $1.1 million to support pre-apprenticeship students.

View the full list of organizations receiving grant funding across the state here.