Hire360 and Kane County launch pre-apprenticeship program to expand career opportunities in the trades
Nine-week training program offers industry credentials and access to career pathways into union apprenticeships.
HIRE360, in partnership with the Painters District Council No. 30 and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), has expanded its Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program to Kane County, set to begin on April 7. Funded through the State of Illinois’ Rebuild Illinois capital plan, the nine-week program is designed to strengthen the construction workforce pipeline by preparing individuals for entry into registered union apprenticeship programs.
As part of the program, participants will complete structured training and receive industry-recognized credentials, including OSHA-10, First Aid/CPR (FA/CPR), and Fall Protection Awareness. They will also participate in site visits to registered apprenticeship programs and receive preparation for entry assessments, with a stipend provided for the duration of the training. Individuals who complete the program will have the opportunity to obtain additional certifications at no cost, advancing their skills and career prospects through HIRE360’s commitment to accessible workforce development.
“This initiative is about opening doors and keeping them open,” said Jay Rowell, executive director of HIRE360. “By participating in this program, participants will gain practical training, real-world experience, and direct connections to the building trades that translate into long-term opportunity. By the time they complete the program, they have the credentials, confidence, and industry support needed to thrive throughout their careers in construction.”
The HIRE360 Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program is partially funded by the DCEO’s Illinois Works Jobs Program Act. This act was established as a result of Governor Pritzker's $45 billion plan to promote equity in Illinois’ construction workforce while expanding and diversifying the talent pipeline for public building projects. The program supports workforce goals tied to the Rebuild Illinois plan, which funds infrastructure improvements statewide.
Since launching in 2021, the program has enrolled more than 6,000 individuals across Illinois. According to DCEO, approximately 80 percent of participants complete the program, and over half advance into registered apprenticeships and/or employment in construction and the trades.
“This program gives participants the foundational training, certifications, and exposure needed to successfully enter an apprenticeship and build long-term careers in the building and construction trades,” said Stephen Lefaver, director of apprenticeship and training, North Central Illinois Finishing Trades Institute, Painters District Council No. 30. “We’re excited to see the Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program launch in Kane County, with a base in Aurora, expanding access to meaningful career pathways in the trades.”
The HIRE360 Illinois Works Kane County Pre-Apprenticeship Program is accepting applications. Eligible applicants must be Illinois residents, 18 years or older, with a high school diploma or equivalent. The program provides access to construction training and prepares participants for future workforce demands. Recruitment will primarily focus on people living in Kane, Kendall, and DeKalb counties, with additional outreach in DuPage County and surrounding areas. The training program will be based in Aurora.
More information, including the opportunity to register for a virtual information session, is available at https://hire360chicago.com/kane-county-il-works/
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