HIRE360 celebrated the graduation of the Cook County cohort of the Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program, continuing its work to prepare Illinois residents for long-term careers in the union building trades while helping meet the growing workforce demand tied to major infrastructure, construction, and clean energy projects across the region.

Held at HIRE360’s Training and Business Development Center, the graduation brought together 16th Ward Alderman Stephanie D. Coleman, who attended in support of two graduates from her ward, alongside elected officials, labor leaders, contractors, community organizations, and workforce partners to recognize 27 graduates who successfully completed the intensive nine-week pre-apprenticeship program. 

Throughout the program, participants earned industry-recognized certifications, completed hands-on training, and received career readiness support designed to prepare them for entry into registered apprenticeship opportunities across the construction industry.

The Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program is funded through the Illinois Works Jobs Program Act as part of Governor J.B. Pritzker’s historic capital infrastructure program. The initiative helps expand access to construction careers by providing participants with training, supportive services, mentorship, and direct pathways into registered apprenticeship programs throughout Illinois.

During the program, participants completed foundational construction training, exposure to multiple union trades, career readiness preparation, and hands-on learning experiences aligned with the current needs of the construction industry. Graduates earned certifications including MC3, First Aid, CPR, and OSHA 10 while also connecting with contractors, apprenticeship programs, and workforce professionals across the region.