Contractor reports investments in Pre-Apprenticeship Programs have helped Women and People of Color become the two fastest-growing demographic segments within Illinois’ construction workforce, according to new research by the non-partisan Illinois Economic Policy Institute (ILEPI) and the Project for Middle Class Renewal (PMCR) at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. As 8-to-14-week programs, Pre-Apprenticeships (or Apprenticeship Readiness Programs) offer individuals the chance to learn foundational construction skills needed to earn placement into longer-term Construction Apprenticeship Programs. Pre-Apprenticeship Programs in the State of Illinois have enrolled more than 5,800 participants since 2017, with Women and Minorities making up a disproportionately large share of enrollees. African-American Apprentices have increased by 95% and Female Apprentices by 202%, making them the fastest-growing groups in the State's Construction Industry. Investments of $66 million in these programs have yielded a 900% return over 10 years, demonstrating high economic and social value.

To Directly Access This Apprenticeship And Training Labor News Story, Go To: Study: Pre-Apprenticeship Programs Increasing Participation of Women, Black Workers in IL Construction Workforce | Contractor

To Read the Report, Go To: The Impact of Pre-Apprenticeship Programs in Illinois: Evidence from the Highway Construction Careers Training Program and the Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program Since 2017.