Investment Expands Access to Skilled Trades Education

State Senator Doris Turner has helped secure nearly $1 million in state funding to support workforce development in the construction and building trades across Central Illinois.

“Investing in the trades gives students a path to secure stable, good-paying careers in a high-demand industry,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “Here in Springfield, District 186 has worked with SkillsUSA to create a construction trades education hub at Lanphier for students across the district to get hands-on learning in the industry.”

The funding comes as part of a broader $19 million investment from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity through the Illinois Works Pre-apprenticeship Program. The program awarded grants to 38 organizations statewide, aiming to expand access to pre-apprenticeship and registered apprenticeship programs that prepare students for careers in the skilled trades.

In Senator Turner’s district, the Menard-Sangamon Regional Office of Education #51 will receive $440,000, while the Illinois Foundation of SkillsUSA—serving Sangamon and Christian Counties—will receive $550,000.

“Governor Pritzker’s and Sen. Turner’s investment in the Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program is a transformative step toward equipping our youth with the skills and opportunities necessary for thriving careers in the trades,” said SkillsUSA Illinois Executive Director Eric Hill. “This program is changing lives for the better, and we thank and salute Sen. Turner for her tireless efforts to lift up communities, families and young people in Springfield through the program.”