- Today
- Holidays
- Birthdays
- Reminders
- Cities
- Atlanta
- Austin
- Baltimore
- Berwyn
- Beverly Hills
- Birmingham
- Boston
- Brooklyn
- Buffalo
- Charlotte
- Chicago
- Cincinnati
- Cleveland
- Columbus
- Dallas
- Denver
- Detroit
- Fort Worth
- Houston
- Indianapolis
- Knoxville
- Las Vegas
- Los Angeles
- Louisville
- Madison
- Memphis
- Miami
- Milwaukee
- Minneapolis
- Nashville
- New Orleans
- New York
- Omaha
- Orlando
- Philadelphia
- Phoenix
- Pittsburgh
- Portland
- Raleigh
- Richmond
- Rutherford
- Sacramento
- Salt Lake City
- San Antonio
- San Diego
- San Francisco
- San Jose
- Seattle
- Tampa
- Tucson
- Washington
Illinois Boosts Funding for Springfield, Decatur Apprenticeship Programs
State grants aim to expand diversity and access to vocational training across the state.
Jan. 27, 2026 at 2:31pm
Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›
The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity has awarded over $17 million in funding through the Illinois Works Pre-apprenticeship Program to support apprenticeship initiatives in Springfield and Decatur. Danville Area Community College, Richland Community College, and The Springfield Project will receive grants ranging from $325,000 to $550,000 to help increase diversity and accessibility to vocational training programs statewide.
Why it matters
Apprenticeship programs play a crucial role in developing a skilled workforce and providing career pathways, especially for underrepresented groups. This state funding will help expand access to these valuable training opportunities in central Illinois communities.
The details
The grants will support pre-apprenticeship and apprenticeship programs offered by Danville Area Community College, Richland Community College in Decatur, and The Springfield Project. The funding is part of the Illinois Works Pre-apprenticeship Program, which aims to increase diversity and accessibility to vocational training across the state.
- On January 27, 2026, Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity announced the $17 million in funding.
The players
JB Pritzker
The Governor of Illinois who announced the funding awards.
Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity
The state agency that awarded the $17 million in grants through the Illinois Works Pre-apprenticeship Program.
Danville Area Community College
A recipient of a $550,000 grant to support its apprenticeship programs.
Richland Community College
A recipient of a $495,000 grant to support its apprenticeship programs in Decatur.
The Springfield Project
A recipient of a $325,000 grant to support its apprenticeship programs in Springfield.
The takeaway
This state funding will help expand access to valuable apprenticeship and vocational training opportunities in central Illinois, supporting workforce development and creating more pathways to in-demand careers, especially for underrepresented groups.
