Seize Your Opportunity to Join the Trades with the Climate Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program

Interested in pursuing a career in the construction and building trades through the free Climate Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program? This website has all the information you need to learn more about the opportunity, including eligibility requirements and how to apply.

Ready to Build Your Future?

The Climate Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program, funded by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, prepares Illinoisians for careers in the lucrative clean-energy industry. Our Program can help you prepare for jobs in these fields by providing skills training to be successful in registered union apprenticeship programs in clean-energy construction and building trades. 

Whether you are looking for your first job, returning to the workforce, or anywhere in between, this free pre-apprenticeship program will teach you the skills you need to enter a new industry while providing you with a training stipend.

Take the First Step Toward Apprenticeship Success

HIRE360’s program provides support every step of the way so that you can successfully begin a new career in the clean-energy trades. This includes case management to help you navigate the process and overcome barriers, test prep based on actual apprenticeship tests, career resources to help you choose a trade, and networking opportunities and resources to help you start a new career.

Additionally, the pre-apprenticeship program provides:

  • $13 per training hour stipend
  • MC3 Certifications
  • OSHA, CPR / First Aid Certifications
  • Apprenticeship tours
  • Construction jobsite tours
  • Financial assistance through the Energy Transition Barrier Reduction Program
  • Help applying for jobs

Are you . . .

  • 17.5 years or older
  • Willing and able to pursue a career in construction and the building trades
  • High school diploma, GED or in a program preparing for a high school diploma or equivalent
  • Illinois resident
  • Eligible to work in the U.S.
  • Equity Eligible Person (EEP) are:
    • Graduates of, or currently enrolled in, the foster care system
    • Were formerly incarcerated
    • Have a primary residence in an equity investment eligible community

Transform Your Future with Our Paid Training!

Please tell us about yourself by completing the application. Your response will help our team offer you the best services as you begin your career.

After completing the form, you will select a workforce provider in your area who will contact you to complete the intake and enrollment process.

Participating Partners

HIRE360 is working with local partners in South and Central Illinois to train pre-apprentices. Partners include:

  • Goodwill Industries of Northern Illinois and Wisconsin Stateline Area, Inc
  • Mid-America Carpenters Regional Council Apprentice and Training
  • Tri-County Urban League
  • Awaken Foundation
  • NIU Campus 
  • Illinois Central College
  • Bloomington Normal Building Trades JATC
  • Career Pathways
  • Lewis and Clark College
  • Southwestern Illinois College
  • Workforce Investment Solutions
  • International Union of Painters and Allied Trades (IUPAT) District Council 58

One of these partners in your local area? When filling out the contact form, be sure to select that workforce provider and they will contact you to complete the intake and enrollment process.

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