DANVILLE – Danville Area Community College is set to receive $302,000 in funding for pre-apprenticeship programs in the trades, State Senator Paul Faraci announced Monday.

“Pre-apprenticeship programs play a vital role in our skilled labor force,” Faraci (D-Champaign) said. “This funding will provide opportunities for individuals interested in starting a career in the trades.” 

A total of $13 million awarded to 29 organizations will help support pre-apprenticeship training programs across the state. This funding will increase the talent pool of candidates from all backgrounds.

Danville Area Community College Career Center strives to coordinate and facilitate all employment and career planning related activities in partnership with staff, students, and current and future employers. All Danville Area Community College students, prospective and current, alumni, and community members are eligible to utilize the Career and Employment Services office and can find more information here.

“The $300,000 that DACC receives will pay all of the expenses for 30 students this year to work as apprentices in the building trades. These students will ‘learn as they earn’—taking DACC classes while getting paid for hands-on experience in carpentry, plumbing, or construction,” said Danville Area Community College President Dr. Stephen Nacco.

The funding comes from the Illinois Works Jobs Program Act as part of Rebuild Illinois, which provides Illinois residents access to jobs created by state capital projects. Pre-apprenticeship programs offer a structured pathway to help graduates transition to a full apprenticeship program in the construction and building trades.

Information on the Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program can be found here.