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.

CHAMPAIGN – With the support of State Senator Paul Faraci, the Illinois Department of Transportation announced the Champaign-Urbana Mass Transit District will receive $7.15 million to improve transportation through bus upgrades.

“According to the U.S. Census, Champaign County is one of the few Illinois counties actually growing in size,” said Faraci (D-Champaign). “I am glad to see this state funding allocated to our area, and I will continue to push the state to give Champaign County its fair share.” 

The third round of Rebuild Illinois grants provides $113.8 million for Downstate transit providers as part of the historic Rebuild Illinois capital program. Awards are supporting projects that include the purchase of new vehicles as well as the construction of stations and maintenance facilities that improve service.

The Champaign-Urbana Mass Transit District will receive $7,150,000 to replace outdated or worn buses with new hybrid vehicles to increase accessibility and ensure transportation options are up-to-date.

DANVILLE – In partnership with the Vermilion County War Museum, State Senator Paul Faraci is collecting store bought or handmade cards at his Danville district office for veterans.  

“This is an easy way to brighten someone’s day,” said Faraci (D-Champaign). “We want to continue this tradition that Senator Bennett started to honor his legacy.”

Faraci is collecting store bought and handmade cards to benefit local veterans at the Illiana Veterans Affairs Hospital. People are encouraged to write kind notes and drop them off at the Vermilion County War Museum, 307 N Vermilion St, Danville, IL 61832 or to his district office, located at 201 N. Vermillion St., Ste. 323, Danville, IL 61832. He is collecting cards until Feb. 9 and then will deliver them to the Illiana Veterans Affairs Hospital on February 13.

People with questions can reach out to Faraci’s office at 217-442-5252.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Paul Faraci was sworn in to serve in the Illinois Senate Wednesday. He looks forward to continuing Senator Scott Bennett’s legacy as a champion for those who are often forgotten.

“I will continue to carry out Scott’s mission of protecting families with children living with disabilities, funding our higher education institutions and representing the diverse needs of the 52^nd Legislative District,” said Faraci (D-Champaign). “By putting party politics aside and working together, we can accomplish so much more for our communities.”