The Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program 

In partnership with the State of Illinois, the YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago is actively recruiting for our spring cohorts for the Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program. Participation in the 12-week cohort includes classroom training in core construction curriculum, hands-on learning at construction sites, and a stipend for successful completion of the program, as well as a range of supports to help participants transition into apprenticeship programs.   

Spring 2024 cohort locations include the South Side YMCA (Woodlawn) and Fry Family YMCA (Naperville, IL). As an update, the response to our call for applications for the spring cohort of the Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program at the South Side YMCA has been overwhelming! We are at capacity and are no longer accepting applications for this location. We will be hosting a second cohort in Summer 2024. We anticipate that applications for the summer cohort will open on Wednesday, May 1. We are still accepting applications for the Fry Family YMCA spring cohort in Naperville, IL. 

More information about recruitment for Summer 2024 cohorts is coming soon. Stay tuned to this page! 

Applicants must be age 18 years or older, must be a resident of the State of Illinois, and must have at least a high school diploma or GED. Additional information about the statewide Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program is available on the State of Illinois website.