Local unions have seen an increase in applications from individuals interested in careers in the building and construction trades, and a partnership between Vermilion County Works (VCW) and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers is helping keep that trend alive and well. With assistance from the Apprenticeship Illinois grant program, the local union has been more successful in recruiting and retaining apprentices during its five-year apprenticeship program. This past July, the union announced the enrollment of its largest apprenticeship class since its partnership with VCW began in 2017.

Union officials report that the demand for apprentices is exceptionally high, and with experienced journeymen retiring, the need to fill those positions will continue for the foreseeable future. Programs such as these have made it easier for apprentices to stay in training through assistance with tools, equipment, and learning materials that tackle some of the barriers that young apprentices face, particularly early on in the program. As apprentices progress through the program, wage increases through completing benchmarks lead to well-paying jobs that average over $40 per hour at the journeyman level.