Dear Partners,
The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) is excited to announce the release of the 2025 Apprenticeship Expansion Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO). This program aims to support organizations that help businesses create, launch, and expand apprenticeship programs, also called Apprenticeship Intermediaries, in creating, growing, and maintaining Registered Apprenticeship and Pre-Apprenticeship programs.

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

• Funding Available: $5-10 million (from the U.S. Department of Labor)
• Grant Range: $200,000-$1,000,000
• Eligible Applicants: Community-based organizations, municipalities, education institutions (e.g., school districts, community colleges), industry associations, state agencies, workforce boards, and non-profits that will serve as high-impact Intermediaries and have the capacity to meet program requirements.
• Key Populations: Adults, youth, and individuals with disabilities to be placed in apprenticeships
• Application Deadline: March 21, 2025 to be included in the first application review cycle
• Anticipated Grant Commitment Date: July 1, 2025

 
NOFO INFORMATION SESSIONS
DCEO will coordinate at least three information sessions for this NOFO. Attendance is recommended but not required. The in-person sessions will include options to attend a Grants 101 Session and/or NOFO Information Session.

• Webinar: Tuesday, February 18th 2:00-4:00 PM CST (Register Here)
• In-Person:
• Monday, February 24, 2025 - Chicago - Bilandic Building Auditorium (Register Here)
• Friday, February 28, 2025 - Springfield - Memorial Learning Center (MLC) (Register Here)

FOR MORE INFORMATION

For inquiries, contact Chase.Martin2@Illinois.gov or attend an information session. Details are available on the NOFO website at IllinoisworkNet.com/ApprenticeshipNOFO2025. You may also submit questions to the FAQ page, where they will be posted and answered: IllinoisworkNet.com/WIOA/Pages/ApprenticeshipExpansion2025FAQ.aspx.

 
Thank you,
Apprenticeship Illinois & Illinois workNet Team