ROCKFORD — State Senator Steve Stadelman secured $440,000 to help Rockford’s Education Design Development and Research Corporation create pathways to good-paying jobs in construction and expand opportunities in the skilled trades across the region.

“We are still experiencing a shortage of skilled trade workers,” said Stadelman (D-Rockford). “To fill these positions and give residents a chance at a good-paying job, it’s essential to support programs like Illinois Works.”

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity awarded $19 million in grant funding through the Illinois Works Pre-apprenticeship Program to 38 organizations across the state. The purpose of the funding is to create more pathways for students to access pre-apprenticeship programs and registered apprenticeships, which provide greater opportunities to secure lifelong careers in the construction trades. In the 34^th District, EDDR will see a total of $440,000 to support pre-apprenticeship students.

To see a full list of organizations receiving grant funding across the state, click here.