The Apprenticeship Expansion Competitive Grant Program is a funding opportunity offered by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) to expand Registered Apprenticeship Programs (RAPs) across Illinois. The program is designed to establish high-impact Apprenticeship Intermediaries that can sponsor, scale, and sustain apprenticeship programs throughout the state. Funding will be provided through federal grants, specifically from the U.S. Department of Labor (USDOL) State Apprenticeship Expansion Program and the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Statewide Activities Program. The goal is to connect individuals to career pathways and help businesses train and retain a skilled workforce.

This program focuses on supporting apprenticeship intermediaries who will serve as coordinators between employers, training providers, and apprenticeship participants. Intermediaries will be responsible for designing and implementing apprenticeship models, recruiting participants, and aligning training with industry needs. The initiative will prioritize serving adults in nontraditional industries, youth, young adults, and individuals with disabilities. The goal is to enhance diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workforce and improve accessibility to apprenticeship opportunities across Illinois.

Funding will be allocated to eligible applicants, including community-based organizations, education institutions, workforce boards, municipalities, industry associations, and non-profits. The grant can be used for a variety of activities such as program development, employer engagement, participant recruitment, on-the-job training, related instruction, supportive services, and retention strategies. The funding will not support capital or construction costs. Awards will range from $200,000 to $1,000,000, with an anticipated total program funding of $10 million. The expected number of awards is between 10 and 35, and the grant will be available for a 24-month performance period, with possible renewals.

To be eligible, applicants must be registered in the Grant Accountability and Transparency Act (GATA) Grantee Portal and comply with all state and federal funding regulations. There is no cost-sharing or matching requirement. Applications must include detailed program plans, budgets, partnership agreements, and performance metrics. The evaluation process will assess applications based on organizational capacity, documentation of need, quality of project plan, and cost efficiency. Competitive applicants should demonstrate a clear understanding of industry workforce needs and propose solutions that expand apprenticeship opportunities.

The application period opens on January 30, 2025, and closes on March 21, 2025, at 11:59 PM. A technical assistance session will be held on February 18, 2025, at 2:00 PM to provide applicants with guidance. Applicants will be notified of awards after the review process, and successful applicants will receive a Notice of State Award (NOSA) before grant execution. All applications must be submitted electronically through the Illinois workNet system. Recipients will be required to submit quarterly performance and financial reports, track apprenticeship placements, and meet WIOA performance standards.