Apprenticeship Opportunities
Posted Monday, January 2, 2026
HIRE360 and Kane County Launch Pre-Apprenticeship Program to Expand Career Opportunities in the Trades 
Nine-Week Training Program Offers Industry Credentials and Access to Career Pathways into Union Apprenticeships
More information, including the opportunity to register for a virtual information session, is available at HERE.
CHICAGO – HIRE360, in partnership with the Painters District Council No. 30 and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), has expanded its Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program to Kane County, set to begin on April 7. Funded through the State of Illinois’ Rebuild Illinois capital plan, the nine-week program is designed to strengthen the construction workforce pipeline by preparing individuals for entry into registered Union Apprenticeship programs.
As part of the program, participants will complete structured training and receive industry-recognized credentials, including OSHA-10, First Aid/CPR (FA/CPR), and Fall Protection Awareness. They will also participate in site visits to registered apprenticeship programs and receive preparation for entry assessments, with a stipend provided for the duration of the training. Individuals who complete the program will have the opportunity to obtain additional certifications at no cost, advancing their skills and career prospects through HIRE360’s commitment to accessible workforce development.
“This initiative is about opening doors and keeping them open,” said HIRE360 Executive Director Jay Rowell. “By participating in this program, participants will gain practical training, real-world experience, and direct connections to the building trades that translate into long-term opportunity. By the time they complete the program, they have the credentials, confidence, and industry support needed to thrive throughout their careers in construction.”
The HIRE360 Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program is partially funded by the DCEO’s Illinois Works Jobs Program Act. This act was established as a result of Illinois Governor JB Pritzker‘s $45 billion plan to promote equity in Illinois’ construction workforce while expanding and diversifying the talent pipeline for public building projects. The program supports workforce goals tied to the Rebuild Illinois plan, which funds infrastructure improvements statewide.
Since launching in 2021, the program has enrolled more than 6,000 individuals across Illinois. According to DCEO, approximately 80 percent of participants complete the program, and over half advance into registered apprenticeships and/or employment in construction and the trades.
“This program gives participants the foundational training, certifications, and exposure needed to successfully enter an apprenticeship and build long-term careers in the building and construction trades,” said Stephen Lefaver, Director of Apprenticeship and Training, North Central Illinois Finishing Trades Institute, Painters District Council No. 30. “We’re excited to see the Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program launch in Kane County, with a base in Aurora, expanding access to meaningful career pathways in the trades.”
The HIRE360 Illinois Works Kane County Pre-Apprenticeship Program is accepting applications. Eligible applicants must be Illinois residents, 18 years or older, with a high school diploma or equivalent. The program provides access to construction training and prepares participants for future workforce demands. Recruitment will primarily focus on people living in Kane, Kendall, and DeKalb counties, with additional outreach in DuPage County and surrounding areas. The training program will be based in Aurora.
More information, including the opportunity to register for a virtual information session, is available at HERE.
About HIRE360
Launched in January 2020, HIRE360 is an industry-led, community-focused nonprofit ensuring that our future is built by all the communities that call Illinois home. As a workforce intermediary, we identify, recruit, skill up, and help community members navigate the union apprenticeship process. Our approach fosters a direct connection between employers and unions to develop workforce recruitment and training programs that meet the specific and timely employment needs of the construction industry. Our construction industry business development program creates wealth and contracting opportunities in Illinois’s communities by investing capital, time, and mentorship to help neighborhood businesses grow and thrive. Learn more at HIRE360.
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Posted Monday, December 3, 2025
The Mid-America Carpenters Regional Council Apprentice and Training Program (MACRC) is accepting applications through February 13, 2026, for its Concrete Form Builder Pre-Apprenticeship program. Click HERE to apply. Concrete Form Builders install the concrete formwork in the early stages of a building or other construction project. 
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Posted Monday, November 17, 2025
The Chicago-based Plumbers JAC Local 130 is CURRENTLY accept applications for admission into its plumbing Apprenticeship program through February 13, 2026, OR the first 2,000 submissions, whichever occurs first. Start your application process HERE. 
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Posted Friday, October 10, 2025
The Broadview-based Machinery Movers, Riggers, Machinery Erectors Local 136 accepts online applications year-round. Applicants will be required to take an aptitude test. Riggers are specifically trained on machinery moving, rigging, welding and burning. Get your application HERE. Get directions HERE. 
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Posted Friday, October 10, 2025
The Lyons-based Glaziers Local 27 accepts applications into its Apprentice Training Program from 9 a.m. to noon, on the 1st and 3rd Mondays of EVERY month at its office, 4225 Lawndale Ave., Lyons, IL. You MUST call for an appointment. Find out more about their programs HERE. Glaziers specialize in glass and architectural metal work and are responsible for cutting, installing, and repairing glass in various building applications like windows, doors, skylights, and curtainwalls. Get directions HERE. 
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Posted Friday, October 10, 2025
Bricklayers District Council Training Center (DCTC) accepts year-round applications for its Apprenticeship Training Program 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Friday, at DCTC, 2140 Corporate Dr., Addison, IL. Bricklayers install brick, stone, tile, marble, etc., by constructing or repairing walls, partitions, fireplaces, sewers and various structures. Get your applications HERE. Get directions HERE. 
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Posted Tuesday, March 11, 2025
The Chicagoland Roofer’s Joint Apprenticeship and Training Program is accepting Apprenticeship applications online. See details below. 
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Posted Tuesday, December 10, 2024
Boilermakers Local 1 accepts Apprenticeship applications ALL year, on the 3rd Thursday of every month – so stop in every month and apply! See details below.
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Posted Thursday, October 3, 2024
IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT FROM IUOE Local 150: We are sharing news that the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 150 has decided not to open applications for the Heavy Equipment Operator Apprenticeship program for the 2024-2025 term. Local 150 carefully monitors projects and man-hours. Given the shift in manpower requirements on the heavy highway side of our union, which is directly linked to the loss of natural gas pipe replacements for Nicor and Peoples Gas, along with the current restrictions on spending for grid improvements, we are being cautious right now. We also are sharing news that for those who applied to the Heavy Equipment Operator Apprenticeship program last year, your application will remain active this year. However, please note that the applications for our other three year-round apprenticeship programs remain open: Heavy Equipment Technician Construction Building Inspector, GeoThermal and Water Well Driller. We encourage interested candidates to consider these alternative pathways, which offer equally rewarding and challenging career opportunities. Each program provides comprehensive training, hands-on experience, and the chance to work alongside seasoned professionals in the field. Thank you for your understanding and continued interest in the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 150.
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Posted Sunday, September 8, 2024
Ironworkers Local 63 accepts Apprenticeship applications ALL year, so stop in anytime! Become an Apprentice in either its Building Program or Fence Program. Learn more HERE. See details below.
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Posted Wednesday, March 27, 2024
Pipefitters Local 597 accepts Apprenticeship applications for its program on 1st Wednesdays of EVERY month, so stop by year-round! Reserve your time slot HERE. See details below.
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Posted Wednesday, March 15, 2023
For more information on this program, visit IBEW 134 + NECA Chicago IN TECH Technical Institute.
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Virtual Tours of Building Trades
The COVID-19 pandemic has presented us with an opportunity to use technology in order to practice safe distancing – and still carry out our goal of educating adults and students and making them aware of the construction industry as a career.
In April, CISCO teamed up with the Chicago Transit Authority to create videos in order to show various audiences a glimpse into the life of the skilled trades.
A series of webinars called “Construction Talks” are highlighting various building trades such as carpenters, electricians, bricklayers, plumbers, etc. Zoom interviews with instructors/apprenticeship coordinators are being recorded and used to promote the trade and explain how to apply to the apprentice program.
Below are recaps of the webinars previously conducted and posted with the most recent to the initial program that featured the Carpenters trade. A link to the video is available at the end of each post.
Painters District Council #14 – October 13, 2021
“Construction Talks” most recent visit was to the Training Center of the Painters District Council #14 in Berkley. This was the 9th episode in the series which began in 2020.
The webinar featured Dan Penski, Jr., Director of Training (pictured above), Instructor Veronica Leal, and second year apprentice Rahm Jointer. Also involved in the panel discussion were CISCO’s Education-to-Careers Director Jamillah Muhammad, and Brandy Phillips and Sam Hunt from the CTA.
The 50-minute webinar featured Dan Penski explaining the requirements needed to apply to the program, as well as a description of the trades’ duties. In addition, Ms. Leal and Mr. Jointer explained how they got interested in the trade and their experiences during training and how it changed their lives. To view the entire video, click here.
Laborers’ District Council – June 30, 2021
“Construction Talks” headed to the Training Center of the General Laborers’ District Council (LDC) of Chicago and Vicinity in Chicago recently as the 8th episode in the series drew more than 50 on-line participants.
The webinar featured John Retondo (pictured above), the Laborers’ Apprenticeship Director and Marcus Roberts, Training Coordinator. Also involved in the discussion were CISCO’s Education-to-Careers Director Jamillah Muhammad, Brandy Phillips and Sam Hunt from the CTA.
Interviews with two apprentices were part of the 50-minute webinar. To view the entire video, click here.
The webinar series is co-coordinated by the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) and CISCO in their effort to attract young men and women into the trades via a virtual tour and interviews with current apprentices and apprenticeship coordinators and instructors.
Operating Engineers Local 150 – April 30, 2021
“Construction Talks” headed southwest to the Training Center of the Operating Engineers Local 150 in Wilmington Illinois for the 7th episode co-coordinated by the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) and CISCO in their effort to attract young men and women into the trades via a virtual tour and interviews with current apprentices and apprenticeship coordinators and instructors.
The webinar was held on Friday, April 30, from Noon to 1:00 pm., and highlighted the sights and sounds of the program, as well as interviews with current apprentices. Local 150’s Apprentice Coordinator George Antos, Diversity & Recruitment Specialist Daphne Jackson and Community Outreach Coordinator Nick Jorgensen all spoke about different aspects of the program. CISCO’s Executive Director Dan Allen and Education-to-Careers Director Johnetta Ryan were also key participants in the webinar.
To view the video of the webinar, click here.
Pipefitters Local 597 – February 26, 2021
The first “Construction Talks” episode of 2021 (and 6th overall) co-coordinated by the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) and CISCO brought another captive audience of students and adults.
Moderated by CTA Coordinator of Worforce Initiatives Sam Hunt that featured panelists Adam Sutter, Local #597 Admissions Director and CISCO’s Executive Director Dan Allen, the hour-long virtual seminar was highlighted by a 15-minute video produced by the CTA’s Marc Buhmann. The webinar included interviews with current apprentices, a question and answer session, and helpful descriptions about the Pipefitters Apprenticeship Program and how to apply and what to expect. To view the video, click here.
Bricklayers, Ceramic Tile Setters & Tuckpointers – October 16, 2020
October’s edition showcased the “Trowel Trades” – Bricklayers, Ceramic Tile and Tuckpointers – as CISCO and CTA featured the Bricklayers & Allied Craftworkers Apprenticeship Program and Training Center during their “Construction Talks” series.
Apprenticeship Coordinators representing the Bricklayers, Ceramic Tile Setters and Tuckpointers were highlighted as CTA’s Director of Diversity Programs JuanPablo Prieto led a camera crew through the facility and the apprenticeship coordinators described the program, answered questions and gave webinar participants an overview of the application process. To view the video, click here.
Plumbers Local 130 Apprenticeship Program – August 19, 2020
August’s edition featured the Plumbers Local 130 Apprenticeship Program. Local 130’s Apprenticeship Training Director Jim Majerowicz and Instructor Frank Borkowski were featured along with CISCO’s Dan Allen and Johnetta 
Ryan. Several first and third year apprentices were interviewed and a thorough tour of the Plumbers recently built new, 3-year-old Training Center was provided to all who register for the webinar.
To view the video, click here
Roofers & Waterproofers Local 11 Apprenticeship Program – July 10, 2020
July’s edition of “Construction Talks” highlighted the Roofers & Waterproofers Local 11 Apprenticeship Program. Local 11’s Apprenticeship Coordinator Marty Headtke and Instructor Brian Dubin were featured along with CISCO’s Dan Allen and Johnetta Ryan. 
CTA’s Chynna Hampton introduced the speakers and asked Marty and Brian to lead a virtual tour of the Local 11 facility in Indian Head Park. In the photo at left, Brian Dubin (right) describes how roofers use a mop to spread hot tar on certain roof structures. Marty Headtke is at left and Chynna Hampton in the center. To view the 50-minute video, click here
IBEW 134 – NECA Technical Institute Training Center – May 29, 2020
The CISCO/CTA webinar series titled “Construction Talks” finished May with a virtual tour of the Apprenticeship Training Program at IBEW Local 134 – NECA Technical Institute. The series host, CTA’s Chynna Hampton was joined by 134 Training Director 
Gene Kent, Community Relations Manager Maurice King (a CISCO Board member) and CISCO’s Johnetta Ryan and Dan Allen. The tour included a peak at various classrooms and training activity rooms where first, second and third year apprentices were learning their craft. Impromptu interviews with different apprentices were highlighted. To view the webinar/virtual tour, click here.
Chicago Regional Council of Carpenters Apprenticeship Program – May 1, 2020
CISCO’s long-standing partnership with the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) and other affiliates continued as it presented the first in a series of virtual meetings last Friday, May 1st. About 75 people “attended” the hour-long webinar enabling viewers to learn what it takes to apply and succeed in a union apprenticeship.
The episode featured Carpenter’s Apprenticeship Director Vince Sticca, Assistant Coordinator Kina McAfee, and Instructors John Husnick and Brad Rollins. Joining them on the tour of the Training Center in Elk Grove Village were CISCO Executive Director Dan Allen and ETC Director Johnetta Ryan.
Various areas of the Training Center were featured and several on-line questions were answered by the panel of experts. To view the virtual tour, click here.