Funded pathways into the skilled trades for students currently enrolled in an Illinois high school, plus the registered apprenticeships you can target once you graduate.
Ages 16–24, including currently-enrolled students. Tiers run from paid summer work-based learning up to a full registered apprenticeship. Available in Champaign, Cook, Lake, Peoria, Sangamon, St. Clair, and Winnebago counties (confirmed by IDHS, July 2026).
Ages 16–24, best fit if you are not currently on track to finish a diploma. Splits time between trades training and earning a diploma or equivalency.
No tuition, paying about $22–$50/hr while you train. Apply directly at the trade's JATC — IBEW, UA, Carpenters, and others.