We have a tall task in front of us in the United States, as the country journeys down the path to rebuild American infrastructure—from modernizing energy systems to expanding transportation networks and beyond. Still, the question remains: Do we have the workforce to get it all done?

Here in my home state of Illinois, we have some new compelling data. New research out of La Grange, Ill., makes a case for the role of pre-apprenticeship programs in not only filling critical labor shortages in construction, but in reshaping the industry to be more inclusive, more skilled, and more sustainable for the future.

The joint report by the ILEPI (Illinois Economic Policy Institute) and the PMCR (Project for Middle Class Renewal) at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign outlines the real-world impact of two key programs: the HCCTP (Highway Construction Careers Training Program) and the IL Works (Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program).

Let’s take a closer look at what this research found.

Building the Future of Work

At the core, pre-apprenticeships are about access to career opportunities, training, and the kind of support systems that help individuals overcome barriers to entry. These 8-to-14-week programs are tuition-free and often funded by government grants channeled through community colleges or nonprofit partners. Participants receive foundational skills training, hands-on learning, and classroom instruction—all designed to prepare them for entry into full-scale apprenticeship programs.

And the numbers tell an interesting story. Since 2017, more than 5,800 participants have enrolled in HCCTP and IL Works combined. Most notably, women and people of color—traditionally underrepresented in construction—have become the fastest-growing demographic groups within Illinois’ construction apprenticeship pipeline. Black apprentices have increased by 95%, and female apprentices by a 202%.

The return is staggering too. A total investment of $66 million since 2017 has yielded powerful results. When you break it down, that’s more than $12,000 per participant, $18,000 per graduate, and $35,000 per placed apprentice. Yet, for those who go on to careers in the skilled trades, the programs generate a staggering 900% return on investment across 10 years. Not bad for workforce development dollars.

The Human Side of Work

One of the more inspiring takeaways from the report is the human side of the equation. Participants didn’t just gain new skills—they gained upward mobility. Many came from low-paying jobs and found not only training, but wraparound services like transportation, childcare, and stipends that made success achievable. In the end, we will have a more empowered and resilient skilled labor force.

The report makes it clear: these programs work. But if Illinois is going to keep building, scaling, and leading the way, more must be done.

Among the report’s policy recommendations:

• Increase multi-year state grant funding for programs.
• Offer more employer incentives to hire graduates.
• Improve matchmaking between graduates and contractors.
• Raise stipends above minimum wage.
• Expand support services like childcare and mentoring.

Apprenticeship starts with access. And access starts with investment. As we confront labor shortages and a national mandate to rebuild, we need programs that don’t just fill jobs, but launch careers, fuel industries, and transform lives. Pre-apprenticeship programs like those in Illinois show us that when opportunity is intentional, inclusive, and well-funded, the results are undeniable. Now, that is something to build on.

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