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STEM Programs

Are you interested in a career in the construction and building trades?

Enroll in the Illinois Works
Pre-Apprenticeship Program

Hands-on
training

More than 150 hours of free instruction provided 

Stipends & support

Performance-based stipends & need-based support for childcare, transportation, housing, and more

Gain skills employers want

Receive training in high-demand fields to qualify for apprenticeships

Build your network

Connect with professionals in the construction and building trades industries 

Woman with construction hat

Our FREE Illinois Works
Pre-Apprenticeship Program can prepare you to successfully transition to an apprenticeship in the trades!

The Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program expands Illinois residents’ access to careers in the construction industry and building trades. Designed to boost diversity in these fields, the program encourages participation from individuals who have been historically underrepresented, especially people of color, women, and veterans.

Lumity Construction

Achieve your dreams and build a better future.


The Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program is designed to remove barriers to success! Participants attend tuition-free and earn stipends as they progress. They learn new skills, advance their careers, and gain access to apprenticeships. 

To get started, complete the form below.

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Eligibility Requirements
To enter the program, applicants must be/have:
• 18 years old or older
• An Illinois resident
• High school diploma or GED
• Interest in a career in the construction and building trades
• Able to pass a drug test

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Additional Criteria
The following are not requirements but will help participants succeed in the programs. Support services are available if a participant needs assistance with any of the following.
• Driver’s License
• Reliable Transportation
• English Proficiency

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Stipends
The program is tuition-free. Stipends are offered and paid out based on participant performance, which includes attending mandatory sessions and passing module assessments.

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Support Services Offered
Depending on the participant’s needs, these additional services are available:
• Childcare Assistance
• Transportation Assistance
• Housing Assistance
• Math & Reading Tutoring
• Mental Health Counseling

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Job Readiness & Registered Apprenticeship Assistance
Support and guidance are provided for participants entering Registered Apprenticeship Programs. Resources and services include:
• Resume Writing
• Mock Interviews
• Apprenticeship Application Assistance
• Apprenticeship Program Tours

Build a bright future and launch your career!

Are you ready for a career in the construction and building trades industry? If you’re at least 18 years old and want to learn more about getting paid to learn while you earn certifications that help you qualify for a well-paying career, contact us.
Contact Kevin Phillips at 773-236-2363 for information.


Lumity offers the Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program in the Western Suburbs, the Village of Maywood, Illinois.

The Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program is made possible thanks to the Illinois Works Jobs Program Act and the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity (DCEO) Illinois Works grant.

Illinois Department of Commerce and Illinois Works logo

Success Story

We’re committed to helping our participants reach their goals!

Kevin Perez


“It was a long bumpy journey making it into the Union. I had a lot of personal things going on while pursuing my goals. I stuck to it and didn’t wait my turn, I made it my turn. I want to say Thank You to Lumity for all the love and support I received.” 

Kevin Perez
Lumity STEMWorks Graduate, Mid-America Carpenters Regional Council
Headshot of Deon Brown

“Lumity taught me the skills I needed to get a job and get a job I was interested in and could improve in. They still check in with me to make sure I’m progressing. It makes me feel good that somebody has my back.”

Deon Brown
Graduate

Join other STEM leaders to help the STEMWorks program make a difference!

Contact Amber Taylor,
Corporate & Volunteer Relationship Manager, for questions about how to get involved.

STEMWorks

Learn how our post-secondary employment program trains young adults and places them in entry-level STEM positions.

STEM Talks

Share advice and inspire our students by becoming a STEM Talks volunteer. With your help, our students see the possibilities of a STEM career.

Get Involved

Whether you’re giving a corporate contribution, individual donation, or a few hours of your time, your help impacts our students.