11-1, 63-4

The Apprenticeship Expansion Program will support high-impact apprenticeship intermediaries focused on expanding Registered Apprenticeship Programs throughout the State of Illinois. It is anticipated that the Department will use funding from the U.S. Department of Labor (USDOL) State Apprenticeship Expansion Program and/or the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Statewide Activities Talent Pipeline Program to support high-impact Apprenticeship Intermediaries that will excel in establishing, scaling, and sustaining apprenticeship programs.

National Apprenticeship Act of 1937 - Apprenticeship USA Program, Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act - Public Law 113-128

ILCS 605/605-30,605-807

44 Ill. Admin. Code 7000

Registered apprenticeship programs (RAPs) are proven models of job preparation, validated by the U.S. Department of Labor (USDOL), which combine paid on-the-job learning (OJL) with related instruction (RI) to progressively increase workers’ skill levels and wages. RAPs are also a business-driven model that provide an effective way for employers to recruit, train, and retain highly skilled workers. RAPs allow workforce partners, educators, and employers to develop and apply industry standards to training programs, thereby increasing the quality and productivity of the workforce. RAPs offer job-seekers immediate employment opportunities that pay sustainable wages and offer advancement along a career path as they complete their training. Graduates of RAPs receive nationally recognized, portable credentials, and their training may be applied toward further post-secondary education. This NOFO will award grants to fund high-impact intermediaries targeting and serving the following groups: • Adults Enrolling in Nontraditional and In-Demand Registered Apprenticeships • Youth and Young Adults • People with Disabilities Seeking Apprenticeships

Yes

The terms and conditions will be included in the Federal Awards. It is also anticipated that the terms and conditions will be similar to the USDOL WIOA Title IB formula grants.

Education Organizations; For-Profit Organizations; Government Organizations; Nonprofit Organizations; Other;

The specific details regarding the applicant eligibility and program requirements will be outlined in the NOFO

Illinois workers and employers

Project Grants

Economic Development

Applicants must be prequalified in GATA and meet the requirements outlined in the NOFO

Pre-approval coordination is not required

Applicants must follow the application procedures outlined in the NOFO.

A team of staff and subject matter experts will review the applications based on the criteria and procedures outlined in the NOFO.

The Department will select the grant following a merit review process that is outlined in the NOFO. The grant funds will be provided on a variable advance / reimbursement basis that will be negotiated with the Department. Requests must be reasonable, necessary, and directly related to the purpose of this notice. Grant funds are primarily provided on a reimbursement basis. A variable advance may be allowed.

Application deadline will be outlined in the NOFO or funding notice

Approval timelines will be outlined in the NOFO

The Merit Based Review process is subject to appeal. However, competitive grant appeals are limited to the evaluation process. Evaluation scores may not be protested. Only the evaluation process is subject to appeal. The appeal must be submitted in writing to the Department within 14 calendar days from the date of the denial letter. The written appeal shall include the name and address of the appealing party, the identification of the grant and a statement of reasons for the appeal. To file an appeal, applicants must submit the appeal in writing and in accordance with the Merit-Based Application Review Appeals Process listed on the Grant Opportunities page of the DCEO website: https://www2.illinois.gov/dceo/AboutDCEO/GrantOpportunities/Pages/MeritAppReview.asp

Yes

No

Grantee must utilize funds to support apprenticeship expansion activities. Requests must be reasonable, necessary, and directly related to the purpose of the program as outlined in the funding notice

Quarterly Program and Fiscal Reporting, Close out Report

N/A

N/A

001-42005-4900-XXXX

N/A

$100,000 to $500,000 based on the quality and impact of the project

See NOFO for Program Activity and Outome Metrics

The NOFO will provide relevant information regarding the program regulations

This is a statewide program. The OET will provide technical assistance as needed

500 East Monroe Springfield, IL 62701 and 555 W Monroe St, 12th Floor Chicago, IL 60661

TBD

State Apprenticeship Expansion Program, WIOA Statewide Activities - Talent Pipeline Program

See NOFO and program website

FY 2025 : $10,000,000