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Can we serve as both an Intermediary and a training provider?
Yes, training providers often serve as Intermediaries and are well-positioned to act as "high-impact Intermediaries."
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Does this program focus on specific industries or occupations?
This program aims to create structured pathways for skill development and address labor shortages in priority industries. Examples of nontraditional apprenticeship industries and occupations are provided on page 11 of the NOFO.
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How can I find an Apprenticeship Specialist near me?
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Is there a list of Registered Apprenticeship Programs (RAPs) in Illinois?
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What do training providers need to know about the Eligible Training Provider List related to Registered Apprenticeship and this funding opportunity?
Once an apprenticeship program registers with the U.S. Department of Labor, it is automatically eligible to be added to the WIOA Eligible Training Provider List (ETPL). Because pre-apprenticeship programs are not registered with the Department of Labor, entities offering pre-apprenticeships will work with their Local Workforce Investment Area (LWIA) to ensure they are added to the ETPL if eligible. More information is found in the
Becoming a WIOA Eligible Training Provider Instructions.
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What does an approved occupation in a Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP) mean?
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What is the status of the Apprenticeship Illinois Tax Credit program?
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When is the Bidder's Conference?
The Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity will hold a virtual information session for the 2025 Apprenticeship Illinois Competitive Grant Program on February 18, 2025, from 2:00pm-4:00pm. In-person workshops will be held in Chicago on February 24, 2025 and Springfield on February 28, 2025.
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When is the deadline to apply?
All required documentation must be submitted by March 21, 2025 at 11:59pm.
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Where can a list of federally approved apprenticeship occupations be found?
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Where can any additional questions be submitted?
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Where can I find state-level information about the Good Jobs initiative?
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Where can I find the formatted grant application?
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Where can information about this funding opportunity be found?
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Where can success measures for this grant program be found?
Success measures are on the last page of the NOFO document.
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Where can the scoring rubric for this grant be found?
Please review pages 19-21 of the NOFO.
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Will participants who register for the virtual information session receive a copy of the presentation?
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Will technical assistance (TA) be provided to applicants? If so, how can an organization apply for TA?
Individualized technical assistance will not be offered for this funding opportunity. Potential applicants new to the grant application process are encouraged to attend in-person Grants 101 sessions in Chicago on February 24, 2025, or Springfield on February 28, 2025. Visit the
NOFO page for more information about
these sessions.
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Are any pauses anticipated in federal funding for this NOFO?
The Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity (DCEO) will continue to monitor and respond to federal funding requirements and directives issued by the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL). DCEO currently has $5 million in WIOA Statewide funds for this NOFO. The other $5 million is contingent on a competitive Apprenticeship Expansion award from DOL. The release of this NOFO is to make Illinois' federal application as competitive as possible.
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Can an organization in good standing have a partner or service provider on the Do Not Pay List?
So long as an organization is on the Do Not Pay List, it cannot receive grant funds.
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Has this grant program already received funding from the federal government?
The Illinois Department of
Commerce & Economic Opportunity currently has $5 million in WIOA Statewide
funds available for this NOFO. The other $5 million is contingent on an
additional award from the U.S. Department of Labor
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How will ongoing WIOA reauthorization impact this grant program?
The State of Illinois anticipates that federal workforce funds will be issued in the Spring, aligning with this funding opportunity's timeline. While a degree of uncertainty remains due to ongoing discussions at the federal level, the State is moving forward with the best information currently available.
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How will the grantee selection process and timeline be impacted if federal funding is not received?
Currently, the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity does not have the information necessary to make that determination.
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How will this grant be impacted by ongoing changes and policy discussions at the federal level?
The Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity (DCEO) will follow the terms, conditions, and directives of the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL). Any grantee under this NOFO will also be required to follow these conditions. DCEO will work with grantees and DOL to clarify questions or concerns.
Ensuring Equal Opportunity Employment (EEO) remains a priority for the state, and grantees should speak to equal opportunity; please see page 5 of the NOFO for further information.
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If employers receive funds to cover part of training costs, can they also apply for Incumbent Worker funds from their Local Workforce Innovation Area to help with the remaining expenses?
Braided funding is permitted and encouraged, as long as employers do not engage in "double dipping."
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If this is a 2-year funding cycle from 7/1/2025 to 6/30/2027, does the State plan to launch a similar cycle in February/March 2027?
Future opportunities depend on funding. The Apprenticeship Expansion program is a key component of Illinois' five-year apprenticeship plan, so we hope to continue offering this funding opportunity.
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Is support for barrier reduction permitted under this grant?
No. Barrier reduction, as defined under the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA), is not allowed for this program. However, supportive services for apprentices are allowed.
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What is the State's application timeline for additional funding from the U.S. Department of Labor?
The federal grant application is due in March, and previous federal grant cycles made funding announcements by June. More awards will be allowed if the additional $5 million is received.
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When will the next Apprenticeship Expansion NOFO be released to fund Apprenticeship Specialists?
The Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity aims to release information about the next round of funding for Apprenticeship Specialists in March or April 2025. These funds are not a Notice of Funding Opportunity and are exclusively available to Local Workforce Innovation Boards (LWIBs) and their title partners.
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Are Incumbent Workers allowed to participate in Registered Apprenticeship Programs, or must they be newly hired employees?
Yes, this grant can support Incumbent Workers.
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Are teacher preparation programs eligible for this funding opportunity?
Yes, if these programs meet the requirements of the NOFO.
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Are WIOA-approved vocational schools and other training providers eligible for this program?
Any entity that meets the funding opportunity's requirements is eligible to apply; WIOA-approved training providers may be eligible but are not automatically eligible.
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As a new organization, will we need a sponsor to act as the fiscal agent?
New organizations do not necessarily need a sponsor if their application demonstrates the capacity to perform the work necessary to succeed as a grantee. New organizations have been very successful as Apprenticeship Intermediaries in the past, so being new to apprenticeship work is not a disqualification.
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Can we apply for this funding opportunity if our Registered Apprenticeship Program is in development but not fully registered yet?
Absolutely! You do not have to have everything in place to apply, but strong applications will demonstrate existing employer relationships, capacity to run programs, and evidence of program development in progress.
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Construction is a traditional Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP) pathway. Will this grant consider pre-apprenticeships connecting to established RAPs?
Several existing funding opportunities support traditional apprenticeships in the construction trades, including the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA), the Future Energy Jobs Act (FEJA), and the Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program. Programs eligible for these existing funding opportunities will not be considered eligible; however, nontraditional occupations within trade organizations (i.e., an Accounting Apprenticeship for a construction firm) will be considered eligible.
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Do Registered Apprenticeship Program Intermediaries need a registered program in Illinois to be eligible, or can they be eligible under the national program?
While programs registered locally in Illinois are not always registered at the national level, nationally recognized programs are eligible if they serve Illinois residents.
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Does a pre-existing construction-related U.S. Department of Labor-approved apprenticeship fall into the parameters of this grant?
Yes, if the applicant organization can provide all the required elements and services outlined in the NOFO.
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Does the grant recipient need to be the Registered Apprenticeship Program sponsor for all the programs they service?
Intermediaries are encouraged but not required to function as program sponsors for the apprentices they service. Even if an Intermediary is not the program sponsor, they are expected to offer case management and other services to support the apprentices and help ensure high-quality program outcomes.
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How can schools with existing work-based learning programs participate in this funding opportunity? Will participating school districts need to create a Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP) for student participants?
Existing work-based learning programs offered by K-12 school districts likely fall under the category of pre-apprenticeship activities that are eligible to be supported by this funding opportunity. Grantees offering pre-apprenticeship training are expected to work with a new or existing RAP provider to create available apprenticeship pathways for participants. Although not every pre-apprentice will necessarily transition into an apprenticeship, grantees must ensure the opportunity is available to participants by the end of the grant period.
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Is there a list of approved Apprenticeship Intermediaries eligible to apply for this funding opportunity?
There is no list of approved Intermediaries; if you meet the NOFO requirements and are in good standing with the State, you are eligible to serve participants.
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The NOFO states, "It is expected that Intermediaries funded under this NOFO will work in coordination and partnership with the Apprenticeship Specialists." Are areas without an Apprenticeship Specialist eligible to apply?
If your Local Workforce Innovation Area has an active Apprenticeship Specialist, you are expected to collaborate with them to expand apprenticeship opportunities. If your area does not have an Apprenticeship Specialist, you will be advised to work with the State Apprenticeship Mentor for employer inquiries. Visit the
Apprenticeship Illinois Employers page for a list of current Apprenticeship Specialists.
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Will early childhood proposals be strong enough to receive funding, considering the NOFO requires funding allocated to high-paying career opportunities?
Reviewing the Labor Market Information on Page 10 of the NOFO is a best practice. Early Childhood proposals are not ineligible, but applicants should consider broader career pathways within low-paying industries, such as an Early Childhood pre-apprenticeship leading to a K-12 educator apprenticeship.
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Will employer collaboratives and other sector partnerships led by Intermediaries be eligible for this funding opportunity?
Yes!
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Will this grant only be awarded to applicants from specific geographic regions or counties?
There are no geographic limitations placed on this NOFO.
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Would Manufacturing be an eligible pre-apprenticeship non-traditional career pathway?
Yes, but all applicants are encouraged to utilize Labor Market Information in the need documentation to make a strong argument for the occupations they seek to support.
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Are digital signatures, such as those done through platforms like Adobe Sign or DocuSign, allowable for the various signature-required grant forms?
Yes, they are.
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Can a high school district use these grant funds to pay salaries for teachers who provide apprentice training, or are they only used to cover student expenses?
An application seeking to use grant funds to supplant teacher salaries would likely be considered non-competitive by the evaluators. The primary use of funds for a high school district should be to cover student expenses and provide students with stipends for on-the-job work experiences. An additional use of funds for a high school district could be expenses related to curriculum development.
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Many apprenticeships extend beyond 2-3 years. How does an in-progress apprenticeship impact the grant reporting outcome?
Please be very transparent in your application about apprenticeship programs that will continue beyond the grant performance period, including information about participant outcomes and the project quality. Evaluators need to see that participants will not be "left behind" in year 3 of their program if funding is available only for the first two years.
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Regarding Appendix E - Memorandum of Understanding: What if my Local Workforce Innovation Area cannot or is unwilling to provide this commitment letter because they are also applying for this grant?
The application requires the submission of a
Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and/or Partnership Agreement with all key partners detailing the entity's information, key staff information, roles and responsibilities associated with this project, and dollar amounts for specific services to be rendered. MOUs from Registered Apprenticeship Programs should also be included. It is recognized that a MOU/Letter of Commitment from the Local Workforce Innovation Board is not feasible in some instances. The Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity will not disqualify applications that do not include a specific letter of support from the Local Workforce Innovation Area.
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Serving participants with disabilities may result in an additional cost to account for accommodation needs. Is this considered in the cost review?
Yes, this will be taken in consideration in evaluating program budgets.
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The link to the Good Jobs Principles (Initiatives or Challenge) on DOL's website includes a notice stating that information may be outdated or not reflect current policies. How should applicants respond to this in Technical Proposals?
In the
Formatted Grant Technical Proposal, Question 5 of Section 3 asks applicants to write a description for the following:
"Describe how the occupations and employers that are participating in this project are meeting the USDOL Good Jobs Principles (See Good Jobs Initiative Priority)."
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What methods do you suggest for forming potential partnerships as newcomers?
Applicants new to apprenticeship and/or workforce development are recommended to contact their
Local Workforce Investment Area (LWIA) and community colleges. Strong applications will demonstrate new or existing partnerships with multiple workforce stakeholders.
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Are tuition and fees for apprentices considered allowable costs?
Yes, this grant program can fund supplemental education costs for apprentices.
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Can "any" "engaged" apprentice be counted towards goals? For example, four of the eight apprentices in a program are WIOA-eligible. Can all eight be counted, or just the four?
Applicants can only "count" the participants who are provided a grant-funded service and enrolled in the apprenticeship grant in Illinois workNet.
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Can a lead Intermediary provide training for other Intermediaries?
This would be allowable if the application is transparent about the intended services to other Intermediaries and has the organizational capacity to provide services to apprentices in addition to working with other Intermediaries.
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Can an out-of-state training provider be used?
Registered Apprenticeship Programs can utilize out-of-state training providers; however, all training providers must register with the Illinois Board of Higher Education (IBHE), and all funded participants must be residents working for Illinois employers. Complete the
Private Business & Vocational Schools Application on IBHE's website.
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Can funding be used to create Youth Apprenticeship programs?
Yes, youth apprenticeship programs are eligible for support under this funding opportunity.
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Can funding be used to train the apprenticeship's mentors (i.e., leadership training)?
Yes, if your application narrative demonstrates how this will strengthen the apprenticeship program and benefit participants.
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Can grant funds be used for classroom training expenses and apprentices' on-the-job training?
Yes, this funding opportunity can be used to pay for participant training in the classroom and on-the-job.
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Can grantees focus on one of the target populations specifically, such as persons with disabilities?
Yes, if the program is serving one of the target populations, it will be considered eligible under the requirements of this funding opportunity.
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Can non-WIOA-eligible participants access general services obtained by a subcontracted organization that is paid a lump sum for light mentoring, coaching support, assistance with individual career planning, and professional development sessions?
The Apprenticeship Expansion 2025 grant covers the costs for apprentices enrolled in the program. However, alternative funding sources must be identified in most cases to support participants not enrolled in the grant. While there may be some flexibility for services provided in a group setting, individual mentoring and coaching services are not included in this flexible category.
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Can this grant be used to serve individuals currently incarcerated?
Yes, if the program meets the grant's requirements. Any activities related to the apprenticeship program that receive funding under this grant must be registered with the U.S. Department of Labor and comply with the Registered Apprenticeship requirements, including employment with a minimum of 2,000 hours of on-the-job learning. If your program offers pre-apprenticeship activities, you must demonstrate that you are actively working with employers to create a Registered Apprenticeship Program for pre-apprentices to enter before the grant period ends to be eligible for funding.
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Can this grant support online or virtual training for apprentices?
This funding opportunity can support supplemental education expenses; online training can function as supplemental education as part of a Registered Apprenticeship.
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Can wraparound services, such as transportation costs, be funded by this program?
Yes. Services must be listed in the submitted budget and described in the budget narrative.
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Do all program participants need to be eligible for WIOA, or can apprentices who are not WIOA eligible still receive grant services?
The Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity currently has access to $5 million in state activity funds, which are limited by WIOA eligibility. If the State receives the additional $5 million from the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), those funds will be more flexible. Projects that require extra flexibility for participants may have funding contingent upon state receipt of DOL funds.
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Does an apprentice participant need to be WIOA eligible to receive direct financial support, such as tuition coverage, supplies (uniforms), a stipend, and emergency funds? If so, WIOA is likely to cover training and some associated expenses. Therefore, pa
Page 11 of the NOFO details the eligibility requirements for participants in this funding opportunity. Grantees should be aware that participants may need to meet WIOA eligibility criteria. These requirements will be clearly outlined with applicants during the grant negotiation and establishment process. Services provided to each program participant will be documented in the Illinois workNet case management portal.
Eligible participants include Illinois residents aged 16 or above authorized to work in the United States. Multiple funding streams may fund applications submitted under this NOFO, including the State Apprenticeship Expansion Formula Grant (SAEF) funds and the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Talent Pipeline Management Program funds. The Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity (DCEO) will require all grantees to comply with funding requirements established by the U.S. Department of Labor and the State of Illinois that will be confirmed during the grant negotiation process for recommended applications. The complete terms and conditions of the federal funding awards, including the participant eligibility requirements, will be incorporated in the grants issued by DCEO. The SAEF and WIOA-funded grants' complete participant eligibility requirements are posted on the
NOFO resource page.
Applicants can "braid" WIOA formula grant funds and/or other funding sources to support that classroom/technical instruction and/or the on-the-job components of a Registered Apprenticeship, but this is not a requirement of the NOFO Program and Budget.
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Does this funding opportunity support apprenticeship programs in traditional sectors, such as the trades?
The State of Illinois has multiple funding sources to support traditional apprenticeship occupations in the trades and renewable energy sectors, including the Clean Energy Jobs Act (CEJA) program and the Future Energy Jobs Act (FEJA) Craft Apprenticeship programs.
This NOFO seeks to support nontraditional apprenticeship programs in sectors such as healthcare, education, and information technology. Organizations that offer or support traditional apprenticeship occupations are welcome to submit an application; however, they should be aware that their applications may not be competitive, as the state prioritizes funding for nontraditional programs rather than those that existing funding opportunities can support.
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Does this grant program aim to create additional apprenticeship opportunities for individuals with disabilities?
Yes. This NOFO prioritizes services to adults, youth, and individuals with disabilities.
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Does this NOFO support in-school or out-of-school youth regarding WIOA performance goals?
This funding opportunity supports both in-school and out-of-school youth. Applicants should consult the Application Review Criteria found on pages 19-21 of the NOFO document while preparing their submission.
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How can grant funds be used to support apprentices?
Funds can support supplemental education and on-the-job training; pre-apprentices may receive stipends to support their retention.
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Is the Pre-Apprenticeship outcome for participants transitioning into Registered Apprenticeship Programs? Would post-secondary education be acceptable for high school students participating in this grant's Pre-Apprenticeship?
Although Pre-Apprentices are not all expected to choose or be selected to enter a Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP), this NOFO will not fund Pre-Apprenticeship activities alone. The applicant must either have an agreement with an existing RAP or must describe in the application how they support the development of an RAP before the end of the grant period, where Pre-Apprentices could enter. The performance/outcome metrics are the Number of Pre-Apprentices Served and the Number of Pre-Apprentices who will successfully transition into a Registered Apprenticeship Program before the grant ends.
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We work with international professionals. Can a portion of grant funds be used for credential evaluation?
Expenses will be allowed for Illinois residents employed by an Illinois employer. International travel is not considered an allowable cost.
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What data can we use to determine if an occupation is low-skilled, low-paying, and high-turnover? Are there set thresholds?
The local data for specific occupations on
O*NET provides a useful framework for applicants to make determinations. If an individual earns comparable wages in an entry-level service industry job within the same geographic area, the apprenticeship occupation will be less desirable for this grant's purpose.
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What industries and occupations are considered "high impact" for this funding opportunity?
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Will Intermediaries have direct access to the U.S. Department of Labor's (DOL) RAPIDS system?
Generally, only Registered Apprenticeship program sponsors can access the RAPIDS platform; Intermediaries are encouraged to act as program sponsors. Organizations that provide case management but are not the program sponsor may be able to work with the Apprenticeship Training Representative (ATR) at the DOL Office of Apprenticeship to receive access, but this will be on a case-by-case basis and may not be approved.
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Will the Illinois Works system require documentation to determine participant eligibility?
Grantees will receive eligibility requirements and guidelines for maintaining physical and/or electronic documentation.
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Would secure batch uploads of participant information be allowable instead of using Illinois workNet for reporting?
Our team regularly converses with the Illinois workNet team; Illinois workNet is the standard grantee reporting platform. Grantee-specific conversations about reporting requirements will take place after funding commitments.
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For the budget form, should applicants only include the budget for the first 12 months, or should it include the full 24-month project period?
The budget will be for the entire 2 years of this grant.
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How is the cost-per-participant determined?
Cost per participant is determined by dividing the number of participants the applicant intends to serve by the budgeted award received.
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How long does it take for GATA flags to clear?
The determined reason for an organization's GATA status differs from case to case; potential applicants are encouraged to visit the GATA Portal and begin the process promptly to address any pre-qualification issues.
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Is the one-year follow-up (coordination of career planning) expected to continue after the grant period ends? If so, can staffing costs for the follow-up period be included in the grant budget?
Pre-pay staffing costs cannot extend beyond the grant period; any staffing expenses covered by grant funds must occur during the specified period. As part of the proposal, it may be necessary to identify partner programs to support staff services after the grant period.
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Is this a reimbursable grant?
Yes. The Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity may allow a working capital advance based on the grantee's immediate cash needs.
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Is this grant structured as a performance-based or voucher reimbursement grant?
This grant is a reimbursement grant. Grantees are expected to be allowed a small advance of funds based on their immediate cash needs.
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The budget has subsections 15A, 15B, 15C, and 15D. What is the difference between Direct Training Costs (15A) and Work-Based Training Costs (15B)?
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There is a 10% cap on administrative costs associated with this NOFO, and Indirect Costs count toward administrative costs. Does this mean that Indirect Costs are limited to 10% and not the de minimis or negotiated rate?
No, please review the Indirect Cost Policy for further information.
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What is the cap on Indirect Costs for this grant program?
There is no specific cap. The Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity follows 2 CFR 200 and the GATA, see page 15 of the NOFO.
